Aimee Aron And Jamaica Win $2,500 Adequan Amateur-Owner Jumper High

WELLINGTON, FL - February 6, 2004 - Laura Chapot, 30, of Neshanic Station, New Jersey, riding her own Sprite topped a class of 91 entries to win the $5,000 1.40-Meter Acorn Hill Farm Challenge, Time First Round, at the 32nd Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, today. Chapot was third to go on the roster and set the pace with her clear round in 61.329 seconds. The rest of the field chased her time, and though 16 more riders posted clean trips, none could catch Chapot and her Sprite. Lauren Bass riding M.V. Cristal for Maypine Farm placed second with her time of 61.753. Anne Kursinski aboard Indeed for The Group Indeed was third, clocking in at 63.534.

"It was actually beneficial that I went really early in the class because then I was able to develop a plan from walking the course and just go with it instead of changing my mind by watching a lot of people go," said Chapot. "Sprite has a very big stride and is very quick, so I tried to figure what would work for her, do the best round I could, and hope that was fast enough. She's just so quick without even going fast that when she goes the same route as any other horse, she's probably going to be faster. I left out every stride that I could and made all the inside cuts."

Course designer Olaf Peterson created a 14-effort track with a double at Fence 4 and another at 10, with time allowed at 88 seconds. "The courses are a lot more technical this week," said Chapot. "Last week it was a lot more open and a lot more galloping."

Sprite is an eight-year-old Holsteiner mare by the French stallion Quidam de Reveille, out of a German mare. Chapot bought Sprite two years ago at Lake Placid from owner Peter Pletcher when Lynne Little had the ride. "She went through a lot of people before I got her," said Chapot. "She was a schooling jumper when I got her so she's progressed a lot. Last year she was Circuit Champion in the meter 35. She's got a strong personality - she gets in the ring, she knows her job, and she really wants to win. She's not the easiest horse to ride, she's definitely opinionated, but then you get back to the barn and she's just a sweetheart. She's every other horse's favorite girlfriend."

Chapot and Sprite have earned good ribbons in all three of the meter 40 classes at this year's Winter Equestrian Festival, but today was their first victory. "It's very exciting," said Chapot.

In earlier Internationale Arena competition today, Aimee Aron riding Jamaica for owner Kinloch Enterprises, won the $2,500 Adequan Amateur-Owner Jumper High, Time First Jump-Off. The duo topped a field of 23 entries. Over a 14-effort Round One course, five horses put in clear trips and qualified for the eight-effort Jump-Off. Aron and Jamaica were the faster of only two double-clear performances today, clocking in at 38.612 over the short course. Addison Phillips aboard her own Cantus Anuberth II was more than three seconds slower than the leader at 38.612 and took second place. Phillips also picked up the third place ribbon riding Rastella for Halifax Farm. Phillips was faster on this mount, crossing the timers in 40.327, but had a rail down for four faults.

For full results of today's classes, visit www.stadiumjumping.com

The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter and jumper divisions - Children's Hunter, Children's Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper, and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more information and a list of qualifying competitions for 2004, please visit the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.

2004 WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL TICKET INFORMATION
Show days for the 2004 Winter Equestrian Festival are Wednesday through Sunday. Gates open at 8:00 am. Ticket Prices: Wednesdays are free to everyone; Children 12 and under are admitted free every day; Young Adults 13 to 18 and Seniors are $5 on Thursday through Sunday; Adults are $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is located on Pierson Road off South Shore Boulevard. For additional information, visit www.stadiumjumping.com or call 561-793-5867.

2004 WEF SCHEDULE OF COMPETITIONS
February 4 - 8 Bayer/USET Gold Coast Jumper Classic CSI***
February 5 - 8 Wellington Dressage (Qualifier for Olympic Selection Trials)
February 11 - 15 Kilkenny/ICH Internationale CSI***
February 18 - 22 Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular CSI-W/Y CSI-Ch
February 19 - 22 Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic
February 25 - 29 PDP Capital Wellington Masters CSI***
March 3 - 7 CN Wellington Open CSI-W
March 10 - 14 CSIO United States Cosequin Finale CSIO***
March 18 - 21 Zada Enterprises WEF Dressage Classic CDI***/Y
(Qualifier for Olympic Selection Trials)
March 24 - 28 Tampa Bay Classic CSI-W (Bob Thomas Equestrian Center)
March 30 - April 3 Tournament of Champions CSI-W (Bob Thomas Equestrian Center)
April 3 Budweiser American Invitational (Raymond James Stadium)

WEF 2004 MILLION DOLLAR GRAND PRIX SERIES
February 8 $50,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup, CSI***
February 15 $50,000 Kilkenny/ICH Internationale Cup, CSI***
February 22 $60,000 Idle Dice Classic, presented by Palm Beach Post, CSI-W
February 29 $75,000 PDP Capital Masters Cup, CSI***
March 7 $75,000 CN Wellington Open presented by Estates of Wellington Green, CDI-W
March 12 $50,000 Samsung Nations' Cup, presented by CN, CSIO****
March 14 $100,000 Cosequin U.S. Open Jumper Championship, CSIO****
March 28 $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa, presented by Kilkenny/ICH, CSI-W
April 3 $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, presented by The Tampa Tribune

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