MOLLY ASHE AND KROON GRAVIN WIN FIRST AMERICAN INVITATIONAL

TAMPA, FLORIDA - March 31, 2001 - US Equestrian Team Developing Rider, Molly Ashe of Wellington, FL, and her mount the 9 year-old Dutch-Bred mare, Kroon Gravin defeated a field of 30 starters to win the 29th annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational in Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, her second win with Kroon Gravin in 6 days. Ashe and "Kroonie"was one of only 3 horse and rider combinations to turn in double clear rounds over the Steve Stephens designed course. Riley cleared the eight fences remaining on the sudden death jump-off course in 52.846 seconds. US Equestrian Team Veteran, Chris Kappler ofPittstown, NJ turned in the second fastest time of 53.170 just 2/10ths of a second behind Ashe on Royal Kaliber, the 9 year-old Dutch bred stallion who captured the 2000-2001 American Grand Prix Association Horse of the year title with this second place finish. The only other combination to turn in double clear rounds was the 2000 defending champion, Schuyler Riley of Wellington, FL aboard Ilian, the 11 year-old Dutch bred gelding who crossed the timers in 55.780 seconds.

"This is one of the greatest events in show jumping in our country and I had dreamed of qualifying for at least 8 or 9 years, this is my second year in this event and never even thought about what it would be like to win. The time allowed in the first round was tight so it kept everyone on their toes. I was freaking watching Beezie go after me and doing the inside turns in the jump-off realizing that perhaps I hadn't gone fast enough. I was just trying to keep it smooth and then I wished I had done at least one of the inside turns. I am just thrilled and it was a great class," Ashe said of her victory.

AGA Championships will be held April 8, 2001 in Wellington,FL.

FOR AGATE: $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational - March 31, 2001
Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, FL
CourseDesigner: Steve Stephens/ Palmetto, FL

Place/ Horse / Rider / Home / Score / Purse
1. Kroon Gravin / Molly Ashe / Wellington, FL /0-0-52.846 / $60,000
2. Royal Kaliber / Chris Kappler / Pittstown,NJ / 0-0-53.170 / $44,000
3. Ilian / Schuyler Riley / Wellington, FL /0-0-55.780 / $26,000
4. Judgement / Beezie Madden / Cazenovia, NY /0-4-50.491 / $16,000
5. Elan Coriana / Aaron Vale / Rembert, SC /0-4-54.162 / $12,000
6. Hidden Creeks Perin / Margie Engle /Wellington, FL / 0-37- / $10,000
7.Oh Star / Todd Minikus / Loxahatchee, FL / .75 / $8,000
8. Concetto / Meredith M. Beerbaum / Germany /4 / $6,000
9. Capital S / Nona Garson / Lebanon, NJ /4 / $6,000
10.John EM / Candice King / Wellington, FL / 4 / $4,000
11.Clasiko / Lauren Hough / Ocala, FL / 4.25 / $4,000
12.Hurricane / Jeffery Welles / Pound Ridge, NY / 8 / $4,000