Horse Show's "Crowning Jewel" $75,000 HBO
Grand Prix of Del Mar Leaps into Del Mar Arena May 3
Del Mar Fairgrounds -- The Del Mar National Horse Show's premier event,
the $75,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar presented by Budweiser, an American
Grand Prix Association event, will take place in the Del Mar Arena
at 7 p.m., on Saturday, May 3rd.
This premier jumping event is sponsored in part by HBO, Budweiser,
and the American Grand Prix Association (AGA). The top 30 competitors
from the $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix Qualifier, which will be held
on Thursday, May 1, in the Del Mar Arena, will fill the field of the
$75,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar.
The AGA promotes Olympic-caliber show jumping throughout the U.S.,
and is a proving ground for the United States Equestrian Teams in
preparation for the Pan American Games, the World Cup, World Equestrian
Games, and Olympics.
Contenders in the $75,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar will negotiate
a challenging course of 15-20 obstacles designed by course designer
Peter Holmes of Canada.
Riders and horses that negotiate the course cleanly within the allowed
time move on to compete in the final round. The final round is a jump-off
against the clock in which split seconds can make the difference between
the taking home the $30,000 winner's purse or the $15,000 runner-up
prize.
In addition to prize money, the top 10 contenders earn points toward
becoming AGA Horse and Rider of the Year.
The $75,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar will also be recorded for television
broadcast by Bud Sports. The event will be featured on the Outdoor
Life Network in June. Check local listings for dates and air times.
Tickets for the $75,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar presented by Budweiser,
an AGA event, are available through Ticketmaster by calling 619-220-TIXS
(619-220-8497). Tickets may also be purchased via the Internet at
www.ticketmaster.com. Dinner
box seats may be purchased through the Del Mar Fairgrounds Box Office
by calling 858-792-4252.
For more information about the $75,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar presented
by Budweiser, an AGA event, contact the Del Mar Fairgrounds Equestrian
Office by calling, 858-792-4288. Or visit www.delmarnational.com.
Top 12 Riders and Horses from the 2002 $75,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar
1. Pop Socks, Jenni Martin, $30,000.00
2. Southshore, Mary Tyng, $15,000.00
3. Kijoy Forever, Sarah Baldwin, $10,000.00
4. El Campeons Petri, Nicole Shahinian Simpson, $5,500.00
5. Cellist, Ali Nilforushan, $3,500.00
6. Charmed, Ragan Roberts, $3,000.00
7. S&B Monty, Emily Esau, $2,000.00
8. Baccarat, Mary Tyng, $1,500.00
9. Sapphire, Mark Watring, $1,500.00
10. Liberty II, Joie Gatlin, $1,000.00
11. Fahrenheit, Misti Cassar, $1,000.00
12. Shania, Cathleen Calvert, $1,000.00
WHAT IS SHOW JUMPING?
Riders and horses must jump a specially designed course of 15 to 20
obstacles, with "faults" (i.e. penalty points) if the horse
refuses or brings down the highest element of an obstacle (fence)
or if they exceed the time allowed. The ultimate goal is a "clean"
or no fault round.
History:
By the late 18th century, jumping became an essential feature of the
sport of fox hunting. Some literature suggests Grand Prix style show
jumping began in Paris in 1866. In 1906 Equestrian sports were proposed
as a permanent addition to Olympic competition. By 1944, a record
entry of 99 riders from 17 counties entered the Paris Olympics.
The term Grand Prix translates from French to mean 'richest or greatest
prize'. The term is often used to designate the most challenging or
sophisticated level of competition in a particular sport. America's
first Grand Prix took place in Cleveland in 1965. Over the past 10
years Show Jumping has enjoyed a remarkable growth in popularity.
American riders Olympic successes at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics,
1988 Seoul Olympics, 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta
Olympics helped thrust the sport into the spotlight.
Competition:
No two Grand Prix courses are the same. The course designer's goal
is to provide a challenging course that only a few horses can complete
with no faults. Using a variety of colors, types of jumps and combinations
of jumps, course designers alter the courses according to the level
of competition. Jumps range in height from approximately 4'3"
to 5'6". Fences are positioned in the arena with a carefully
measured distance between them to allow the riders to complete the
course within the maximum time.
Scoring:
Riders and horses must negotiate the designated course with the ultimate
goal of acquiring no faults. Horses are required to jump 15 to 20
obstacles, with 'faults' (i.e. penalty points) being assessed if a
horse refuses or brings down the highest rail of an obstacle (fence).
The riders must also be mindful of the ever-ticking clock. Riders
need to complete the course within the time allowed to avoid time
penalties. There is also a maximum time limit - riders unable to complete
the course within the time limit are eliminated. If either the horse
or rider falls, the pair is eliminated (except in championship competitions).
The order for each horse and rider combination is determined by a
draw prior to the class.
Jumps:
Vertical --- Straight up and down fence with no spread width to it;
appears simple, but it is one of the most difficult for the horse
to jump
The Wall --- Solid looking, with top sections which can be dislodged
resulting in faults
Oxers --- Two elements in one jump to create a spread; parallel oxers
present the most difficulty.
Triple Bar --- A spread fence with three elements of graduating height;
very wide but relatively easy to jump.
Combination --- Series of two or more fences one or two strides apart.
A refusal of any fence requires the horse and rider to re-jump the
entire combination
Water Jump --- A broad jump of 12' - 16'; a low hedge or fence usually,
but not always, marks the leading edge; horse must clear the tape
on the far side of the jump or incur jumping faults.
Gate --- Vertical jump made to appear solid by using planks, gates,
or brush
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