ATLANTA, GA--May 4, 2000--Australian Olympian Phillip Dutton outscored many of the United States' top Olympic hopefuls in the opening dressage phase of the inaugural MBNA Foxhall Cup three-day event, a U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Olympic selection trial.

At stake is $205,000 in prize money, with a record $55,000 going to the winner. The MBNA Foxhall Cup CCI*** has been designated by the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) as the National Championship of Eventing and it is also the USET's Spring Three-Star Championship.

Dutton, a 1996 Olympic team Gold Medalist, had the first ride of the day and he rode into the lead with a score of 44.4 penalties on House Doctor, an 8-year-old, Thoroughbred gelding. Standing second is David O'Connor of The Plains, Va., who received a score of 49.8 penalties on Giltedge, the 14-year-old, Irish Thoroughbred gelding he rode to a team Silver Medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.

Abigail Lufkin of Middleburg, Va., O'Connor's teammate on the U.S. Equestrian Team's Gold Medal team at the 1999 Pan American Games, took third place with a score of 50.4 penalties on Hannigan, a 9-year-old, Irish Thoroughbred gelding.

"I didn't expect to put in the leading ride, but I'm happy to be in the lead," Dutton said. "House Doctor is a bit on the green side, but very promising." Dutton also stands seventh with his other horse, Rough Cut, with a score of 54.6.

"I'm fortunate to have three horses of Olympic quality at this point in my career," O'Connor said. "Each has different strengths and I'd be happy to take Giltedge or either of the others to the Games if I get the chance."

The MBNA Foxhall Cup continues through Sunday with the second half of the dressage phase on Friday, the cross-country competition on Saturday and the culminating show jumping phase on Sunday.

For further information and tickets, please call (404)572-7220.

Related Links
www.foxhallcup.com