Gladstone, NJ - - May 1, 2000 - David O'Connor of The Plains, VA has been named United States Equestrian Team (USET) Athlete of the Month for April.

O'Connor, who won the USET/CCI **** Championship at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event presented by Bayer on April 27-30, 2000 in Lexington, KY, was the highest placing US rider. O'Connor, riding Rattle N Hum, owned by David Lenaburg, finished second behind New Zealand's Blyth Tait - the Reigning Olympic and World Champion - just .4 penalty points from the winning score. O'Connor also finished sixth with his other mount, Custom Made. O'Connor's wife and the defending champion, Karen O'Connor, finished third with Jacqueline Mars' Prince Panache with a score of 42.6 penalty points.

David, an accomplished and seasoned event rider, is a two time winner of the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event winning in both 1990 and 1995. He won team Gold and individual Silver medals at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. He also won the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials CCI **** in May of 1997, becoming only the second American to win the event in its 49-year history. He and his wife were teammates on the Silver-Medal winning USET squad at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. In 1995 David won both USET/CCI *** Championships at Rolex in the Spring and Fair Hill International in the fall, becoming one of only three riders to capture both titles in the same year.

Each month in an effort to recognize and reward stellar achievements, acts of enrichment, or meritorious participation by USET athletes, no matter which discipline (driving, show jumping, dressage, eventing, reining, or endurance) the USET has proudly instituted its Athlete of the Month program.

The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization that selects, trains, equips, finances, and promotes equestrians of the highest possible standard for major international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships. In doing so, the USET seeks out and nurtures the growth of talented horses, riders, and drivers, providing support and guidance to help them achieve their dreams.

Related Links
HosesDaily " On The Scene" of The 2000 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, presented by Bayer®
www.oconnoreventteam.com
Visit the USET online
For Complete Results Visit the Official Website www.rk3de.org