Phillip Dutton Maintains Eventing Lead at Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country

Fair Hill, Maryland - Phillip Dutton of West Grove, PA, rode The Foreman to one of only six fault-free rides over the cross-country course to maintain the lead in the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** Eventing Championship at the 19th annual Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country.

Dutton, who has a two-phase score of 42.4 penalties on Ann Jones' 11 year-old bay thoroughbred, leads Australian rider Boyd Martin, also of West Grove, PA, entering Sunday's concluding show jumping phase in one of the most prestigious three-day events in the United States.  Martin has a score of 46.5 penalties after scoring just 0.4 penalties on cross country on his 11 year-old bay thoroughbred gelding, Ying Yang Yo.

Second horses of both Dutton and Martin round out the top four.  Woodburn, an 11 year-old chestnut thoroughbred owned by Acorn Hill Farm, Madison, VA, advanced to third place on 50.9 penalties with a skilful double-clear ride by Dutton.

"No one area of the course was particularly hard, but with this terrain you are constantly balancing and it is harder to be accurate.  With The Foreman, it was nice to be on a thoroughbred that can come back for you after I was down on my minute-markers.  I gained respect for Woodburn today - he galloped easily and made the time easily."  Dutton continued, "It was a good day for True Prospect Farm - Boyd Martin has worked hard all year, and it is good to have him up there today.  Also, Cayla Kitayama is working with us now too, and she had a good day with Esker Riada."

The U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** Championship culminates in the third and final phase--show jumping--on Sunday starting at 1:00 pm.  Gates open at 8:00 am for the start of other activities including dog agility.  The final round of the driving competition, featuring five of the six National Driving Championships offered by the USEF, begins at 9:00 am.

In Saturday's driving competition, Sara Schmitt of Gardner, NJ, scored 92.59 penalties in the marathon to lead the Advanced Single Pony division with a two-phase score of 147.99.

Other driving leaders entering Sunday's concluding cones phase are Robin Groves of Brownsville, VT, and Larry Poulin of Petersham, MA, in the Advanced Single Horse and Advanced Pair Horse divisions, respectively. Boots Wright of Ocala, FL, leads the Advanced Four-in-Hand Pony division.

Fair Hill's popular Dog Agility Trials feature over 400 canine competitors.  Many additional exciting activities, including appearances by the Delmarva Miniature Horse Club with driving and hunter/jumper demonstrations, are set for Sunday.

Members of the United States Pony Club are on hand participating in the President's Cup Invitational Games.  During the Games, riders in teams of five compete in a variety of challenging and entertaining relay races; awards will be presented to winning teams on Sunday.

The Kids Corner offers a variety of activities for the younger set.  Puppeteer Jack Foreaker will perform again on Sunday, and live music will be provided by Rebecca Pitre's Whoa Buddy Productions.

Fair Hill's Country Shops boast a wide variety of shopping and dining, featuring vendors of tack, jewelry, artwork, pet needs, exceptional apparel and fine gifts for the approaching holiday seasons.  The Fair Hill Club offers fine dining, while visitors seeking a more casual snack or meal will find pubs around the Fair Hill grounds serving classic Maryland crab-cakes and other treats.  In fact, the Maryland Department of Agriculture named the Fair Hill International as a "Maryland Top Event!"

Healthy feet, healthy body, healthy planet.  That's the spirit behind Dansko, founded in 1990 by husband and wife team, Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot, both former horse trainers.  Now sold in over 3,000 leading independent and specialty retailer locations across North America, Dansko is the leader in all-day comfort footwear.

The 2007 Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country benefits Union Hospital in Elkton, MD.  The hospital, whose mission is to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Cecil County and its neighboring communities, has been caring for area families and neighbors for nearly 100 years.

Further information on this year's Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country is available by calling 410-398-2111 or by visiting the Fair Hill website at www.fairhillinternational.com