Tampa, Fl – March 22, 2003 – Today at the Winter Equestrian Festival, jumping competition continued in 3 different arenas. The $20,000 1.50 m Classic, a Time First Jump Off, was the featured class. There were 9 horses qualified for the jump off and McLain Ward was first and second with two horses owned by Sarah B. Willeman and Turnabout Farm. He was first riding Hurricane as he flew around the shortened course in a time of 20.232 seconds for the win. McLain was last to go in the jump off on Labelle and tried to beat his previous time but finished in 29.620 seconds. In third place was Millcreek’s Raphael with Eric Lamaze riding for the Millcreek Stables.

Artistic was Champion in the Amateur Owner Hunters 36-50 with owner/rider Dee Thomas. Dee and Artistic are currently leading for circuit Champion in the division.

Children’s Working Hunter Champion was Stellar with owner/rider Alysha Leonard. Stellar was also Champion in the Pre Green 3’3” Hunters with Scott Hofstetter.

Forget Paris was Adult Amateur Hunter Champion with owner/rider Wendy Lewis.

In the equitation divisions, Michael Morrissey won the ASPCA Maclay Medal.

All results are posted at www.stadiumjumping.com.

The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational will be held March 29, Saturday, at 7:00 PM in the Raymond James Stadium. Thirty horses will be invited by the amount of money won during the Winter Equestrian Festival in designated classes. This class has one of the largest purses of any Grand Prix type competition in this nation.

Tickets for the Budweiser American Invitational, March 29 at Raymond James Stadium are available at Ticket Master (813) 287-8844 or at Stadium Jumping (877) 909-9436.

Tickets for Winter Equestrian Festival at Tampa Fairgrounds are Wednesday through Friday $5. Children under 12 years are free. Saturday and Sunday Adult tickets are $10. Seniors and Students are $5 all days. For schedule, directions and information visit www.stadiumjumping.com.

Dates for Tampa Winter Equestrian Festival
(Each week of competition runs Wed - Sun beginning at 8:00 AM)

Suncoast Internationale March 13-16
Tampa Bay Classic March 19-23 CSI***/W
Tournament of Champions March 25-29 CSI**/W
Budweiser American Invitational March 29 in Raymond James Stadium