Scott Stewart And Chopard Win Regular Conformation Hunter Championship

Wellington, FL - February 19, 2004 - The fourth week of the 32nd Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, showcases hunter horses and riders for five days, February 18-22, in the Florida Classic/World Champion Hunter Rider Spectacular. The highlight of the week is the annual American Hunter-Jumper Foundation Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach featured under the lights in the Internationale Arena from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, February 21 at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.

The finale to the week is a Grand Prix show jumping event on Sunday, February 22, starting at 1:00 pm - the $60,000 Idle Dice Classic, presented by Palm Beach Post, a Preliminary Competition for the World Cup Final. Hunter competition kicked off on Wednesday, February 18 with the first rounds of competition for the Championships in First Year Green, Second Year Green, Green Conformation, Regular Conformation, and Regular Working Hunters.

Scott Stewart, 39, of Flemington, NJ, and Wellington, FL, riding Chopard for owner Krista Weisman, won the Regular Conformation Hunter Championship after competing in five classes over two days, starting out with two victories in over fences classes. "He was wonderful yesterday out in the field when all the other horses were being a little fresh because of the weather," said Stewart, noting the chilly, breezy conditions that did not prevail in today's windless and sunny competition. "He went great and he won both yesterday with good scores."

Today in the first of two over fences classes Chopard placed tenth. "He didn't have a great first round," Stewart admitted, "But then the second round was really good so he ended up second." Stewart and Chopard placed fifth in the Under Saddle class to clinch the Championship. "But it was close," Stewart pointed out. "We were only champion by a point. He was good so hopefully he'll be good for Saturday night."

Stewart chalked up this Championship win to Chopard's performance over fences. "Yesterday he went super. He was perfect. He's the best out there. He's a great horse." Stewart has been riding the nine-year-old Bavarian gelding for three years.

Addison Phillips riding her own Tinsel Town earned the Reserve Regular Conformation Hunter.

For complete results, visit www.stadiumjumping.com

2004 WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL TICKET INFORMATION
Show days for the 2004 Winter Equestrian Festival are Wednesday through Sunday. Gates open at 8:00 am. Ticket Prices: Wednesdays are free to everyone; Children 12 and under are admitted free every day; Young Adults 13 to 18 and Seniors are $5 on Thursday through Sunday; Adults are $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is located on Pierson Road off South Shore Boulevard. For additional information, visit www.stadiumjumping.com or call 561-793-5867.