Wellington, FL – March 11, 2004 – Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ rode Little Big Man to victory in the $25,000 Ariat WEF Challenge Cup Thursday at the CSIO U.S. Cosequin Finale, the final week of the Winter Equestrian Festival’s seven-week stay in Wellington, Florida. The class was Round VII of the Ariat WEF Challenge Cup Series, the final standings of which play a major role in determining the line-up of riders for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational that will provide the culmination of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on April 3.

Chapot was one of nine entries from the starting field of 40 to qualify for the tiebreaking jump-off by riding fault-free over the 16-effort, first-round course designed by Jose Gamarra. Chris Pratt of Canada was the first to return to try the eight-effort jump-off course and he set the time to beat by finishing fault-free in 39.38 seconds on Rivendell.

The next five entries failed to catch Pratt until Chapot took the ring. She blazed over the course fault-free in 37.55 seconds to claim the win and edge closer to a berth in the Budweiser American Invitational presented by Publix and the Tampa Tribune. Pratt held on for second place while third place went to Alison Firestone of Upperville, VA, who was the only other rider to finish the jump-off with no knockdowns, although her conservative time of 42.55 seconds on Sansierra left her with one time fault.

Mac Cone, a member of the Canadian team for Friday evening’s Samsung Nations’ Cup presented by CN, finished fourth with four faults and the day’s fastest time of 37.27 seconds on Melinda and former World Champion Eric Navet of France was fifth with four faults in 37.53 seconds on Lassergut Contour. Navet will ride as a member of the French team in Friday evening’s Samsung Nations’ Cup.

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.