Green Cove Springs, FL – Laura Kraut of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin riding Miss Independent a 9-year-old Dutch Warm Blood mare for owners Pasmore Stables, LLC won the $65,000 Jacksonville International World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix sponsored by Sleiman Enterprises and presented by the North Florida Hunter Jumper Association and Stadium Jumping, Inc tonight before a crowd of 2000 spectators. A total of 28 top ranked horse and rider combinations representing 5 different countries started tonight’s field all competing for the $65,000 prize and more importantly the hope of gaining points toward their quest to the 2006 World Cup Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Course designer David Ballard of Hornby Ontario, Canada who is one of only 14 Federation Equestrian International O-rated designers in the world gave the riders a real challenge tonight. The 14 obstacle, meter 45 course was run under the FEI format with a time allowed of 81 seconds for the first round and a 39 second allowance for the jump off. Some of the FEI officials overseeing the competition consisted of Jury President David Distler, President of Appeal Committee Ralph Alfano, Foreign Judge Elizabeth Huber of Norway, and Head Steward Karen Golding.
From the original field only 9 returned for the jump off, with Laura and Miss Independent’s first round time clocking in at 78.56. Kraut’s amazing jump off time of 32.65 clenched the victory. Asked how the win felt Laura grinned big, “this is our first event in about 4 months, I was a little worried that she’d be rusty or I’d be rusty but she’s just an incredible horse! She just gives everything she has and loves it! I just couldn’t be more thrilled” Laura went on to say of tonight’s course layout, “it was a nice course with just enough technical challenge to it, especially since a lot of these horses have been on break like mine.” Regarding the subject of missing the $1.2 million Dubai Memorial Challenge she smiled even bigger and stated, “it is unfortunate things didn’t time out but I believe everything is meant to be, so maybe I was just meant to be here and win.” She added, “We all really appreciate Tony Weight and everyone involved putting on this event for us and I’m just happy to start off here.”
Finishing second tonight in her first World Cup Qualifier was Eliza Shuford of Hickory, North Carolina with partner Larentino an 11 year old Holsteiner stallion for owners The Larentino Group, LLC with a clear jump off time of 33.75. When asked about the use of a hackamore going through the tight turns on the course, Shuford laughing shared about the stud, “usually you think they must have a problem with the bit but he has a beautiful mouth, HE prefers the hackamore and performs better when he gets his way.” Third place went to Canadian Mac Cone riding Melinda for owners Southern Ways with a jump off time of 35.13. Fourth position went to Quervo Gold with Margie Engle in the irons for owner Wyndhurst Stables, Inc with a time of 35.13 and rounding out the fifth spot was Robin Sweely on board Discovery for owner Acorn Hill Farm finishing the jump off in 37.16.
Prior to the event Joe and Patty Kelbert owners of Le Pavillon, the landmark restaurant favored by many of the riders, in nearby St Augustine, Florida along with sponsor Wachovia Bank hosted a reception dinner for 700 guests. This is the fourth year the couple has catered the dinner. Patty commented, “our daughter rides and we love the sport so this just seemed like the perfect way to contribute back. We have a great time with everyone and look forward to the next year!” The reception also unveiled artist Donna Grasso’s painting of last year’s CSI Grand Prix winners Aaron Vale and Artur 28 which will be auctioned off during week four of the series with proceeds going to benefit the Jacksonville Zoo. Tonight’s winners will be the next subject of Grasso’s talent for the 2007 Winter Series; the painting will again be donated for auction as well as recreated for the cover of the event’s program.
Exhibitors and spectators still have the chance to win a 2006 Pontiac Torrant SUV valued at $25,000 generously contributed by the Coggin Automotive Group of Orange Park, Florida. At only $20 per raffle ticket or $100 for six tickets it could make you a big winner. All proceeds will be donated to the Marine Corps Reserve Association Foundation. The drawing will be held on Saturday, February 4th during the Grand Prix.
Tonight’s event was also the season opener for the 2006 American Grandprix Association (AGA). Beginning it’s twenty eighth year of equestrian sports, the AGA tour includes 32 events in more than 22 different markets and offers well over $2.5 million dollars in prize money. North Florida Hunter Jumper Association president Tony Weight said, “We are just so pleased to have this event here. It truly is an honor and the excitement of the competition bars none.”
The Jacksonville Winter Series continues until February 5th with classes Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 9AM until about 5PM except for special events mentioned on Saturday evenings. Admission to the shows are free, a $5 donation is requested for special events, which in turn is given to the charities. Following the Jacksonville Winter Series the Sunshine Circuit continues with three weeks of USEF AA rated competitions in Pensacola, Florida at the Escambia Equestrian Center. This portion of the circuit will be dedicated to the communities of the Gulf Coast so devastated by Hurricane Katrina with special guests from Gulfport and fund raising events to further aid those in need.
For more information or results on the 2006 Jacksonville Winter Series please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 904-284-9492.
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