Wellington, FL – March 6, 2004 – Sheila Burke riding Caya for owner Athlone Partners topped a class of 47 horses to win the $20,000 1.50 Meter Classic today at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Burke was the fastest of four double clear performances in the Internationale Arena over a course designed by Dr. Arno Gego.

Laura Kraut riding Joyous for Summit Partners placed second. Eric Navet of France was third aboard Lassergut Contour owned by Lassergut Farms. Henri Prudent, also of France, rode Olympus owned by Trelawny Farm, Inc. to the fourth place ribbon.

“Round one was a little difficult for a Saturday course,” said Burke. “But it was nice for Caya because last Sunday was very big and very difficult for us. Today was really nice after last Sunday.” Dr. Gego set a 15-effort track with a triple at fence six and a double at 12, the final fence. “The last test was an oxer to a plank combination and that was jumped very carefully,” said Burke, and noted other challenges of the first round, “The water jump off of a bending line was a little difficult and the triple combination was a little scopey – it was a vertical to double oxers.”

Eleven horses managed clear rounds and moved on to the tiebreaker. Burke said she watched the lead-off rider, Markus Beerbaum on Le Mans 8, the first of his two horses, and decided on her strategy (Beerbaum posted four faults in 47.528 for sixth). “Just be as prompt as I could. Markus did six strides down the first line, which is what I wanted to watch, because it was one less than the first round,” Burke explained. Going second in the order, Prudent set the pace with a clear trip in 53.452. Eric Navet tackled the jump-off five horses later and snatched the lead with his time of 49.913 aboard Lassergut Contour. Burke went as the eighth rider on course and took over the lead, crossing the timers in 45.905. “It ended up not being too many clear before I went,” said Burke, “so I got to not put the gas pedal totally to the floor.”

Burke admitted that she did not expect her time to hold up for the win. “No. I knew Laura Kraut was behind me and she’s very fast. I was just hoping to go clean and as promptly as possible,” Burke said. Kraut went as the 10th horse in the order and posted a clear trip, but crossed the timers in 46.725 and had to settle for second place.

Burke acquired Caya 11 months ago from Federico Sztyrle. Caya is a 12-year-old, chestnut, 16.3-hand Holsteiner mare by Carthago out of a mare by Ronald. “I’ve just been getting to know her over the last year and she’s a wonderful horse,” Burke said. “She is really aware. She is unbelievably intelligent. She knows exactly everything that’s going on. She’s like radar.”

Burke, 31, lives in Belgium where she trains with Peter Wylde. When in the US from January through March for the Florida circuit, she trains with Missy Clark.

Burke has been a standout at the Winter Equestrian Festival with her unusual burnt orange show jacket. “I ride on the Ambiente Amazonan Riders Tour Team,” explained Burke. “It’s a German fashion designer and they’re my sponsor.” Burke’s horse has a matching pad and other horse clothes from Ambiente in the same shade.

Today’s win was Burke’s first on the 2004 circuit. “It felt good,” she said.

In earlier competition today in the Grand Hunter Field, Louise Otten of Wayzata, Minnesota, rode Just Looking to the Amateur-Owner Working Hunter Championship, 36-50. Otten’s Alpine Farms owns Just Looking, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. In competition over two days in the Olders, Otten placed third and first in over fences classes yesterday, and then today earned fourth place in the Under Saddle, plus a first and a fourth over fences to clinch the championship, topping 42 horses that competed in the division. Mary Jane King aboard her Acappella took the Reserve slot.

The $15,000 Soloray Amateur Owner Gambler's Choice was won by Caitlyn Shields aboard Memphis. Caitlyn topped a field of 19 competitors under the lights in the Internationale Arena earning 1020. Susdal owned and ridden by Katrina Woods came in close second also with 1020 points but eight tenths of second slower than Caitlyn.

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.