Bjorn Ikast Wins $40,000 AGA Rocky Mountain Grand Prix

Parker, CO – July 19, 2004 - Bjorn Ikast wins rain or shine. Last week he beat heat in the nineties to win the $25,000 Colorado Horse Park Grand Prix. This week a cold, heavy rain challenged riders, but once again Ikast proved victorious in the $40,000 AGA Rocky Mountain Grand Prix.

The starting field of 30 was reduced to two by Jack Robson’s scopey first course, which included a triple combination, several large square oxers, and a final line with a very tight two-stride combination set in front of the spectators. In the jump-off, Ikast of Mexico City, Mexico, turned in a fast double clear round forcing Kim Barone to try to catch him. Barone, from Watertown, MN, and her horse Kid Rock just missed the win with one rail down giving Ikast his second victory.

“This was a tough course,” commented Bjorn. “You needed a horse with a lot of scope.” Recognizing the supreme effort given by Monte Cristo, a nine year old Hanoverian, Ikast leapt off and bowed to his horse in front of the delighted crowd.

The wet conditions prompted Ikast to scratch his other two entries, including last week’s winner, I.Z.’s Lifetime. When asked about his decision he replied, “You must take care of your horses and treat them with respect. You don’t use your horse for your own ego; you must try to always be a horseman and I wanted to save my horses for next week.”

Third place went to the Colorado Horse Park’s John McConnell riding Spanish Eyes with the quickest four-fault first round. The pair also finished third in last week’s $25,000 Grand Prix. Bjorn’s fellow countrymen, Enrique Gonzalez, finished fourth on Guajillo.

Ikast is eligible for a $25,000 bonus if he wins next week’s $60,000 AGA Grand Prix of Denver Presented by Dillards and Ariat on either Monte Cristo or I.Z.’s Lifetime.

Spectators are welcome at the grand prix on July 24. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Opening ceremonies begin at 4:00 p.m. with the first horse on course at 5:30. Tickets are available by calling 303-841-5550 or at the gate. VIP tickets, which include hospitality, are $65.00 Parking is free. Snacks, dinner and equestrian-themed shopping are available on the grounds.

The Colorado Horse Park is a 501 (c) 3. Visit www.coloradohorsepark.com.

Results $40,000 AGA Rocky Mountain Grand Prix

Photos by Don Peitzman