La Coruña, Spain - July 22, 2004 - The eighth edition of Spain’s foremost show jumping competition, held at the Casas Novas Equestrian Centre, started this morning with a welcome win by UK rider Michael Whitaker. The 10 year old mare “Renzerin Vd Rampaarden”, performed with success in the Trofeo Móstoles Industrial class, repeating success he has had with this horse in other international competitions.

Whitaker was the leading rider alter two clear rounds in a time of 25,21 seconds. Closely following Michael was the French rider Michel Hecart with “That´s Life”, who completed his second round clean in a time of 25,29 seconds.

Ireland’s Jessica Kuerten riding “Laurus” placed third, followed by Álvaro Muñoz Escasi and Jesús Garmendia, both from Spain.

Toni Hassmann finished in seventh place with his young horse “Der Lohmann” who won with him at the Hamburg International, placed fourth in Cannes and seventh in Amsterdam.

Following today’s first class, CSI**** La Coruna will continue with two more events today, the Trofeo Azcar and the Trofeo NH.