Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders and Verelst Quebec Accumulates Washington International Victory

Washington, D.C. – October 28, 2005 – On his first trip to the Washington International Horse Show, Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands also paid a visit to the winners circle as he scored the top prize in the $20,000 International-Open Accumulator class on Friday evening. The Washington International Horse Show runs through Sunday at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.

The Accumulator class, a competition that takes place against the clock over ten obstacles of increasing difficulty is scored under FEI Article 269. The course was designed by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida.

Michael Walton and La Rocca took the early lead, riding out of the third spot in the jumping order. Walton tallied the maximum of 65 points and crossed the finish line in 52.42 seconds. Walton’s lead lasted through the next five competitors. Kim Farlinger from Canada and her mount Laforza grabbed the top spot by scoring the same 65 points but sped through the timers in 47.05 seconds, with a margin of 5.37 seconds. Farlinger hadn’t caught her breath before she had lost the lead.

Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands aboard Verelst Quebec scored 65 points and put up 46.10 seconds, the top time of the night.

“I had a chance to watch a couple go. I was sixteenth in the order,” said Smolders. “I felt that none of them went really, really fast, so I didn’t have to take any risks for the victory.”

Smolders and his mount have only been together for weeks. “He’s a twelve year old that I’ve had for just twelve days now. I rode him in England last weekend, and we shipped him to the United States,” he said.

Does he like Washington, D.C.? “It’s a beautiful city and I’m thrilled to be here. I’ve had a chance to compete in Florida in the winter time, but never on the American indoor circuit. This arena is beautiful and the crowds at night are so energetic. It’s a lot of fun. Especially when you win,” he added with a laugh.

Results of Class 214 -$20000 International-Open Accumulator -Art 269-2005 Washington International Horse Show-October 25-30 2005

• 1-710-Harrie Smolders –NED-VERELST QUEBEC 65 /46.10
• 2-393-Kim Farlinger –CAN-LAFORZA 65 /47.05
• 3-137-Michael Walton –USA-LA ROCCO 65 /52.42
• 4-708-Gerco Schroder –NED-EUROCOMMERCE MILANO 64 /67.30
• 5-481-Kent Farrington –USA-NEO 61 /60.80
• 6-698-Candice S. King –USA-PERFEKT 59 /51.13
• 7-701-Philippe Rozier –FRA-IDEAL DE PRISSEY 58 /61.11
• 8-620-Eliza Shuford –USA-GUSTEL II 57 /49.65
• 9-635-Lauren Hough –USA-OTTALINE 56 /47.99
• 10-384-Molly Ashe –USA-CONCERTO 56 /48.62
• 11-396-Kelley Small –CAN-BLACK ICE 56 /50.19
• 12-317-Mary Lisa Leffler –USA-KARTOUSCH 48 /48.98