September 22, 2006

Christine McCrea Claims Victory in Cleveland at the Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup

September 21, 2006—Christine McCrea of Suffield, CT, claimed victory at the $100,000 Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills, Ohio, September 17. The pair bested the field of 20 horses and riders to take home the $30,000 winner’s purse.

More than 5,500 spectators watched as only five riders posted clear rounds over the challenging Steve Stephens course. Chris Kappler of Pittstown, NJ scored the first clean jump off in 36.82 seconds aboard VDL Oranta. The lead held until McCrea and the Belgian stallion, Vegas, owned by Candy Tribble, shaved 7/10 of a second off the time clearing obstacles in tight jumping form with Vegas’ knees tucked to his chin.

The Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup was a qualifying event for the 2007 FEI World Cup, and McCrea’s second World Cup qualifier win in two weeks. "We went to Europe this summer and I learned a lot, and my horse learned a lot. I think that is why we are doing so well now,” commented McCrea.

Cara Raether of Bedford, NY, finished third aboard Quilano De Kalvarie, owned by Trelawny Farm. Canada’s Frankie Chessler Ortiz and Picolien Zeldenrust finished fourth.

In Other Show Jumping Action…

Earlier in the week under the bright lights, the evening competition included the $25,000 American Gold Cup Welcome Stake, a qualifying event for the Sunday’s $100,000 finale. Kent Farrington of Chicago, IL, pilot Alexa Weeks' Madison to the win, ahead of Mark Leone aboard All Season’s Farm’s Great American. In another big money event, the $25,000 1.50m Jumper Classic, Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL galloped to victory on his own Pavarotti.

Joe Fargis of Southampton, NY turned in a victorious round in the $10,000 1.45m Stake aboard Diams III, owned by Mary B. Schwab and O.E.J.I. Farm LLC. In 1.40m Speed Stake Action, the three $6,000 classes were each won by: Jimmy Torano and Ralvesther, Francis Tres Roig of Pompano Beach, FL aboard J. Adalberto Roig, Jr.'s Acertijo and Kate Levy of Bedford, NY aboard her mount Whitney Van Berkenbroeck

Tracey Weinberg of Lovettsville, VA piloted her horse, Larone, to win the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Louie Jacobs of East Aurora, NY took home the blue ribbon as a cheering crowd watched the $5,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Stake aboard Deeridge Farm's Kachina.

Cara Cheska of Waukesha, WI rode her Game Twist to capture the $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic, as well as the $2,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Stake. John Mortino claimed victory in the $5,000 NAL Adult Amateur Classic aboard his own Oriola.

"Bringing the American Gold Cup back to Cleveland was a great decision," said Michael Morrissey, CEO of Stadium Jumping, Inc. "The competitors were extremely happy with the course footing and the show attracted a fantastic crowd." The 2007 Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup will be held September 19 to 23, remaining at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills, Ohio.

Exclusively devoted to show jumping at the highest levels, the Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup is a longtime favorite in the show jumping world. The first American Gold Cup was held in conjunction with the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show in 1970 at the historic Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field, site of the nation's first show jumping grand prix. Later the Gold Cup moved to Florida and became the forerunner of today's American Invitational in Tampa, before settling near Philadelphia where it remained until this year. For more information, visit www.stadiumjumping.com or call 440.834.8615.

Photo Credit: Wachovia Securities Managing Director Marc Beshany presents the Gold Cup to winner Christine McCrea with Stadium Jumping’s Michael Morrissey (right) Ohio Photographs