Winners Contribute On and Off the Field in 2007 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic Kick Off

South Hamilton, Massachusetts - Show jumping action began today at The Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic. Presented by Animal Planet. For the past 18 years, The Jumper Classic has attracted some of the top equestrians and Olympic athletes to the North Shore of Boston. The weeklong competition kicked off today and culminates with the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix on Sunday September, 9th.

The non-stop young jumper action started with the $500.00 William A. Berry & Son, Inc. Six and Sever Year Old Jumpers Level 5 class judged under Table V, Sec 2(b). Darren Graziano and Coeur De La Luna emerged victorious over the course designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England. Graziano is frequently in the winner's circle at the Jumper Classic and recently joined the Board of Directors for the Jumper Classic.

"The Jumper Classic is a very well managed show and has truly European flair," said Graziano. "I am excited to contribute a rider's perspective to the Board and I will hopefully bring a lot of value to help improve upon an already stellar event from both a competitors and spectators point of view, added Graziano.

The $750.00 Seven and Eight Year Jumper Level 6 sponsored by MMM Horseman judged under Table II, Sec. 2(b) was won by Candice King on Fenway for the AAA EQ LLC of New York City, NY. King has served on the Board of Directors for the past several years and looks forward to this show each year.

The young jumper classes are aimed at developing young horses. Many riders and trainers use them to prepare younger horses up through the levels in the hope of developing the next grand prix horse. The young jumper classes are also used to bring along horses they have for sale to enhance their businesses. The Jumper Classic offers many classes that meet the young jumper requirements throughout the weeklong activities for horses of all ages working their way to the top.

"It takes years, a lot of hard work and patience to develop horses to that high of a level of Grand Prix competition and these are the classes that are important for us to support, stated Peggy Lynch, Manager of The Jumper Classic". "These young jumper divisions add to the horseshow and are critical in order to maintain the development of the sport of show jumping within the United States. It gives trainers, horses, and riders, an opportunity to make us better competitors in the international field where the sport itself is a lot more established, added Lynch.

For more information about the event continuing throughout the weekend and ticket information please visit www.jumperclassic.com.

Final Results:

$500 William A. Berry and Son, Inc. Six Year Old Jumpers

$750 MMM Horseman Seven and Eight Year Olds

Photo: Winner of the MMM Horseman Class, Candice King Photo Credit: Tracey Emanuel Photography