Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic Competition Heats Up

South Hamilton, Massachusetts-Show Jumping action continued today despite record setting heat on Boston's North Shore at the 2007 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic.

The $2,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Classic began the day on the Coldwell Banker Previews Field. Spectators weathered the sweltering heat as Jeanne Hobbes aboard Montrachet took the top honors in the class. Next in the $2,500 Junior/Amateur Classic sponsored by the Kim and Charlie Jacobs, Tatiana Dzavik and Felix Des Noues rode to victory as fans cheered them on from the ringside tents of several charity luncheons alongside the beautiful Grand Prix field.

The day capped off with the $3,500 Mini Grand Prix and the $ 3,500 Equine Services Futures Class. The Mini Grand Prix was added at the last minute because there were many competitors that had high level horses that were overqualified for the requirements of the Future's Class. Darren Graziano aboard Aspen Extreme galloped to victory edging Candace King aboard Toronto by seconds. Leslie Howard and Whatever took the win in the $3,500 Equine Services Futures Class.

Show manager, Peggy Lynch added the class and said "This is a rider's horse show and those trainers want those horses to go into the ring so let's do what it takes to make it happen." Lynch worked with renowned course designer Richard Jeffery to quickly make a course that would challenge both horse and rider. Darren Graziano aboard Aspen.

Graziano has been teamed up with Aspen Extreme, an 8 year old mare for the past year and half and hopes to develop her into his next Grand Prix horse. "Richard does a great job developing courses that are technical that challenge both the horse and a rider. She learned a lot from that course and that it was she needs consistently to get to that level,"said Graziano.

The Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic continues tomorrow with the $10,000 Mohegan Sun Speed Stake followed by the finale with the $75,000 Fidelity Investments AGA Grand Prix. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and tickets are available at the gate. For more information please visit www.jumperclassic.com.

Final Results for Saturday, September 8, 2007

$2,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Low Classic

$2,500 Charlie & Kim Jacobs' Junior / Amateur Owner High Classic

$3,500 Equine Insurance Services Mini Prix

$3,500 Equine Insurance Services Futures Class

Photo Credit: Darren Graziano aboard Aspen Extreme in the $3,500 Equine Services Mini-Prix. Tracey Emanuel Photography