Saturday, April 9, 2011

Jumping: Tampa: ORDER OF GO - $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G & C Farm

ORDER OF GO - $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G & C Farm
Tampa, FL - April 9, 2011 - The $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G & C Farms, at Raymond James Stadium, often called the "Super Bowl of Show Jumping," brings together a star studded international group of equestrians to compete for one of the greatest titles in all of show jumping.

The event takes place tonight, April 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.



The gates at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium open at 6:30 p.m. Included will be the always popular public course walk, during which the award winning Glee Show Choir from Tampa's King High School will perform.

Prior to the event, parking lot #6 will open at 3:30 pm for a special Mane Event Party, featuring a JustWorld Horseless Horse Show hosted by Q105 radio's Nikki Cruz and the Q105 mobile station.

Also on the evening agenda will be the elegant Parade of Breeds, a Segway demonstration of the course walk will take place and the Tampa Police Mounted Patrol Color Guard will be on hand as well.

Just prior to the jump-off, there will be a special performance by Arabian Nights. Also featured that night will be the 2011 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and presentation of the USET Foundations Maxine Beard Award for Developing Riders in Grand Prix sports. Prizes will be awarded for the winning riders' cheering sections. Each section of the Stadium will be assigned a rider before the Parade of Riders, later, those sitting in winning section will receive a prize. 

Tickets are on sale now at www.stadiumjumping.com or available at the gate at Raymond James Stadium.

Eventing: Kihikihi: Johnstone holds on to lead at Kihikihi World Cup

Clarke Johnstone and Orient Express retained the narrowest of leads after today’s cross-country phase at the FEI World CupTM Event at Kihikihi today. A confident and fast clear round ensured that the pair remained on their dressage score of 45.7 penalties, just ahead of Australian rider Chris Burton on Holstein Park Leilani. Burton also delivered a polished round on his scopey mare to finish on his dressage score of 45.9 penalties, leaving Johnstone absolutely no room for error in the final show-jumping phase tomorrow. Australian Shane Rose shifted into third position (50.7 penalties) with a fast clear round on Taurus, after overnight third-placeholders Lizzie Brown and Henton Attorney General parted company mid-course. Johnstone also guided Incognito round clear and under time to shift up two places into fourth position (52.2 penalties). Kihikihi first-timer Simon Gordon showed expertise well beyond his 21 years to bring his two horses home clear and end the day in fifth (Simply Mitch, 68.9 penalties) and sixth (Fletch.com, 71.1 penalties).

www.thehorseevent.co.nz

Eventing: Kihikihi: Johnstone takes narrow early lead at Kihikihi

Clarke Johnstone and Orient Express produced a consistent and polished dressage test on day 1 of the World CupTM Event at the Kihikihi International Horse Trial to finish on a score of 45.7 penalties, barely a whisker ahead of visiting Australian rider Chris Burton (Holstein Park Leilani) on 45.9 penalties. Lizzie Brown and Henton Attorney General finished in third place on 46.8 penalties after the horse made a couple of uncharacteristic errors which robbed them of a better score. Australian Shane Rose and the talented Taurus and Alice Montgomery and Gordon finished fourth equal on a score of 50.7 penalties after both producing quality rhythmic tests. Spectators were treated to a strong display of dressage from the top half of the field. The action switches tomorrow to the cross-country when riders will tackle John Nicholson’s testing cross-country track. The tight set of scores after day 1 means that there will be little room for complacency.

www.thehorseevent.co.nz