AUGUSTA, NJ-May 7, 2005 -Michael Walton, 37, of Valley Forge, PA, piloted three horses in the $45,000 Dimentional Healthcare Grand Prix and finished one-two with Elu De La Hardiere and Success, respectively. The grand prix was held on Saturday, May 7, and was the highlight of the Garden State Horse Show held May 4-8 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ.

Walton and Elu De La Hardiere are no strangers to the ring at the Fairgrounds. The pair collected their first Grand Prix win together in the 2003 Sussex County Grand Prix (August). Although Walton didn't choose to show at Garden State because of his horse's fondness of the venue, he Did admit that the Selle Francais does well in a spookier venue. "He does seem to like it here," said Walton "Sometimes this can be a spooky ring and it almost helps him. It makes him respect the jumps a little more."

The $45,000 class drew an impressive field with United States Equestrian Team veterans like McLain Ward, Nona Garson and Leslie Howard vying for the title. The field of 27 was narrowed to nine after facing a course of sixteen jumps designed by Anthony D'Ambrosio. After Helen Goddard voluntarily withdrew before returning, only eight raced for the title and the $13,500 first-place purse. First to return was Ken Berkley who rode Carlos Boy to an early lead. The grey finished clean over the shortened course and stopped the clock in 42.476 seconds.

Walton was the second to return on Elu De La Hardiere. The 13-year-old Selle Francais was noticeably faster and tighter around the turn to the final line. The pair marched into the lead with a clean go in 38.866 seconds.

Max Amaya, Callan Solem and McLain Ward all attempted to push Walton off the top spot but none with any success. Ward, winner of the Garden State Grand Prix in 2000, returned on his veteran mount Galant and was the closest of the group to lead the victory gallop. Galant is a notably fast horse and didn't let the crowd down with the fastest finish of the day. The 37.894-second round didn't claim the blue, however, when a rail from the second jump hit the dirt. Galant finished in sixth.

Berkley returned on his second mount Ratina Z. The pair was a tenth of second faster than Solem but too conservative for the win. Raina Z picked up the third. Walton was the last to attempt the jumpoff and was racing against his own top time on Elu De a Hardiere. Riding Success, a nine-year-old Dutch horse who is just moving up into the bigger grand prix, Walton set a goal of a clear round. The pair picked up speed over the final two jumps, kept the rails off the dirt and finished second in 39.241 seconds.

The Garden State Horse Show will wrap up on Sunday. The final day's schedule includes the $5000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior & Amateur Owner Prix as well as the $2500 Garden State Junior & Amateur Owner Prix.

Also taking place on Sunday are the Marshall & Sterling Jumper League Adult and Children's classes. Both are North American League events. Spectators can get into the show grounds free of charge. For information on the Garden State Horse Show please call the show office at 973-948-5022.

Rider Horse Owner faults/time 1. Michael Walton Elu De La Hardiere Peter Nissen & Penlyn Farm 0/0/38.660

2. Michael Walton Success Michael Walton 0/0/39.241

3. Ken Berkley Ratina Z Carolyn Kelly 0/0/39.840

4. Callan Solem Mianta Quiet Winter Farm 0/0/39.967

5. Ken Berkley Carlos Boy Rivers Edge Group 0/0/42.476

6. McLain Ward Galant McLain Ward 0/4/37.894

7. Laura Chapot Little Big Man Laura Chapot 0/4/38.145

8. Max Amaya Church Road Sarah Becker & B&B Saddlery 0/4/41.274

9. Helen Goddard Naritas Picolo 3 0/VW