Contact:
Jennifer Wood of Phelps Media Group, Inc.
at (561) 753-3389 or at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com Tampa, FL - March 21, 2008 - The open jumpers competed today in the North American League (NAL) 1.40m speed class, and Margie Engle on Hidden Creek's Calippo 12 were the quickest pair around the course. They came away with the win over Tigger and Molly Ashe Cawley. This is the Suncoast Internationale week, the first of three competitions held for the Tampa Equestrian Festival at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

Engle sped easily around the course designed by Michel Vaillancourt of Canada. She was the third rider to go in the class, chasing the leading time of 61.801 seconds set by Molly Ashe Cawley and Concerto. Engle and Calippo made the inside turns and were quick, stopping the timers in 59.524 seconds with no faults.

This is Engle's third season with Hidden Creek's Calippo 12, a horse known for its speed around the course. In today's class, Engle wanted to be efficient but was not pressing the grey gelding too much.

"I wanted to go medium and do the turns," Engle acknowledged. "I wanted to see between my two mounts who would be comfortable in the ring to go on Sunday."

Engle said that Calippo is "such a trier." She added, "He'll try no matter what. He's a naturally fast horse anyway. It doesn't really faze him if I do go fast. He can go a couple notches faster (than today). I figured I might as well take him and give it a shot."

The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter-jumper divisions - Children's Hunter, Children's Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more information, a list of qualifying competitions and results, please see the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.

Tomorrow's jumper action consists of classes for the junior/amateur-owner and children's/adult jumpers. The highlight of the Tampa Equestrian Festival is the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, presented by The Tampa Tribune and Sweetbay Supermarket. The $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 7 pm. at the Raymond James Stadium in downtown Tampa.

The remaining qualifying events for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational are:
March 23: $75,000 Bob Thomas Grand Prix of Florida at week one of the Tampa Equestrian Festival
March 27: $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup at week two of the Tampa Equestrian Festival
March 30: $75,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier & the Just World Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 3* W at week two of the Tampa Equestrian Festival
April 2: $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup, CSI at week three of the Tampa Equestrian Festival

Tickets for the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational are still available. Advance ticket prices are $25 in the white section, $35 in the blue section, and $40 in the red section. An Advance Family 4-pack is available for $70 in the white section and $125 in the blue section (Prices higher day of show: $30, $40, $45, $85, $140). Group prices for 20 or more people are available with advance purchase only. They are $17 each in the white section and $30 each in the blue section. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster 813-287-8844, 727-898-2100 or ticketmaster.com.

For more information on the Tampa Equestrian Festival and the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, please visit www.stadiumjumping.com.

Final Results: NAL 1.40m Jumpers
1. Hidden Creek's Calippo 12, Margie Engle, Hidden Creek Farm: 0/59.524
2. Tigger, Molly Ashe Cawley, Jane F. Clark: 0/61.683
3. Concerto, Molly Ashe Cawley, Jane F. Clark: 0/61.801
4. Hidden Creek's Pamina L, Margie Engle, Hidden Creek Farm: 0/66.329
5. Jolie Dame du Marais, Leslie Howard, Cody Auer: 4/54.924
6. Ultimo van ter Moude, Todd Minikus, Todd Minikus: 4/58.416
7. Solaman, Kelley Robinson, Cimarron Farms: 8/68.038
8. Romy, Todd Minikus, Diamond Group: 12/69.675