Bartlett, NH - August 17, 2000 - Today in equestrian action, McLain Ward of Brewster, NY galloped to victory in the second $2,000 Mercedes Benz Modified Jumper class at the 16th Annual Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival. Ward and Naomi also took home the blue ribbon yesterday in the first $2,000 Mercedes Benz Modified Jumper class.

Ward, the defending champion in Sunday's $50,000 Mercedes Benz Grand Prix of New Hampshire, covered the jump-off course in a time of 53.728 seconds on his mount Naomi, a 15 year-old German mare.

"Naomi is a wonderful horse and she's very consistent," stated Ward. "She goes out at every horse show and wins ribbons."

Sheila Burke of Elmira, NY and Jamison, owned by Athlone Partners, placed second in 55.556 seconds. The yellow ribbon for third place went to Amy Betuker of Ridgefield, CT and Spring Meadows Farm's Impeccable.

2000 Olympic Team member and U.S. Equestrian Team veteran Margie Engle of Wellington, FL rode Hidden Creek's Limerick, a 7 year-old black stallion, to win the $1,500 Mountain Ear High Preliminary Jumper class in a time of 20.677 seconds.

Riding Sarah B. Willeman's Labelle, Jeffery Welles won the $1,000 Paris Farmer's Union Low Preliminary Jumper class in a speedy jump-off time of 23.458 seconds over fifty other competitors.

Marissa Lanteri of Hackensack, NJ won the $300 Story Land Children's Jumper class on Two O'Clock Fox, an 8 year-old chestnut gelding. The pair covered the jump-off course in 23.647 seconds.

Located at the scenic Fields of Attitash in Bartlett, NH, the top riders and horses from throughout the U.S. will compete daily through Sunday at the 16th Annual Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival.

In addition to the thrilling spectacle of equestrian competition, spectators at the Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival will find a variety of attractions at the Fields of Attitash. Shopping fans will enjoy the Country Fair Expo adjacent to the Grand Prix Ring featuring local retailers displaying artwork, jewelry, crafts, clothing and a variety of equestrian items for sale. A fine selection of local foods will be available to sample ringside at the "Taste of the Valley" Food Festival featuring area restaurateurs. Equine demonstrations, hay rides, and a children's play area round out the activities during the event.

Later in the week, spectators can mingle with riders in the VIP tent at the first annual Riders Reception following the conclusion of Saturday's competition. Enjoy wine and cheese, beautiful music, and most importantly, the announcement of the competition order for the $50,000 Mercedes Benz Grand Prix of New Hampshire which runs on Sunday at 2:00.

For tickets and group sales information, please call (800)237-8924. Please call (603)374-2368 for further information about the Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival or go to www.attitash.com on the Internet.