Bartlett, NH - August 19, 2000 - 1996 Olympic team silver medalist Leslie Howard of Westport, CT was victorious today in the $5,000 Governor's Cup Classic at the 16th Annual Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival.

Riding Nick of Diamonds, a 9 year-old Swedish stallion, Howard covered the tough jump-off course in 27.967 seconds.

"My horse was great today," Howard stated. "He's not only a winner in the ring, he's a fun horse to be around. He's feisty and full of himself."

Jeffery Welles of New Canaan, CT placed second riding Penelope with a jump-off time of 28.254 seconds. Finishing third was Sheila Burke of Elmira, NY who tackled the course in 28.650 seconds on Jamison.

Lauren Bass of Willoughby Hills, OH and M.V. Cristal, owned by Maypine Farm, brought home the blue ribbon in the $2,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper class. This same duo won the $2000 WMTV3/RSN High Junior-Amateur Jumper class yesterday.

The $1,000 NAL/Children's Jumper Classic was won by Emilie Sandler of New York, NY riding Costela, while Anne Wagner of Pawling, NY galloped to the winner's circle on The Aristocrat in the $1,000 Adult Amateur Jumper. Brian Walker of St. Lazare, Quebec won the $1,000 Low Junior Jumper class on Luxury Item.

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. The feature class tomorrow will be the $50,000 Mercedes Grand Prix of Attitash which kicks off at 2:00.

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.

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.