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Articles: Press Release
Kappler Jumps to the Top in the $50,000
Garden State Grand Prix
Contact:
Michelle Bloch or Mary Jeanne Mattell at the show grounds
(973)-948-5022
AUGUSTA, NJ-May 2, 2003 - Chris Kappler of Flemington, NJ, added
another grand prix win to his impressive resume as he galloped Profox
across the timers in 32.043 seconds in the $50,000 Garden State Grand
Prix held on Saturday, May 3, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in
Augusta, NJ.
The Garden State Horse show takes place from April 30- May 4
and is the largest horse show in New Jersey. There were a record 1151
entries who competed in the five-day hunter/jumper show.
Profox was one of ten horses to jump clean over the Anthony
D'Ambrosio- designed course. Kappler also piloted two others in the
second round - Rafiki and Korina.
The battle for the blue came down to Kappler and McLain Ward of
Brewster, NY. Ward rode two in the jump off, but it was Galant who put
the heat on Kappler as he posted a 32.523 on the board and jumped into
the lead just moments before Kappler returned as the last to go.
"The kid's lethal," said Kappler referring to Ward's speed
and accuracy. Kappler knew he needed to cut time and ride a faster track
than he did on Korina. Sitting in the second and third position he had
"nothing to lose."
The win at Garden State was the first big grand prix win for
Profox, a ten-year-old Rhinelander owned by Jorgen Winroth. The
$50,000 Garden State Grand Prix is presented by the Junior Essex Troop
Alumni and boasted 30 entries in this year's edition.
Sunday'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. Spectators can get into the show grounds free of charge.
Also taking place on Sunday are the Marshall & Sterling Jumper League
Adult and Children's classes. Both are North American League events.
The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter
and 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 and a list of
qualifying competitions for 2003, please visit the Ryegate Show Services
website at www.ryegate.com.
For information on the Garden State Horse Show please call the show
office at 973-948-5022.
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