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.