DARIEN, CT - June 14, 2002 - Today it was Callan Solem riding Quiet Winter Farm's Mianta to win the $1500 High Preliminary Jumper Class at the 73rd annual Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show in Darien, CT. McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, placed second on his mount Romeo.

Ward won yesterday's High Preliminary Class on Peter while Solem placed second on Mianta. Ward and Solem took first and second a year ago in the $35,000 Ox Ridge Grand Prix. Ward will ride to defend his title on Sunday.

The $35,000 Ox Ridge Grand Prix, one of the nation's largest and most prestigious competitions, is the highlight of the Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show. The Grand Prix is scheduled for 1:00pm on Sunday, June 16, and will draw approximately 1300 horses this year.

Several Olympians are riding at Ox Ridge this week including Nona Garson of Lebanon, NJ, who rode on the 2000 Sydney Olympic Team and Peter Leone of Greenwich, CT, who rode in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and helped the U.S. win the Silver Medal.

Sponsors for the 2002 Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show include Bevals LTD, Brooks Community Newspapers, CL. Adams, Der Dau, Great Horse Designs, House of Needlepoint, Indo-Chic Imports, Kool 96.7 FM, Lucky Lawn Inc., Pharmacia Animal Care, Reuters, Scudder Private Investment Counsel, and Watson Wyatt Worldwide.

Admission from June 12-15 is $5.00 per car. Admission on Grand Prix Sunday, June 16, is $8.00 per car and $5.00 for Senior Citizen and children over 5 years old. For information call (203) 655-3472.