Wellington, Fl - February 20 - A crowd of 10,876 enthusiastic fans turned out for the fourth Sunday Grand Prix of the 2005 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season and were rewarded with a fantastic afternoon of show jumping excitement. The $60,000 Idle Dice Classic CSI-W, presented by the Palm Beach Post, brought to a close the Lincoln Florida Classic/WCHR Hunter Spectacular at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida.

Sunday's main event was the first World Cup qualifying class of the season in Wellington and the third event on the American Grand Prix Association (AGA) tour.

The course was designed by Guilherme Nogueira Jorge of Brazil. Jorge has also been tabbed to design the courses for this year's Budweiser World Cup in Las Vegas in April. Scoring was under FEI Art 238.1.2, Time First Jump-Off. USEF International Level.

44 starters went to the post for the 2p.m. start on the Internationale Arena field. Twelve horse and rider combinations produced fault free first round efforts to advance to the timed tiebreaker while ten duos came home with four faults. Thirteen competitors had two knockdowns and nine had 12 or more faults over the first round course.

In the jump-off, the first four competitors knocked down fence number 9, the second fence on the course, a tall vertical at the far end of the arena.

Sheila Burke and the Athlone Partner's Caya held on to the early lead until the halfway mark in the jump-off. She led with the four faults she accumulated at fence 9 and the impressive time of 43.28 seconds. Ireland's Kevin Babington on the veteran Carling King, owned by the Kindle Hill Farm, produced the first clean ride out of the sixth spot in the order. Babington was clean in 43.88 seconds.

Babington lost the lead when four time Olympian Anne Kursinski joined the fray on Roxana 112, owned by Scott Hakim. Riding ninth in the order Kursinski flat out flew around the timed challenge and flashed across the finish line in 43.32 seconds, edging out Babington by .56 seconds.

Laura Kraut, WEF's hottest rider and Anthem, from the Summit Syndicate fell victim to fence 9 and finished up in third place with the fastest four fault time of 41.32 seconds.

Kursinski, who last appeared in the Sunday winner's circle over five years ago, was thrilled to be back. "Roxana was great. Last Sunday was the first really big Grand Prix that I've ridden that mare in and she handled that great," she said. "She's just so fast and I felt I could let her go fast and I just hoped we could leave all of the jumps up when everyone else was knocking them down. I just finally got lucky, or the others got unlucky; I don't know," she chuckled. "She loves to go fast. Even though she's a German bred, she's very much a thoroughbred ride. You can really let her gallop to the fences. She's really an athlete in that sense," related Kursinski. "But, with the thoroughbred type and being a mare too, it's a bit of a compromise ride. I can't tell her everything to do. I trust her and she trusts me."

Even though they are a fairly new team together, Kursinski knew from the start that she and Roxana were a good match. "August of last year at Southampton was my first show with her, so she's still relatively new to me, but the minute I got on her we just clicked together. The second class I ever rode her in, we won."

For second place finisher Kevin Babington, it was a rewarding afternoon. "I was halfway through the group in the jump-off and there was nobody clear when I went in," Babington explained. "The jump-off really didn't suit my horse that well. He's a little difficult off of the right hand turns. There was a right turn to the second jump, a right turn back on the double and then a right turn back on the wall so I knew it wasn't a class I could go all out in. I had to give him a little time on those right turns, so I was very pleased with the way it worked out," said Babington. "I knew when I came out of the ring that somebody was definitely going to beat me. You had Anne and Laura (Kraut) following and they're both very, very fast so I knew I was not going to win, but I was confident of the top three finish."

Kursinski loved today's course, especially the jump-off. "The jump-off was great! You had the right number of horses. You really had to run. You had to turn and you had the big tall verticals and at the end of the day, I thought it was great for the crowd and wonderful for the horses." Babington concurred, "There was a nice flow to the course. I think of the last three weeks, this was the handiest course we've seen. I thought it was a good course with plenty of places to get a rail today."

Fifteen competitors had the final fence on the first round course down today. Babington had an explanation. "I think the last jump, with the liverpool set back from it, is always a difficult jump," Babington offered. "I think that was a great test by the course designer today," said Babington. "And, along with that," Kursinski added, "The last fence was headed right at the in-gate. He used that same fence in the WEF Challenge the other day, and I'm sure we're going to see that fence, that backwards liverpool, at the World Cup. He loves that jump."

Kursinski speculated on her chances of being one of the seven East Coast riders that might qualify for the World Cup in Las Vegas in April. "I was a little ways down the list, but sure, if I can work my way up to a qualifying spot, I'd love to get back to the World Cup."

Babington detailed his April plans, too. "I had 22 points coming in today and said if I got a piece of it today, I would continue going after it and that's my plan right now. If I don't qualify for the World Cup in Las Vegas, then I'll plan for the Budweiser American Invitational in Tampa."

For veteran campaigner Kursinski, the love of the sport continues to grow. "I've got say that I think I love it more than I ever did," she said. " You know, the wins, the going to the Olympics, there's nothing like that, that's totally different. But, as I get older, I seem to appreciate it so much more. I love all of my horses. I have a nice group of horses and nice owners and I'm still in love with what I do."

Show Jumping action resumes on Wednesday as the fifth week of competition gets underway at WEF in the Zada Enterprises, LLC Wellington Masters. The prize money increases in the Sunday feature next week with the $75,000 Zada Enterprises Masters Cup Grand Prix, CSI 3* taking center stage.

Official Results #100 - $60,000 Idle Dice Classic CSI-W - AGA - FEI Art. 238 1.2. - 02-20-05 - Internationale Arena

1 - Roxanna 112, Anne Kursinski - 0-0/43.32

2 - Carling King, Kevin Babington - 0-0/43.88

3 - Anthem, Laura Kraut - 0-4/41.32

4 - Ilian, Schuyler Riley - 0-4/43.20

5 - Caya, Sheila Burke - 0-4/43.28

6 - Constantin 24, Markus Beerbaum - 0-4/43.86

7 - Vegas, Christine Tribble - 0-4/44.28

8 - Casadora, Lauren Hough - 0-4/44.33

9 - Authentic, Beezie Madden 0-8/42.26

10 - VDL Oscar, Frankie Chesler - 0-8/48.10

11 - Verelst Camillo V, Candice King - 0-8/49.20

12 - Lorrain Z, Eric Lamaze - 0-12/47.31

Perfection for Aron Over Four Rounds in $10,000 Young Riders Competition CSI-Y

One knockdown over four rounds of jumping separated first and second place in the $10,000 WEF Young Riders Individual Competition CSI-Y on Sunday. The Young Riders Competition, held over two days, featured both team and individual events.

Aimee Aron, aboard Ostara, owned by the Kinloch Enterprises, came away with the Individual Gold Medal after finishing four rounds of action without any penalties at all.

Carolyn Kelly on her mount Omona finished with the Individual Silver Medal with a single knockdown. The Bronze Medal went to Whitney Goulart on Megan Goulart's Eclat, with a four round total of 21 faults.

The team of Carolyn Kelly, Nikko Ritter and Brianne Goutal gathered in the Team Gold Medal with a total score of 23 faults. The Team Silver Medal went to Whitney Goulart, Maggie Macalary and Sloane Coles with 34 faults in team scoring. Despite Aron's fault free contribution, her team could only manage the Bronze with a team total of 109 faults.

For Gold Medalist Aron, her Winter Equestrian Festival success continues unabated. "Winning never ever gets old for me. Laura (Kraut) always tells me to never take any class for granted, so whether it's a 1.60m or a schooling jumper, they're all equally important to the overall plan."

Aron said that the water jumps throughout the competition were a major factor. "The first day for the team competition in the DeNemethy was a nice course, but I think the water caught a lot of people off guard," Aron affirmed. "But Ostara is a great jumper over the water and that worked to my advantage. And then again today, that was a big benefit for me, with the water out here at the Internationale Arena. I couldn't be happier with the way he jumped over the four rounds," said Aron.

Aron revealed that she's trying to get over a bout with the flu that seems to be hitting everyone at WEF. "I'm really sick right now and my Mom said that maybe I should take a few days off, but for me, I'd rather be at the barn right now than anywhere else."

For Individual Silver and Team Gold Medalist Kelly, this was an event she was looking forward to. "I did Young Riders this past summer and the whole team spirit thing, for me, is a lot of fun, so I was excited and really looked forward to this weekend. I was a little disappointed with my round yesterday morning," Kelly admitted. "She's a brand new horse for me and she spooked a little and she hadn't done that with me before so I wasn't sure how to handle that, and that's where we got our one rail down for the four rounds," said Kelly. "The rest of the competition though, she was great."

Official Results - #104 - WEF Individual Young Riders Final -2-20-05 - Internationale Arena

2 - Carolyn Kelly, Omana - 4

3 - Whitney Goulart, Eclat - 21

4 - Nikko Ritter, Lorano - 24

5 - Maggie Macalary, Mid Accord - 27

6 - Brianne Goutal, Sonate S - 39

7 - Casey Arndt-Hodges, Gandolf - 44

8 - Sloane Coles, Nirvana - 48

9 -Tattie Singer, Stormchaser - 56

10 - Agatha D'Ambra, Landgero - 118

2005 Winter Equestrian Festival Fast Facts

EVENT: Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida

WHAT: Seven-week hunter/jumper and 3-week dressage horse show circuit produced by Stadium Jumping, Inc.

WHERE: Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club, 14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, Florida 33414

WHEN: Wednesday through Sunday 2005 Show Dates:

Feb 16-20: Lincoln Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular, CSI-W/Y/Ch, 'AA-WCHRA'

Feb 17-20: Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic

Feb 23-27: Zada Enterprises, LLC Wellington Masters, CSI 3*, 'AA'

March 2-6: Cosequin Wellington Open, CSI-W, 'AA'

March 9-13: CN Finale, CSIO-US 4*, 'AA'

March 17-20: Zada Enterprises, LLC WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3*/Y

HOURS: Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m.

ADMISSION: General Admission Tickets are available at the gate.

Wednesday: Admission is free. *Children 12 &Under Free Everyday

Thursday and Friday: Adults- $5.00, Seniors (65)/Children 13 & Over- $5.00

Saturday: Adults- $10.00, Seniors (65)/Children 13 & Over- $5.00

Sunday: Adults- $15.00, Seniors (65)/Children 13 & Over- $5.00

Weekly General Admission Pass- $30.00

Seasonal General Admission Pass- $125.00

VIP SEATING: Box Seats Tickets may be purchased at the gate. (Limited availability)

Location: Internationale Arena

Thursday and Friday: $15.00

Saturday: $20.00

Sunday: $30.00

Seasonal Reserved Box Seats- $250.00 per seat

VIP Tables in The Jockey Club (located at the International Arena) are available for purchase through Phelps Media Group, Inc. Please call 561-753-3389.

PARKING: Parking is free Wednesday through Sunday

DIRECTIONS: Approaching the show grounds from the Florida Turnpike, take Exit #93, Lake Worth Blvd., and travel west, crossing over 441. Travel five miles to South Shore Blvd., turn right on South Shore and proceed one mile to Pierson Road, then turn left at the light. Spectator Entrance is first left, on Equestrian Road. Approaching the show grounds from Interstate I-95, take Exit 49. Travel west on Forest Hill Blvd. 11 miles to South Shore Blvd. Turn left on South Shore and follow to Pierson Road. Turn right at the light on Pierson. Spectator Entrance is first left - Equestrian Road.

THE FACILITY: The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is the home of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the site of the first outdoor Nations Cup held in the United States. The competition areas include the 400' x 400' grass Internationale Arena, which is surrounded by bermed seating, chalets, and VIP areas; plus the Bertalan DeNemethy Arena and Grand Hunter Field, both with all weather footing. Amenities include The Jockey Club VIP area.

PRIZE MONEY: Over $3 Million in total prize money, including:

* $1 Million Grand Prix Series

* $450,000 1.50 M-1.30M Jumper Series

* $300,000 Amateur-Owner Jumper Series

* $100,000 Senior Jumper Series

* $395,000 USEF 'AA' Hunter Section Series

* $200,000 Junior Jumper Series

* $168,000 Adult Amateur Jumper Series

* $32,000 Children's Jumper Series

* $9,500 Pony Jumper Series

HIGHLIGHTS: * Sunday, Feb 13, 2:00 p.m.: $50,000 Kilkenny/ICH Internationale Cup, CSI 3*

* Saturday, Feb 19, 7:00 p.m.: AHJF Hunter Spectacular of Palm Beach

* Sunday, Feb 20, 9:00 a.m.: $10,000 WEF Individual Young Rider Team and Individual Competition, CSI/Y Final

* Sunday, Feb 20, 2:00 p.m.: $60,000 Lincoln Idle Dice Classic presented by Palm Beach Post, CSI-W

* Friday, Feb 25, 7:00 p.m.: $15,000 Solaray Junior Jumper Gambler's Choice

* Sunday, Feb 27, 2:00 p.m.: $75,000 Zada Enterprises, LLC Masters Cup, CSI 3*

* Friday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.: $15,000 Solaray Amateur-Owner Jumper Gambler's Choice

* Sunday, March 6, 2:00 p.m.: $75,000 Cosequin Florida Open Grand Prix, CSI-W

* Friday, March 11, 7:00 p.m.: $50,000 Samsung Nations Cup CSIO 4* presented by CN

* Sunday, March 13, 2:00 p.m.: $100,000 US Open Jumper Championship CSIO 4* presented by CN

FOOD: A diverse menu of food and beverages is available at the vendor courtyard and at vendors around the Internationale Arena, and are open during show hours.

SHOPPING: The vendor courtyard and individual booths around the Internationale Arena both offer equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry, and home furnishings.

ECONOMIC IMPACT: The Winter Equestrian Festival, produced by Eugene R. Mische and Stadium Jumping, Inc., is the largest and longest consecutively running sporting event in the world. It is also the largest equestrian event and major contributor to Palm Beach County's $553+ million equestrian industry. (Courtesy of Palm Beach County Equestrian Commission, Inc.)

PALM BEACH POLO EQUESTRIAN CLUB: 14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL, 33414; Tel: 561-793-JUMP; Fax: 561-753-7727; Website: www.stadiumjumping.com

STADIUM JUMPING, INC.: Corporate Office- 1301 Sixth Ave West, Suite 406, Bradenton, FL, 34205; Tel: 941-744-5465; Fax: 941-744-0874; Website: www.stadiumjumping.com