Gladstone, New Jersey—June 27, 2001— Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL rode his horse Oh Star to victory in the $100,000 Rolex/U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Show Jumping Championship at the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions, presented by State Line Tack.

Minikus, who was the alternate on the 2000 Olympic Show Jumping Team, had no faults and the fastest jump off time of 47.944 seconds. Following Minikus in the standings was McLain Ward of Brewster, NY on his horse Cameo with a clear round and a jump off time of 49.122 seconds. Third place went to Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL with Lancier 4, owned by Sir Ruly, with no faults and a time of 49.458 seconds.

The $100,000 Rolex/USET Show Jumping Championship which was held on the last day of the Festival, Sunday, June 24, highlighted the Fleet/USET Show Jumping Division at the Festival. Every year, the Festival offers a wide variety of family entertainment for equestrian enthusiasts with various competitions in Reining, Dressage, Combined Driving, Show Jumping, and Endurance and although the Festival is geared toward equestrian competition, it is the goal of the USET to provide families the opportunity to enjoy equestrian sports along with a more traditional country fair and “Children’s Corral.” The fair included over 70 vendors offering a large selection of crafts, clothing, jewelry, gifts and the latest in equestrian supplies for every age and interest.

The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization that selects, trains, equips and finances equestrians of the highest possible standard to represent our country in major international competition, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships. To accomplish this the USET seeks out and nurtures the development of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest potential. For more information on the USET, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at