EAST DORSET, VT-July 30, 2001-Sarah Willeman of Hamilton, MA won her second consecutive grand prix of the 2001 Vermont Summer Festival, July 25-29 in East Dorset, VT. Willeman rode Hurricane to capture the $35,000 Mt. Equinox Grand Prix, the culminating event of The Valley Classic. The previous week, she claimed the $35,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix with Labelle.

Willeman led the grand prix charge with a fault-free jump-off round to claim the win. Federico Sztyrie piloted Caya to a second place finish, while Mary Lisa Leffler and Graf Rossini S followed close behind in third. Earlier in the week, Willeman won her first $10,000 Mini Grand Prix, a new weekly element of the Vermont Summer Festival. She claimed two of the top three places, piloting Lapeti to the win and Hurricane to a third place finish. Vanessa Stevenson and Galiana turned in a strong performance to finish second.

In other action, Anna McNight and her horse, Marina, won the National Horse Sports Foundation Show Jumping Hall of Fame $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Danielle Torano of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Lojana finished second, while Willeman took third place honors aboard Navaro.

Morgan Centrella and Rhythm won the Junior/Amateur-Owner Low Jumper Classic. Cody Lewis guided Tosca to a second place finish, followed closely behind by Christine Walsh and Would You Rather in third.

Jennifer Jones was the dominant force in other championship action, winning the 1st and 2nd Year Green Working Hunter Divisions, as well as the Green Conformation and Regular Working Hunter Divisions.

One of New England's largest "AA" rated hunter-jumper horse show circuits, the Vermont Summer Festival is held in three of the Northeast's top resort areas: Manchester, East Dorset and Waitsfield, VT.

The Vermont Summer Festival boasts newly improved all-weather footing in hunter rings and schooling areas. Over $450,000 in prize money is offered. There are competitions for all to enjoy, from leadline competitions to Grand Prix jumpers! Plan to spend your summer in the beautiful Green Mountains! For information please call 802-496-4878, or visit the Vermont Summer Festival website at www.vt-summerfestival.com.