Jerez de la Frontera, Spain-September 18, 2002 - At the conclusion of the first day of the Dressage phase of the Four-In-Hand Combined Driving World Championship on Wednesday, two United States drivers are tied for third placeat the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Tucker Johnson of Hobe Sound, FL and Chester Weber of Ocala, FL, both received an outstanding score of 39.36 penalties. Ijsbrand Chardon of The Netherlands is in first with a score of 34.08 and Belgian driver Felix-Marie Brasseur sits second with a score of 36.32.

The third member of the United States team, James Fairclough of Newton, NJ, is in 21st position with a score of 55.04. Fairclough was at a disadvantage as he was the first to go in the order with less than ideal conditions.

“You can’t make excuses,” said Fairclough who drove a team owned by Jane Forbes Clark. “But it was a little spooky because it was half dark and half light with lights shining in your eyes. Workers were cleaning the seats and making a little noise too. Halfway through the test I lost the team a little bit and there were some other little mistakes, but it was OK.”

Johnson with his team, which he co-owns with Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson, was astounded by the third place position.

“If you would have told me that Chester and I would be tied for third with a 39, I would have been dumbfounded,” said Johnson. “I am so pleased. I could have driven better. I knew it was would be challenging, it was a very different feeling inside the arena. Compared to the warm-up ring, it was like going from a Sunday walk in the park to a nightclub.”

Weber was the last to go for the U.S. team and was pleased with the way the day unfolded.

“The score I received, was where I was hoping things would shake out,” said Weber. “It’s so great to be on the same team with Jimmy and Tucker, but there is only one leg done, we have to put our heads down and keep on working.”

The Dressage phase concludes on Thursday and the exciting Marathon phase is on Friday. The final day of Combined Driving, the Cones, which determines the individual and team medals, takes place on Saturday.

Comprehensive coverage of all World Equestrian Games competition is available on the USET website at www.uset.org.

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 www.uset.org.