Gladstone, NJ-February 11, 2003-Richard Spooner of Glendale, CA, piloted Robinson, owned by Half Moon Bay Investment Group, to a win in the $75,000 Bayer/USET Benefit Grand Prix at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Indio, CA, on February 9.

Seoul Olympic course designer Olaf Petersen set an even course that allowed the majority of riders to get around without major difficulty. There were seven clear out of a starting field of 35 horse-and-rider combinations, thus ensuring a great competition.

Nicole Shahinian-Simpson of West Lake Village, CA, was the first in the ring for the jump-off round aboard El Campeon's Cirka Z. Simpson was one of five riders who completed the jump-off course with all the rails still in place. Following Simpson's performance, riders raced to better her time of 48.64 seconds.

It was the third rider in the ring, Richard Spooner, aboard Robinson, who laid down a clear round and a time of 42.61 seconds that no one could catch. Gerardo Tazzer of Mexico produced a clear round in a time of 44.81 seconds aboard his Chanel to take second place. Third place honors were awarded Sarah Baldwin of Los Angeles, CA on Kijoy Forever, owned by Brookwood Stables, Inc. This pair turned in a clear round in a time of 46.53 seconds. Jeff Campf's clear round in a time of 46.59 seconds aboard Lady D, owned by Oz Investments and Sequoia Farm, earned him the fourth place award.

The USET sponsored grand prix will be aired on the Outdoor Life Network on Sunday, April 20, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT. The program will be re-aired on Friday, April 25, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDT.

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.