Gladstone, NJ-July 12, 2000-Ian Silitch of Ocala, FL, riding Cable, owned by Jacquelyn and Ian Silitch, was the top placing American at the $30,000 Grand Prix of Pittsburgh on July 2, 2000 at Hartwood Acres in Pittsburgh, PA, finishing second behind Venezuelan, Alberto Carmona. As the highest placing U.S. rider, Silitch earned the title of U.S. Equestrian Team Regional Show Jumping Champion for Zone 2.

With a clean jumpoff and a time of 42.443 seconds, Silitch finished just behind Carmona who completed the jump off course in a time of 42.052. Following Silitch was Mary Lisa Nicholson of Brookeville, MD, riding Graf Rossini, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Chovnick, with four faults in the jump off and a time of 40.627.

The USET created Regional Show Jumping Championships to provide promising horses and riders the opportunity to compete on a regional level under Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules, and help the USET to identify high caliber horse-and-rider combinations capable of representing the United States in international competitions such as the Pan American and Olympic Games. In addition to a share of the prize money, the top U.S. finisher at each event is named the USET Regional Champion and is awarded a special trophy. USET ribbons are awarded to the top 12 US finishers.

To be eligible to host a Regional Show Jumping Championship, a horse show must have been held for at least two years, must have a Grand Prix purse of at least $25,000 and must submit an application. The dates must fall outside the Show Jumping World Cup season, which runs from September through April. All Championships are conducted under FEI rules. For more information on the USET Regional Show Jumping Championship, please call (908) 234-1251 or online at www.uset.org.