Las Vegas, NV-January 27, 2003-It's a sure bet that equestrians vying for the Budweiser World Cup 2003 will be jumping at the chance to win fame and fortune in one of the most prestigious international show jumping championships. The desert sands of Las Vegas will shine bright April 16-20 with the silver anniversary of the coveted FEI World Cup Final when some of the world's strongest competitors converge at the Thomas & Mack Center amidst the glitz and glitter of Las Vegas.

Qualified riders and their athletic mounts from the United States and around the world will compete against each other to win the World Cup championship by jumping extreme courses in record time without faults. Hands down, it will be the most exciting, heart-stopping entertainment that Las Vegas has ever spotlighted.

Riders from 12 leagues around the world will come to Las Vegas again this spring for the fifth World Cup to be held in the United States. The city hosted its first World Cup event in 2000 to rave reviews from competitors and spectators.

Three-time World Cup champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil is expected to return as he led the Western European League with 58 points midway through the season. Karen Cudmore and Melissa Brown have already clinched berths to ride for Canada. Leading the USA East Coast League is McLain Ward with 78 points, followed by former World Cup champion Norman Dello Joio with 67 points and Margie Goldstein-Engle with 59 points at the start of the Florida Circuit. Leading the USA West Coast League is Misti Cassar with 58 points, followed by Richard Spooner with 56 and Liz Denny with 52 points, entering the start of the Desert Circuit.

Amid Las Vegas's neon lights, theatrical shows, fine dining and gaming, the excitement of the Budweiser World Cup begins Wednesday, April 16, with a warm-up class prior to the first leg of the World Cup Final. On Thursday, April 17, opening ceremonies begin at 6:45 p.m., with competition at 7:00 p.m. when riders will go all out in this fast-paced speed class run under Table C specifications with faults converted into penalty seconds. Riders know that in order to have a chance at a top placing in the Final standings, they need to produce a slick, fast ride.

The second leg of the Final takes place the following evening, Friday, April 18 at 6:45 p.m. This leg features a lengthy and grueling first-round course followed by a jump-off round where competitors again show their mastery of the speed format.

Saturday, April 19, is a day off from World Cup competition, but not from top show jumping action as the prestigious Grand Prix of Las Vegas takes place after the 3:00 p.m. opening ceremonies. Some riders bring several horses to the Final and use a second horse in the Grand Prix that also includes World Cup horses not going in Sunday's final leg. Once again, spectators are in luck-they have a chance to watch a class filled with national and international stars of the exciting sport of show jumping.

Fierce competition and the grand finale take place on Sunday, April 20 beginning at 11:45 a.m. This is the final leg of the Budweiser World Cup, a challenging two-round class run under Table A with a jump-off if needed to break a tie for first place. The field of starters is winnowed down to only the top riders who are granted the privilege of returning for the second course. The rider with the fewest faults emerges as the new World Champion.

Started in 1979, the World Cup is recognized and revered as the top annual showdown for show jumping riders in the world. The United States, having won seven World Cup titles, has won more World Cup Championships than any other country. After the US, Austria has captured the most wins-four. Great Britain, Canada and Brazil each have won three titles in World Cup Final competition.

The Budweiser World Cup promises to be an exciting display of stamina, athleticism, speed and skill from each horse and rider. For the spectator, it takes nerves of steel and a ticket.

A variety of ticket packages for all price ranges and interest levels is now available for purchase. All-Session Plaza Level Priority seating is available for $300 per person. All-Session Balcony Level Priority seating is available for $150 per person. VIP Packages are available for $1,000 and include one premier All-Session seat, access to the private VIP hospitality area complete with complimentary deluxe food/beverage each day and preferred parking. Daily individual tickets for the five days of competition range from $10 to $85 depending on the seating and the session.

To order tickets or for more information on the excitement of the 2003 Budweiser World Cup Final, please visit www.worldcuplasvegas.com or call (702) 260-8605 or toll-free (866) 388-3267.