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Articles: Press Release
Leslie Howard and Nick Of Diamonds
Win Washington International Horse Show General Star Gambler’s Choice for
Second Year in a Row
Contact:
Gina dePasquale
202-661-5227
gina@wihs.org
www.wihs.org
Washington, DC – Leslie Howard and Nick of Diamonds, a 10 year old
Swedish/Irish horse, won the General Star Gambler’s Choice this evening for
the second year in a row, followed by McLain Ward and Canada’s Jill
Henselwood.
In this competition where the jumps carry point values according to their
difficulty, riders have 60 seconds to jump a course that they determine
themselves. Riders may then attempt an optional “joker” fence worth
additional points if cleared.
Howard navigated a tight, thoughtful course to finish on top with a score of
1480 points. “My game plan was not that extensive. We basically just devised
a fast course, and he’s so agile, careful, and fast that the rest just took
care of itself. It’s really easy for him to maneuver – he’s only 15.3, so he
has that working for him too,” stated Howard.
McLain Ward aboard Viktor finished second, 70 points behind Howard. He
expressed, “I had my game plan in mind, and it went well for the most part.
Unfortunately at the end, I made a bit of a mistake and lost some points. It
’s always a nice feeling to represent your country, but now more then ever.
Our country has certainly banded together, and it is nice that we have such
a great American team to begin with…it makes us all feel very united.”
Howard and Nick of Diamonds thrilled the crowds with full-speed victory
gallop following the award presentation.
The top ten finishers of the General Star Gambler’s Choice are as
follows:
- Leslie Howard Nick of Diamonds
- McLain Ward Viktor
- Jill Henselwood (CAN) Same Old Song
- Kimberly Frey Samoens
- Laura Kraut Allegiance
- Capt. Gerry Flynn (IRE) Rincoola Abu
- Laura Linback Vendome D’Uriat
- Aaron Vale Prinsipal
- Schuyler C. Riley Carolus H
- Cian O’Connor (IRE) Evening Herlad Green Gard
Take Metro to the 43rd Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS)
October 23 – 28, 2001 at the MCI Center in downtown Washington, DC. A
non-profit organization, the WIHS donates all proceeds to local and national
charities each year. Tickets may be purchased through TicketMaster at
202-432-SEAT.
For more information, visit www.wihs.org.
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