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Jessica Heidemann, 24, of Bellingham, WA, captured the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) at Galway Downs, CA, today on her 14 year-old Thoroughbred X gelding, French Twist, with a score of 58.4. Heidemann took over the lead after the overnight leader, Lauren Whitlock, 20, Rohnert Park, CA and her 12 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Kipling (Cutless Reality) lowered the oxer at fence 7 to drop to second place on 60.1 penalties. Sara Mittleider, 19, Kuna, ID, with the 10 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, El Pimero (Dr. Dan Eyes-Classic Allure) moved up from fourth place overnight to finish third on 76.7 penalties despite having two rails down today. (Jessica and French Twist are pictured at the left below in the Show Jumping Phase at North Georgia, in 2004.)

“I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest,” said Heidemann. “I’m so happy, the horse deserves it so much, he’s an amazing horse. He gives me so much confidence.” Heidemann collected a check for $4,300 and a surprise travel package from the Schultz family to stay in Germany on her way to the FEI World Cup Final in August. “This is amazing,” said Heidemann, “It really makes it [going to Sweden] doable because I don’t have a sponsor.”

Whitlock was a little disappointed after her round. “I felt pretty relaxed before I went in but then I got nervous.” She said. Whitlock was riding in the saddle she won last year when she headed the USEA Gold Cup Series. Her second place this year earned her more points today in the Series as well as a check for $2,760, and a leather halter donated by Performance Horse Supply.

The CIC** was won by 16 year-old Tiana Coudray, a High School student from Ojai, CA, on her own and Jatiel, Inc.’s 10 year-old, Irish Sport Horse gelding, King Street following a double clear round to finish on 60.6 penalties which promoted her from 4th place overnight. “I was a bit stressed coming into this,” she said. “I didn’t think he would jump so well today, but he did. I’m just so blessed with a really great horse.” They took home a check for $1,000 from the division sponsors, California Horsetrader.

In second place on a score of 63.3 penalties was Debbie Rosen, 44, Calabasas, CA and the 12 year-old Bayern bred gelding, Quito 10. They held on to her runner-up position despite lowering two rails. “I’m really happy with him, everything went great,” she said. Rosen won $360 and a Performance Horse Supply leather halter.

US team rider, Gina Miles, 31, Creston, CA, moved up into third place on the 7 year-old gray German bred mare, Phillipa, (Leandro) owned by Laura Coates, after a double clear round. “I’m so pleased with how she hanlded all of it,” said Miles who collected a check for $280 and Toklat Saddle Pad.

The top three overnight leaders in the CIC* division all went clear in the show jumping to retain their placings. Kelly Pugh, Tre Pinos, CA, and her 10 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, For Kicks, (Wacky Bob) made the Jose Nava’s course look easy and completed on a score of 45.7. She took home a check for $330 as well as an engraved silver presentation tray and gift certificate kindly donated by the division sponsor, Mary’s Tack & Feed (www.marystack.com <http://www.marystack.com/> ). In second place was Canadian rider, Therese Washtock, Summerland, BC, aboard Charles Fipke’s 8 year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Haida’s Fancy Package (Haida’s Fancy Lena-Ms. Hickory Glo) with 46.8 penalties. They won a check for $250 and a leather halter presented by Performance Horse Supply. Alexandra Caspary, Hidden Hills, CA, who was second in the Galway Downs Open Preliminary in 2004 with the 12 year-old Westfalian gelding, Maletto V, (Monsieur-Perisa), finished the three days with a score of 47.1 penalties to earn $170 and a Toklat Saddle Pad (www.toklat.com <http://www.toklat.com/> ). The first international class of the day to complete their show jumping, the CIC* saw 13 of the 23 starters go clear.

Full results are posted on the web site at www.galwaydowns.com <http://www.galwaydowns.com/> .

For more information, please contact Chris Stafford, Press Officer at chris@necomms.com or (859) 552-5705.

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2005

WHITLOCK TAKES OVER LEAD IN FEI WORLD CUP QUALIFIER AT GALWAY DOWNS

Lauren Whitlock from Rohnert Park, CA, riding her own 12 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Kipling (Cutless Reality) took over the lead on a score of 55.1 after the cross-country phase of the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***) at Galway Downs, Temecula, CA today.

They cannot afford to lower a rail in the final show jumping phase tomorrow as Jessica Heidemann of Bellingham, WA aboard the 14 year-old Thoroughbred X gelding, French Twist, are right on their tail with a score of 56.4 penalties.

Both Whitlock and Heidemann were tied for 5th place following the dressage; but, were promoted after clear rounds; the only two of 15 starters to finish inside the optimum time of 6 minutes and 50 seconds over Mike Etherington-Smith’s 25-fence course. Conditions were perfect in warm weather and an easy breeze as the 18 riders tackled the course, watched by an appreciative crowd in the Temecula Valley.

Whitlock, 20, a psychology major at Sonoma State, finished 5th in the 2004 FEI World Cup Qualifier and regards Galway Downs as her favorite place to ride. "I always have the best ride here," she said after her round, “the course rode really well.” In 2004, Whitlock won the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Gold Cup Advanced Series so she has got off to a great start if she can hold on to her lead and collect the 200 points that are awarded to the winner of the FEI World Cup Qualifier.

Heidemann, 24, who finished 7th in the Chatsworth, GA, CIC*** in 2004, has had ‘Frenchie’ for seven years so she knows him well. “He’s such an honest horse,” she said. “He gets very excited if you try and dictate between the fences; but, he usually makes the time.” She had a scary moment at the bounce out of the water at Rolex, Kentucky Three Day Event in 2004 and wasn’t sure how ‘Frenchie’ would react today but there were no such nervous moments here. “He’s such a game cross-country horse.” she added. (Jessica and French Twist are pictured at the right jumping the fence in the water at North Georgia (Chatsworth), in 2004.)

The overnight leader, Kristin Bachman, Redmond, WA, and her 11 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Gryffindor (Country Light-Lani Molly) added 10 time penalties to move down to third place on a score of 61.2 after ‘Griffin’ came out of the box a little strong but then…”He was right on when I let him gallop. I was very pleased with him, especially since it’s his first outing of the season.” she commented. Despite losing her grip on the lead Bachman is optimistic of making it up in the show jumping. “It’s a matter of me keeping my head. I’m a really competitive person. If I get aggressive, I psyche myself out. I need to take the pressure off and remember to have fun.”

Shannon Lilley, 25, from Gilroy, CA, nudged ahead in the CIC** division by virtue of a clear jumping performance, albeit collecting 4.4 time penalties to finish on a score of 54.1aboard her 12 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, High Mountain Road. “It was fabulous,” she exclaimed. “I didn’t worry about anything. He finds the fences so well. He was a little stronger today than he has been for a while but then he settled down.” Winners of the Galway Downs CCI*, in 2004, they are in a strong position ahead of Debbie Rosen and her German bred gelding, Quito 10, (Quick Dancer-Shiva) going in to the show jumping phase.

Rosen, Calabasas, CA also added time penalties to end the day on 55.3 in second place just ahead of Kristen Enedy, Santa Rosa, CA, and her 12 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Rouge et Noir. Enedy, who finished third in the Galway Downs CCI* last fall completed the dressage yesterday on a score of 59.1 to keep her out of the top ten before starting the cross-country. A clear round inside the time promoted her to third place, less than one fence behind Rosen.

The overnight leader board in the CIC* division stayed the same after the cross-country phase. Kelly Pugh, Tres Pino, CA, riding her 10 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, For Kicks, (Wacky Bob) maintained her overnight lead finishing clear and well inside the optimum time of 6 minutes, 43 seconds with a score of 45.7. In second place from 29 starters today is Canadian rider, Therese Washtock, Summerland, BC, who also completed on her dressage score of 46.8, with Charles Fipke’s 8 year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Haida’s Fancy Package (Haida’s Fancy Lena-Ms. Hickory Glo). Washtock was a member of the Canadian Olympic team in Atlanta. Currently lying in third place is Alexandra Caspary aboard the 12 year-old Westfalian gelding, Maletto V (Monsieur-Perisa) on his dressage score of 47.1.

The show jumping concludes the international classes tomorrow with riders in both the CIC*** and CIC** earning points in the USEA Gold Cup Series.

Full results are posted on the web site at www.galwaydowns.com <http://www.galwaydowns.com/> .

NOTES FOR READERS:

· Horses names in parenthesis denote the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the competing horse.

· The FEI (International Equestrian Federation) World Cup event is a series of qualifying competitions, which take place around the world; four of which are held in the USA. This year’s final will be held in Malmo, Sweden, August 11-14th.

· The United States Eventing Association (USEA) Gold Cup Series is based on a cumulative points structure. Competitors are awarded points for various overall placings as well as other competitive accomplishments during each Gold Cup event. This structure is designed to add additional excitement to championship contention throughout the year.

· In 2004 seven of the top events in the U.S. signed on to offer Gold Cup divisions. The four on the East started in Florida in March and headed up the coast to end in Massachusetts in August. The three premier events in the West, scattered from the beginning of spring through mid-summer, were pivotal in the year-end standings with California-based rider Lauren Whitlock securing the title of 2004 USEA Gold Cup Series Champion at the advanced level.

For more information, please contact Chris Stafford, Press Officer at chris@necomms.com or (859) 552-5705.

For directions to Galway Downs and accommodation, please visit the website at www.galwaydowns.com <http://www.galwaydowns.com/>

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
April 1, 2005

BACHMAN HEADS FEI WORLD CUP QUALIFIER AFTER DRESSAGE PHASE AT GALWAY DOWNS

Kristin Bachman, made the long drive from Redmond, Washington State, to Temecula, California worthwhile when she took the lead after the dressage phase in the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***) at Galway Downs International Horse Trials on Friday, April 1st. A score of 51.2 on her 11 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Griffyndor (Country Light-Lani Molly) was just enough to edge out local rider, Jil Walton, Claremont, CA aboard Truly Triton (With Approval) who share second place with Stephanie Cooper and Kaelen on a score of 52.2.

Riding in her third CIC competition, Bachman was delighted to have got off to a good start in the windy conditions with her 11 year-old ex-racehorse who was having his first run of the season. “He was very rideable in there today,” she said of Griffin as he is known in the barn. “He’s a workman,” she added, “He can put in a steady, consistent test.”

Former Olympian, Walton, who co-owns Truly Triton with Lisa Jane McNaughton of Woodside, CA, said he has had a tough preparation this spring due to the wet weather. “I’ve been on his case because he’s been a bit dull….but he was very good all the way through and I was happy that he got sparked up.” she said.

Cooper, 33, who won the CCI** at Galway Downs in 2004 is riding in her first FEI World Cup Qualifier with her 11 year-old ex-racehorse, Kaelen (Polynesian Flyer-Definitely Sure). “He was pretty tense; but, he held it together,.” she said of her ride today. The dental assistant from Hobart, WA, who is riding in only her third Advanced event added: “I don’t have huge expectations, I just want to get round.”

Three riders tied for first place in the CIC** division on a score of 49.7 penalties. Winners of the Galway Downs Open Intermediate division in February this year, Debbie Rosen, Calabasas, CA, aboard her 12 year-old German bred gelding, Quinto 10 (Quick Dancer-Shiva); Shannon Lilley, Gilroy, CA, with her own 10 year-old thoroughbred gelding, High Mountain Road (winner) of the Galway Downs CCI* last November; and Jennifer Taxay, Agua Dulce, CA, riding her 13 year-old Canadian Sport Horse, Indego, (Iris de Noire Dame-Classy Barbara), who finished second behind Lilley in the Galway Downs CCI* last November with Jil Walton aboard, head a field of 27 riders.

“I was really pleased with the way the horse went. He really came to the party today,” said Taxay who is trained by Olympians David & Karen O’Connor and Jil Walton. She was clearly thrilled with her result today. “I’m very lucky to be in that company”, she added, “I think the world of Debbie [Rosen].

Kelly Pugh, Tres Pino, CA, riding her 10 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, For Kicks (Wacky Bob) heads the CIC* division of 30 entries following her dressage test on a score of 45.7. She is followed close behind by Canadian, Theresa Washtock, aboard Charles Fipke’s 8 year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Haida’s Fancy Package (Haida’s Fancy Lena-Ms. Hickory Glo) on 46.8 penalties. Less than a penalty score separate Theresa from third place rider, Alexandra Caspary, who is riding his 12 year-old Westfalian gelding, Maletto V, (Monsieur-Perisa) on a score of 57.1. Caspary won the Open Preliminary division here in February.

In high winds and warm temperatures, 12 divisions from Novice to International level account for over 300 entries that completed the dressage phase today. With the cross-country course being watered to keep the dust down in the sandy loam of the Temecula Valley, Course Designer, Mike Etherington-Smith, is optimistic about the footing for tomorrow. “I’m very confident that Bert Wood will ensure that the footing will be in excellent condition. After all the dreadful weather this spring, it’s been a challenge for the organizers and builders to get the course in shape.” said Etherington-Smith.

Riders were full of praise for the organization and the difficulties that they overcame with the weather in preparing the course. “It’s amazing what they’ve done for the course, it’s a huge amount of effort” said Walton.

NOTES FOR READERS:

· Horses names in parenthesis denote the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the competing horse.

· The FEI (International Equestrian Federation) World Cup event is a series of qualifying competitions, which take place around the world; four of which are held in the USA. This year’s final will be held in Malmo, Sweden, August 11-14th.

· The United States Eventing Association (USEA) Gold Cup Series is based on a cumulative points structure. Competitors are awarded points for various overall placings as well as other competitive accomplishments during each Gold Cup event. This structure is designed to add additional excitement to championship contention throughout the year.

· In 2004 seven of the top events in the U.S. signed on to offer Gold Cup divisions. The four on the East started in Florida in March and headed up the coast to end in Massachusetts in August. The three premier events in the West, scattered from the beginning of spring through mid-summer, were pivotal in the year-end standings with California-based rider Lauren Whitlock securing the title of 2004 USEA Gold Cup Series Champion at the advanced level.

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