Garofolo Wins $50,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup

Gladstone, NJ—February 4, 2003—Judy Garofolo of Dover Plains, NY, rode Higher Ground Farm’s Oliver III to the win in the $50,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup, February 2, at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL. A crowd of more than 6,000 spectators gathered at the show grounds on Grand Prix Sunday for the USET Show Jumping Grand Prix.

Frank Rothenberger of Germany set a difficult 15-obstacle first-round course for the starting field of 35 horse-and-rider combinations. Only four riders went clear in the first round to qualify for the jump-off.

Garofolo was first in the ring for the jump-off, posting a clear round in a time of 40.21 seconds. None of the remaining three competitors could top her performance and her lead held throughout the class. Lauren Hough, winner of the Grand Prix the first week of the Festival aboard Windy City, took second place honors aboard her 2000 Sydney Olympic mount, Clasiko. Hough turned in a clear round in a time of 42.55 seconds. “I am happy with the way both of my horses are jumping so far this winter. It is exciting to do well two Sundays in a row,” said Hough. Finishing in third place behind Garofolo and Hough was Candice King aboard Quintin.

For those who could not attend the $50,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup or for those who want to relive the day’s events, Outdoor Life Network (OLN) will air the event on Sunday, April 13, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. EDT. The coverage will be re-aired on Friday, April 18, 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