Eventing's first World Cup Finals will be held in Pau, France this October, and Galway Downs is hosting the only West Coast qualifying event for both United States riders, and riders from other national federations. Any American rider finishing in the top four of the CIC-W*** will receive an invitation to the inaugural World Cup Finals.

In addition, the March 28-30 Jaguar Select Edition World Cup Qualifier at Galway Downs will feature the new eventing format that will be used at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Riders will perform their dressage test on Friday, and on Saturday they will compete over a 38 obstacle cross country course. The significant format change is that there will be no roads and tracks, and no steeplechase. On Sunday morning the horses will undergo a veterinary inspection before competing in the final phase - show jumping. The Galway Downs event only has competitions for individual horses and riders. However, in the Olympics the team competition will follow the above format. Following the stadium jumping round, the top 25 individuals will jump another round to determine the individual medalists. The Jaguar Select Edition World Cup Qualifier at Galway Downs provides a great opportunity for eventing enthusiasts to observe the new format.

The event will truly have an international flair, befitting its CIC-W*** status with riders from Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, as well as the United States. Some of American's top eventing riders will be vying for an invitation to the World Cup Finals. World Equestrian Games riders Amy Tryon and Gina Miles will both be competing, as well as local talents Natalie Rooney and Jill Walton.

In addition to keen competition in the CIC*, CIC** and the CIC-W***, spectators can enjoy great food and fun events throughout the weekend. For more information, please contact Stephanie Diaz at (760) 212-2588 or e-mail her at mediaplan88@aol.com, or contact Marnye Langer at marnye@esportsinc.com.

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