Olivia Sacks Claims the Charles Owen Children's Medal

WORCESTER, MA (September 19, 2003)--Olivia Sacks of New York, New York, claimed top honors in the Charles Owen Children's Medal Finals at the Marshall & Sterling League National Indoor Finals. Hundreds of Marshall & Sterling League members competed all year long to earn points to qualify for a place at the Finals. A total of 61 riders were invited to compete at Worcester's Centrum Centre-the League's new indoor venue in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Olivia Sacks was the first rider to enter the ring for the competition. Interestingly, after all 60 successive riders had taken their turns in the ring, her first round score of 82.67 remained undefeated. In the second round, Olivia received an 86, for an overall score of 84.34 and the win. Olivia rode Jameson, owned by Dorothy Burke of Old Brookville, New York. She trains with Molly Flaherty of Arcadia Farm, Yorktown Heights, New York.

Sara Green of Sherborn, Massachusetts, had a first round score of 81.67. That score, combined with her second round score of 86 gave her a final score of 83.34. Sara rode her own large pony, Wishful Thinking. She trains with David Oliynyk of Sherborn, Massachusetts.

Matt Matell of North Falmouth, Massachusetts, finished in third place with a final score of 82.67. He trains with Kathryn Fletcher of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Matt rode his own horse, Tops, in the competition.

The competition was judged by a panel of three officials; George L. Wallace of Raleigh, North Carolina; Jeff W. Wirthman of Island Lake, Illinois; and Randolf C. Mullins, of Collierville, Tennessee.

Charles Owen, founded in London, England in 1911, is a leading manufacturer of ASTM/SEI certified riding helmets. The company offers the ultimate helmet for the safety conscious rider, with standards that not only meet U.S. requirements, but also pass rigorous British and European criteria. Charles Owen helmets are available in a range of such well-known styles as the Hampton, John Whitaker, and the Showjumper.

For a full listing of the day's results please visit http://www.hitsshows.com/resultssummer-03.html

Friday's competition at the Marshall & Sterling League National Indoor Finals will include:

7 AM - 5:30 PM (approximately)
$3,000 Junior Working Hunter
$3,000 Amateur-Owner Working Hunter
$1,500 Adult Amateur Working Hunter
$1,500 Children's Working Hunter - Horses
$2,500 Children's Working Hunter Stake - Horses
- Children's Working Hunter - Horses Championship Presentation
$1,500 Children's Working Hunter - Ponies
$2,500 Children's Working Hunter Stake - Ponies
- Children's Working Hunter - Ponies Championship Sponsored by Eileen McNamara & Holly Hill Farm
$1,000 Junior Working Hunter Under Saddle
$1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Under Saddle

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (approximately)
$10,000 Child Jumper Classic, Time First Jump-Off
$5,000 Low Jr./A-O Jumper, Time First Round
- Entertainment - "One Arm Bandit" & "K-9's in Flight"
- Stateline Tack Barn Night
$15,000 Open Jumper, Time First Jump-Off

For more information visit http://www.hitsshows.com/marshallsterling