HorsesDaily: USET - Showjumping: Ward's Streak Continues With Victory in Cosequin Grand Prix of Palm Beach

Ward's Streak Continues With Victory in Cosequin Grand Prix of Palm Beach

Wellingtton, FL-March 1, 1999
Budweiser/AGA Rider of the Year McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, continued his hot streak, winning his fourth major event in five weeks. Riding the 9-year-old Beneton, Ward defeated a field of 61 starters to capture the $75,000 Cosequin Grand Prix of Palm Beach CSI-W presented by Broward RV. The competition was held February 28 at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club during the fifth week of the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival.

"What I have is a great team," said the 23-year-old Ward after his 26th career victory. "I'm surrounded by the best in the business and that's what produces our consistency." Ward is the only rider to capture two grand prixes (the $50,000 Kilkenny-Redland Internationale Cup and the $75,000 Cosequin Grand Prix of Palm Beach) this year. He has also won two Challenge Cup events.

The previous week's winner, Peter Leone of Greenwich, CT, aboard Crown Royal Legato, finished second after knocking down the last fence in the jump-off. Leslie Howard of Westport, CT finished third aboard Clover Leaf.

U.S. Equestrian Team veteran Andre Dignelli of Bedford, NY, rode his mount, Truman, to victory in the $10,000 Cosequin Talent Stake. Dignelli was one of eight riders to advance to the tiebreaker round where he turned in a penalty- free jumping effort in 40.84 seconds. A member of the 1998 USET European Tour, Robin Sweely of Madison, VA, cleared the jump-off track in 44.21 seconds aboard Perales, followed by Todd Snell of St. Petersburg, FL, who finished in 48.29 up on Nicos.

In the $5,000 Cosequin Speed Stake, 1996 U.S. Olympic team Silver Medalist, Leslie Howard rode the temperamental Dutchbred gelding, Lenny, to victory. Despite heavy rain and muddy conditions, Howard was fault-free over the jumping course in 52.81 seconds, edging Peter Wylde of Dover Plains, NY, up on Macanudo Dior. Wylde finished a clear round in 56.45 seconds, followed by Debbie Stephens of Glenmore, PA, and Flic Flac 26.

Five-time Budweiser/AGA Rider of the Year, Margie Goldstein-Engle of Wellington, FL, won the $5,000 Cosequin Jump-Off. Goldstein-Engle bested a field of 24 starters, turning in the only double clear round with a jump-off time of 32.19 seconds. Ward finished in second place aboard Alegro, followed by Michael Dorman of Jamison, PA, and Azur.

Results $75,000 Cosequin Grand Prix of Palm Beach
Wellington, Florida - February 28, 1999
Course Designer: Dr. Arno Gego


Place/Horse		Rider		Faults-Time	Purse
1. Beneton		McLain Ward	0-0-42.55 	$22,500
2. Crown Royal Legato	Peter Leone	0-		$16,500
3. Clover Leaf 		Leslie Howard	0-4-40.80 	$11,000
4. Caras J 		Joe Fargis 	0-7-46.80	$7,500
5. Oh Star		Todd Minikus	0-elim.		$5,500
6. Gladyola 		Federico Sztyrle4-82.31 	$3,250
7. Playboy 		Todd Minikus 	4-83.08 	$2,000
8. Belladonna 		Katie Prudent 	4-85.64 	$1,750
9. Evita 		McLain Ward 	4-85.81 	$1,500
10. Mr. Blue 		Elise Haas 	4-86.96 	$1,250
11. Orfebre 		Debbie Stephens 4-87.08 	$1,125
12. Montrachet 		Elise Haas 	4-88.00 	$1,125