Las Vegas, Nev. April 22, 2000 - This year's World Cup clearly has an Old West theme. Entertainment during Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix included bull riding exhibitions and a buffalo riding exhibition that showed just how well a buffalo can perform flying changes of lead. But one of the most popular events was the barrel racing compeition. It was a special crowd favorite as several of the competitors were World Cup riders.

First to go among the World Cup riders was Rodrigo Pessoa, who looked quite out of place in a Western saddle and Western hat. He knocked over the first barrel and lost his hat on the run back from the third barrel. Mario Deslauriers' hat didn't even make it to the first barrel. But he kept all the barrels up and finished with a time of 18.14 -- the fastest among the World Cup riders. Germany's Ludgar Beerbaum was all smiles on his ride but took out the first barrel.

John Whittaker took the first barrel so wide the announcer told him he was "taking the scenic route." He finished with a time of 20.42. Ian Miller seemed to have the most fun. He whopped and hollered through his ride finishing with a time of 18.29.

Riders seem to be enjoying their stay in Vegas. But clearly not all are spending their free time in the casinos. When asked what he thought of Vegas' famous slot machines, Denmark's Thomas Velin said they were awfully loud. But he admitted he tried one. "I put in one dollar and got $30 back and that was enough for me."

Coverage for horsesdaily by Linndee Kemmet
Photo by Dirk Caremens

Horsesdaily World Cup Coverage
April 23 - Rodrigo Pessoa Makes World Cup History With Third Consecutive Win
April 21 - Tinka's Boy and Markus Fuch win Second Round
Finalists for the 2000 World Cup for Showjumping
Rodrigo Pessoa Wins 1999 World Cup for Show Jumping for the second time.
For World Cup photos visit the website of Dirk Caremens from Belgium
Results Posted
www.worldcup2000lasvegas.com