Elise Haas of Sausalito, CA, has topped off a big winter in Wellington, Florida. Early in the seasons she captured the $100,000 Mayor's Jewelers US Open Jumper Championship, the first World Cup qualifier of the 2000 Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival, at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL, February 28, 2000.

In an exciting show jumping performance that brought the crowd to its feet, the 20-year-old Haas, riding Mr. Blue, a 12-year-old Dutchbred, was one of nine qualifiers to advance to the tiebreaker round where she cleared the jump-off track fault-free in 32.73 seconds, taking home the blue ribbon and the $30,000 purse.

Haas's first grand prix victory of the season brought her great pleasure as she beat out many of the best that America has to offer: the entire 1996 Olympic Silver Medal Team, 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis, 5 time AGA Rider of the Year Margie Goldstein Engle, and her own coach, 3 time AGA Rider of the Year, Katie Monahan Prudent. Haas said, "Mr. Blue has got great scope and our timing was definitely on today. It feels great to win and with such strong competing contenders, I feel very proud."

With $100,000 in prize money, the Mayor's U.S. Open Jumper Championship is among the richest equestrian events in the country. A portion of proceeds from the event was donated to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.

"Our grand prix debut in Miami was very well received," noted Geoffrey Wight, Senior Director of Stadium Jumping, Inc. "Fan response was tremendous, and we look forward to returning to Miami again next year. In addition to the arena crowd, millions of viewers around the country will be able to watch the event which will be televised on the Fox Sports Network."

United States Equestrian Team young rider and winner of this year's U.S. Open Jumper Championship, Elise Haas of Sausalito, CA, rode Zypria to victory in the $25,000 Ariat Challenge Cup. Haas bested a field of 87 horse-and-rider combinations over the 14-obstacle course designed by Dave Ballard of Canada. The 20-year-old- Haas was one of only five to finish fault-free over the course and her time of 83.54 seconds, gave her the win over fellow Californian, Megan Johnstone of Orinda, CA, aboard Marco. Johnstone finished less than 3/10 of a second behind in 83.78 seconds. Third place went to Eric Lamaze riding Rapheal, who clocked in at 84.26 seconds.

Haas was also in the winner's circle aboard the 11 year-old Belgian Warmblood, Frisson Des Six Censes, in the $5,000 Cosequin Open Speed Challenge. She was one of only two fault-free rides over the course finishing in 79.51 seconds, defeating United States Equestrian Team veteran, Eric Hasbrouck of Bedford, NY, riding Freestyle, by 3/10 of a second. Hasbrouck finished second in 79.81 seconds, followed by Niccolo Marzichi-Lenzi of Middleburg, VA, aboard Juska, who clocked in with the fastest time at 76.99 seconds, but had four faults and had to settle for third place. Haas earned $1,500 for the victory while Hasbrouck received $1,000. Forty-Three horse-and-rider combinations were entered.

Related Links
Elise Haas Wins USET Athlete - January 2000
Elise Haas and Mr. Blue Win Showjumping Amsterdam