Washington, DC - October 24, 2003 - Friday afternoon’s feature competition, the $25,000 International Open Jumper class, sponsored by Split Rock Farm and the Braun family, took on a new level of importance in 2003. In the past, the Thursday afternoon President’s Cup Qualifier was the only chance for riders to qualify for the Saturday evening $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix. This year, however, the two highest-placing riders who did not make the top 20 in the Thursday qualifying class, would be able to compete.

Course designer Richard Jeffery constructed a tight course of 14 jumping efforts with 3 combinations. Only 8 of the 28 entries were able to navigate a first clear round, with Kevin Babington and Jeffery Welles the two riders hoping to place high enough to qualify for the President’s Cup Grand Prix.

Joe Fargis, riding Diams III, a 12 year-old Selle Francais mare owned by Mary B. Schwabb & OEJI Farms, was the first to post a double clear round, setting the time to beat at 32.85.

Irish entry Kevin Babington aboard Carling King, a 12 year old Selle Francais gelding owned by Kindle Hill Farm, was the next entry to successfully keep the rails in the cups and post a competitive time of 33.44 – putting him in place to possibly qualify for the President’s Cup.

Jeffrey Welles, riding Penelope, a 12 year-old Selle Francais mare owned by Susanne & Douglas Durst, posted the third double clear of the class and a time of 34.06 – also putting them in position for qualification for the President’s Cup.

The class would be decided by Aaron Vale riding My Fair Lady, an 8 year-old Selle Francais mare owned by Alison Register, taking the victory in with a double clear and unbeatable time of 32.22.

The top-5 finishers were:

• 1. Aaron Vale My Fair Lady 32.22
• 2. Joe Fargis Diams III 32.85
• 3. Norman Dello Joio Peace Train 33.20
• 4. Kevin Babington Carling King 33.44
• 5. Jeffery Welles Penelope 34.06