East Dorset, VT - July 23, 2004 - Despite the rain, owner Shaine Brooks of West Sand Lake, NY had plenty to cheer about when her horse, appropriately named Summer Storm, jumped to victory in the $10,000 Mini Prix at the Manchester Classic at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.

Teamed with rider Amy Momrow of Loudonville, NY, the 7 year-old chestnut gelding Summer Storm ignored the weather to win the jump-off. During last week's Manchester Summer Festival, Summer Storm finished fifth in the Mini Prix, and 12th in the $35,000 Grand Prix sponsored by Orvis.

Close behind in second place was Danielle Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL on Cavalieri, owned by Sir Ruly, Inc. Torano was the champion in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic last week at the Manchester Summer Festival. U.S. Equestrian Team veteran Andrew Philbrick of Princeton, NJ rode his own horse, Lukas, to take the yellow ribbon for third.

Fourth place went to Canadian Harold Chopping aboard Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Stewart's Shadwell. Now living in Hampton Falls, NH, Chopping has frequently ridden for the Canadian Equestrian Team. A longtime Grand Prix competitor, Chopping helped the Canadian Equestrian Team win the 2004 $50,000 CN Samsung Nations Cup at the Cosequin Finale CSIO. He was one of only two riders to put in two clear rounds at the Nations Cup, thus helping secure the championship for the Canadian squad.

Michel Vaillancourt of Schomberg, Ontario, the 1976 Olympic Show Jumping individual silver medalist, designed today's jumper courses. Over the past several years, Vaillancourt has designed numerous courses throughout North America including the Gulf Coast Winter Series, Ocala Masters, Showpark Summer Festival, and King Shavings U.S. Grand Prix League Finals.

In equitation action, Kendall Bate of Wellington, FL won the USEF Medal on Keystone. Megan Young and Ilex, owned by Whitney Kufe, galloped off with the BET/USET Show Jumping Talent Search class, the ASPCA Maclay, and the WIHS Hunter Phase. The WIHS Jumper Phase and overall title went to Maggie McAlary riding Caitlin Venezia's Editorial.

The Manchester Classic is the second show of the five-week Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. The Vermont Summer Festival is New England's largest "AA" rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit and runs from July 14 to August 15. This year's series includes five $35,000 Grand Prix and five $10,000 Mini Prix. Each of the five weeks will also feature a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

For many riders, the pinnacles of the show series are the three prestigious classes that take place every Sunday at the show. The $35,000 Grand Prix, the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, and the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic showcase the best American and international riders competing over challenging jumping courses.

The first week's champion in the $35,000 Manchester Summer Festival Grand Prix sponsored by Orvis, Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, plans to try to defend his title this Sunday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. One of his toughest competitors will be his wife Danielle, who placed second today in the $10,000 Mini Prix.

While not watching the exciting jumping action, spectators will enjoy visiting the Festival's trade fair that contains interesting boutiques and gift shops. Families will enjoy the ambiance of the show grounds, as there will be over 1,000 horses and ponies to observe.

Admission to the Vermont Summer Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children. For further information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 362-7548 or go to http://www.vt-summerfestival.com/.

Photo Credit: Flashpoint Photography© 2004