Lexington, Ky. - Despite being only seven years old, the talented Oldenburg mare Elfenfeuer carried owner/rider Alice Tarjan of Frenchtown, N.J. (Region 8) to victory in the Grand Prix Adult Amateur Championship with 68.133% "We still have a lot to learn, but I think this level suits her and she's a good girl and tries hard," said Tarjan. "I haven't been here at the Horse Park since coming for a Pony Club event about 20 years ago, and it's absolutely gorgeous. These Finals are such a big event, and it's exciting and inspiring to be here." Janne Rumbough's gray PRE gelding Junior (by Gaucho III x La Nina by Brioso VI) literally bucked for joy during the victory lap in celebration of his Reserve Championship honors after earning a score of 65.000%. Rumbough returned to the Finals from Palm Beach, Fla. (Region 3) after earning the same title last year. "I had a wonderful time in there. I've brought him through every level, and he's proof that the test system works," she said of her longtime partner. "I thought he was even better than last year, and I'm just happy and feel lucky to be here. "

A huge crowd gathered at the Alltech Arena for a "Taste of the Bluegrass" dinner and evening festivities including opening ceremonies and special presentations followed by Grand Prix championship competition. Topping 20 other competitors for the nation's top honors in the Open division, Diamante Farm's black Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny lived up to his name as he carried Wellington, Fla.'s Devon Kane (Region 3) to victory with an impressive score of 72.000%. "It's very exciting, especially since I didn't even expect to come here," explained Kane. "But after we won at Regionals we said, 'why not'. It's a wonderful opportunity to ride with great competition and fantastic judges in a tremendous venue, and it's really fun to see everyone from all over the country. We had a great ride and he was so 'on' tonight." Last year's Intermediate I Open Champions Emily Miles (La Cygne, Kan., Region 4) and her American Warmblood stallion WakeUp (Wagnis x Maiden Montreal by Macho) successfully made the jump up to the Grand Prix level, earning Reserve Championship honors on a score of 69.067%. "This is just our fifth Grand Prix test together, and I couldn't be happier with him," said Miles of her partner. "He handled the electric atmosphere like it was no problem - he was just a rock star through the whole thing, so solid and easy."