Wellington, FL - April 1, 2016 - As the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) comes to a close, so too will the twelve-week Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Series. One of the biggest supporters of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Suncast® is now in its eighth year of sponsorship. Suncast® presents the 1.50m Championship Jumper Series, always an exciting and competitive division throughout the winter season. In 2016, the series offered a total purse of $699,000 with 10 FEI world ranking classes.

Suncast® was also the title sponsor of week seven competition, featuring the $380,000 Suncast® Grand Prix CSI 5*, which saw an incredible win for McLain Ward (USA) aboard Double H Farm and Francois Mathy's HH Azur.

"Suncast® is excited to continue our long standing sponsorship of the 1.50m championship series as well as various other Grand Prix events during the winter circuit," said Suncast® President and CEO Tom Tisbo. "The hard work and dedication that the rider athletes, and their supporting teams, exhibit to continually raise the level of competition is truly amazing and it is rewarding to know that while we use these opportunities to build awareness of the Suncast® brand, we are helping to grow this wonderful sport. These are the same attributes that I see daily in the 1,600 Suncast® associates that work tirelessly to ensure that each Suncast® product exceeds the expectations of our consumers."

Suncast® will again present the the leading rider of the 1.50m Series a fantastic prize - a pre-paid one-year lease on a beautiful new 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport, as well as a SOVARO® Cooler.

Tisbo added, "We feel that this prize created additional excitement and enthusiasm among the participating riders in 2015 and elevated the prestige of the 1.50m class. By offering the Land Rover Discovery Sport, we are again taking the 1.50m class to another level and creating more interest in the series concept," Tisbo stated.
 
During WEF 12, the Land Rover Discovery Sport will be on display at the Spectator Entrance of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and will be on course in the International Arena during the $130,000 Suncast® 1.50m Classic Final Jump-Off, presented by SOVARO® . The jump-off will be held on Saturday evening, April 2, 2016, which is when the Land Rover Discovery Sport will be awarded to the series' leading rider.

Suncast® Corporation is a market leader in quality resin home products. Designing, developing and manufacturing over 15 million products annually, Suncast® has produced home and outdoor storage products in the United States since being founded in 1984. Suncast® offers resin sheds, deck boxes, hose reels, garage storage and patio accessories, all sold through retailers worldwide. Learn more at www.suncast.com.

Suncast Commercial® is leading the way in the creation of durable, high quality products for the commercial space. Listening to voice of the customer is the starting point for Suncast Commercial® products. Dissecting the wants and needs of those closest to the situation and adding innovation to the solution produces a superior product. Suncast Commercial® product range covers material handling, waste management, storage, and seating solutions. Suncast Commercial® products are available globally through distributors and retailers. Visit www.suncastcommercial.com to learn more.

SOVARO®, where style and sophistication meet durability and performance, offers a line of luxury coolers with a full suite of features including a thick layer of renewable cork insulation and an interior height of 13.5" keeping your bottle of choice upright and chilled to perfection. Equipped with a full extension handle and two luggage-style wheels, SOVARO® offers on-the-go convenience.

"Over the years, Suncast® has been a major supporter of equestrian events throughout the country. With our newest brand, aligning with events like WEF and partners like Land Rover allow us to introduce SOVARO'S® luxury coolers to our target audience," Tisbo stated. "Drawing inspiration from international fashion and state-of-the-art technology, SOVARO® embodies sleek, elegant aesthetics and thoughtful, intuitive design. Their mission is to raise the bar with innovative and purposeful products built for wherever life takes you."

The 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival has seen an eclectic mix of winners in the 1.50m series this year, with riders from seven different nations taking top honors in the first 11 classes. Everyone at Suncast® cannot wait to see who will take top honors in the twelfth and final event and who will earn the coveted leading rider award.

2016 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Winners:
1. $25,000 - Alberto Michan (MEX) and Ilan Ferder's Warrant
2. $35,000 - Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) with Windward Farm & Jessica Siuda's Unbelievable 5
3. $35,000 - McLain Ward (USA) and Double H Farm's HH Carlos Z
4. $35,000 - Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and The Blue Buckle Group's Buckle Up
5. $86,000 - Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Stone Hill Farm's Davendy S
6. $35,000 - Ignacio Maurin (ARG) with Stransky's Mission Farms' Unico
7. $86,000 - Richard Spooner (USA) and Little Valley Farm's Chivas Z
8. $25,000 - Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) with Stephex Stables and T&L NV's Halifax van het Kluizebos
9. $86,000 - Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Artisan Farms and Torrey Pines Stable's Rosana du Park
10. $35,000 - Kent Farrington (USA) and RCG Farm's Creedance
11. $86,000 - Kent Farrington (USA) with his own and Robin Parsky's Gazelle

2016 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Leading Rider Standings
1. Shane Sweetnam (IRL): 368
2. Eric Lamaze (CAN): 338
3. Kent Farrington (USA): 332
4. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER): 324
5. Lorenzo de Luca (ITA): 300
6. Laura Kraut (USA): 231
7. Darragh Kenny (IRL): 205
8. Abdel Said (EGY): 204
9. McLain Ward (USA): 203
10. Richard Spooner (USA): 201