Lexington, KY — After jumping a clear round followed by a clear jump-off Friday, Olympian McLain Ward (Silver Team medal, Athens 2004) and Goldika 559 (Holstein, Cor de la Bryere – Zelena II) claimed a first place victory during the World Cup Show Jumping Qualifier at the CSI-W Lexington Grand Prix. Closely following in second place was Lauren Hough (Alternate, Athens 2004) on Casadora (Dutch Warmblood, Indoctro – Kadora) with four faults on the final jump off. In a three-way tie for third place, Georgina Bloomberg and Riviera (German bred), Kimberly Frey (2004 Super League Competitor) and Marlou (KWPN Dutch Warmblood, Jus de Pommes – Hippy), and Donald Cheska and November Rain (Australian Thoroughbred, Country Doctor – Tasha) all jumped clear rounds, but accumulated one fault each for time penalties.

After additional qualifiers, which run through March 2005, riders for the World Cup Show Jumping Finals in Las Vegas, April 2005, will be selected by point accumulations.

For more information, contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager at the United States Equestrian Federation, on (859) 225-6974 or by e-mail at [email protected]. All USEF press releases can be found on our website at www.usef.org.