TAMPA, FL - March 24, 2001 - US Equestrian Team Veteran, Megan Johnstone of Orinda, CA rode the 9 year-old Selle Frances/Belgian Cross Bred, Elfee, to victory in the $10,000 Tampa Bay Classic at the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival on Saturday. Johnstone was one of eight clear rounds out of a starting field of 75 to qualify for the sudden death jump off round and laid down the fastest time of 40.499 seconds. 2000 Olympian, Margie Engle of Wellington, FL finished just 1/10th of second behind Johnstone in 40.514 seconds aboard the 10 year old Holsteiner gelding, Hidden Creek's Jones. Third place went to Eric Lamaze of Canada up on Rosina, who finished in 40.701 seconds.

Action continues this week at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, Florida State Fairgrounds as horses and riders prepare for the 2001 $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational on March 31, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium, a no holds barred competition of 30 of the best equestrians in the world. For tickets call Ticketmaster or Stadium Jumping at 813-253-2782.

Florida State Fairgrounds / Bob Thomas Equestrian Center
I-4 and Orient Road
Tampa, Florida
Contact: Caren Hunter (813) 630-9669