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WELLINGTON, FL - APRIL 8, 2001 - Schuyler Riley of Wellington captured top
honors in the $300,000 AGA Championship, the richest event in U.S. show
jumping history, Sunday at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.
Riley out-dueled seven others in the jump-off, finishing with the only
double-clear round aboard Ilian, an 11-year-old Dutch-bred bay gelding. The
29-year-old earned $90,000 for first place and, in a six-day span in the
sport's two richest shows, took home $116,000.
"Ilian is a superstar horse," said Riley after her eighth career major grand
prix victory. "He's quite sensitive, with a lot of character. When we're on,
he's a real threat out there."
Jeffrey Welles of Pound Ridge, New York, aboard Riviera, finished second with
four faults and a time of 47.059 seconds over the nine-obstacle jump-off
course. Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, Florida, riding Oh Star, placed third
with four faults and a time of 47.590 seconds. Seven-time AGA Rider of the
Year Margie Goldstein-Engle of Wellington, aboard Hidden Creek's Laurel,
finished fourth, with four faults in 50.45 seconds. All three knocked down
the next-to-last obstacle.
Defending champion Alison Firestone of Upperville, Virginia, riding Royal
Future, finished eighth, failing to become only the third rider to win
consecutive AGA Championship classes.
FROM THE 2001 COSEQUINâ
WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL
Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club
14440 Pierson Road
Wellington, Florida 33414
Contact: Caren Hunter / YA Teitelbaum / Marty Bauman (561) 793-5867
