WELLINGTON, Fla., Nov. 29--The Palm
Beach Steeplechase was declared a
huge success by spectators, owners,
jockeys and officials in its
inaugural running at the Palm Beach
International Equestrian Center
Saturday.
In almost perfect South Florida
weather of clear blue skies and
temperatures of almost 80 degrees, a
crowd estimated at close to 4,000
celebrated the beginning of the
winter equestrian circuit.
In addition to five races with total
prize money of $180,000 and
sanctioned by the National
Steeplechase Association, the event
featured sky divers landing in the
infield with a 1,000-square-foot
American flag, terrier races, a
children's fair, the release of
three dozen doves, gourmet food by
Equestrian Club by Tavern on the
Green, a wine festival and beer
tent.
Padge Whelan, the 30-year-old
English jockey who rode Guelph to
win the feature race, the $75,000
Palm Beach Hurdle Stakes, said the
event was a tremendous finale to the
steeplechase circuit.
Trainer Thomas Voss, who fell one
victory short of becoming the NSA
trainer of the year, said he was
"amazed by the fanastic job to
prepare for this day."
The event was staged by Equestrian
Sport Productions that manages
operations at PBIEC, including top
jumper, hunter and dressage shows.
The course that had been created at
The Stadium was the same facility
where Prince Charles played polo
watched by his wife, Princess Diana,
two decades ago.
The Palm Beach crowd that watched
that game flocked to the
steeplechase along with thousands of
spectators who packed the infield to
party from tailgates as well as pack
the Terraces, the Turf Club and The
Players Club overlooking the finish
line. The 2 1/4/-mile races were
close to three circles of the
course, jumping a total of 11
hurdles.
In addition to drawing many
spectators who said they had never
before watched an equestrian event,
U.S. equestrian team jumper riders
Lauren Hough, Kent Farrington and
Charlie Jayne watched the races. So,
too, did several U.S. dressage
riders including Danish Olympian
Lars Petersen and visiting Danish
Olympic bronze medal team coach
Rudolf Zeilinger.
Padge Whelan riding Guelph to
victory in the $75,000 Palm Beach
Hurdle Stakes at the Palm Beach
Steeplechase in Wellington Saturday.
Photo: Ken Braddick-HorseSport USA
Crowd streaming across the Palm
Beach Steeplechase track at The
Stadium at Palm Beach International
Equestrian Center Saturday. Photo:
Ken Braddick-HorseSport USA
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PBIEC INFORMATION
& TICKETS: 561/793-5867 or
www.equestriansport.com
DIRECTIONS: From the Florida
Turnpike south, take Exit #93, Lake
Worth Blvd., and travel west,
crossing over US 441. Travel five
miles to South Shore Blvd., turn
right on South Shore and proceed one
mile to Pierson Road.
From Interstate I-95, take Exit #49.
Travel west on Forest Hills Blvd. 11
miles to South Shore Blvd. Turn left
on South Shore and follow to Pierson
Road.
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