For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Hallie McEvoy - (802) 362-9023, VTHorseShows@aol.com
Photos Available Upon Request

Hunter Champions on the Second Day of The Manchester Classic in East Dorset, VT

East Dorset, VT—July 22, 2004 The second day of The Manchester Classic saw several championships awarded in the First Year Green Hunter, Second Year Green Hunter, Green Conformation Hunter, and Regular Working Hunter divisions. The Manchester Classic is the second show of the five-week Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT.

Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL rode Kendall Bate's horse Rising Sun to the First Year Green Hunter championship. The reserve in the division went to Reagan, piloted by Samantha Conroy and owned by Tracy Scheriff.

The Second Year Green Hunter championship was awarded to Mr. Wendell, owned by Lissa Bachner and ridden by Rachel Kennedy. J Adore owned by Bay Bridge Farm and jumped by Lanie Wimberly was declared the reserve champion.

The competitive Green Conformation Hunter division was won by Leighton Bay with Kate Conover in the irons. Quiet Hill Farm owns Leighton Bay. The reserve in this division went to Meg Leben riding Hidden Creek's Romeo, owned by Hidden Creek Farm.

Caitlin Venezia jumped Lucky Joe, owned by Horizon Hill Farm, to the Regular Working Hunter championship. The reserve was Neitzche, owned and ridden by Holly Shepherd.

The Vermont Summer Festival is New England's largest "AA" rated hunter/jumper horse show circuit and runs from July 14 to August 15. This year's series includes five $35,000 Grand Prix and five $10,000 Mini Prix. Each of the five weeks will also feature a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall Of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

For many riders, the pinnacles of the show series are the three prestigious classes that take place every Sunday at the show. The $35,000 Grand Prix, the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, and the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic showcase the best American and international riders competing over challenging jumping courses.

The first week's champion in the $35,000 Manchester Summer Festival Grand Prix sponsored by Orvis, Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, plans to try to defend his title this Sunday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. One of his toughest competitors will be his wife Danielle, an accomplished rider in her own right.

While not watching the exciting jumping action, spectators will enjoy visiting the Festival's trade fair that contains interesting boutiques and gift shops. Families will enjoy the ambiance of the show grounds, as there will be over 1,000 horses and ponies to observe.

Admission to the Vermont Summer Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children. For further information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please call (802) 362-7548 or email ruth@vt-summerfestival.com.

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