For Immediate Release

Jennifer Ward for Starting Gate Communications

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Alan Korotkin Rockets to Victory in Vermont's $10,000 Mini Prix

East Dorset, VT — July 28, 2006 – Alan Korotkin of Wellington, Florida, and Rocketman made another trip the winner's circle at the Vermont Summer Festival, claiming the $10,000 Hickey Freeman/Bobby Jones Factory Store Mini Prix, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets. The five-week Vermont Summer Festival runs July 12 to August 13 in East Dorset, Vermont.

A total of 27 competitors attempted the track set by course designer Pierre Jolicoeur. When the original time of 78 seconds appeared a little tight, it was adjusted to 80 seconds, giving the competitors an additional two seconds to complete the course. Even with the increased time, only six managed to pass the first-round test to advance to the jump-off with Kent Farrington accounting for three of those entries, joined by Jimmy Torano, Kim Mulligan and Korotkin. With three chances to win, Farrington was a favorite, as was Torano who had won the first two $10,000 Mini Prix, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, of the five-week series.

However, the day belonged to Korotkin, the third challenger on course. Riding Rocketman, a 12-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding, the pair made easy work of the course, putting in a steady clear round in a time of 45.74 seconds. It would prove to be the only clear round of the jump-off, giving Korotkin and Rocketman their second major victory so far at the 2006 Vermont Summer Festival. The pair had also won the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix, Sponsored by Hand Motors, to open the Vermont Summer Festival.

"The first round course that Pierre Jolicoeur set was very inviting," said Korotkin, who is enjoying his time in Vermont with his two children, aged four and seven. "The horse has been jumping well here in Vermont, and he tried very hard."

Julie Aitken of Davie, FL, bred Rocketman and Korotkin has been his only rider. In fact, Korotkin also used to ride Rocketman's sire, Ranley, at the Grand Prix level. Comparing father and son, Korotkin said, "Ranley was a really good horse, and his son is a little quieter and braver. Rocketman tends to get very quiet and relaxed, so we try to keep him energized. There is something about the Vermont mountain air that he likes!"

For his victory, Korotkin was awarded $3,000 in prize money in addition to a $1,000 gift check redeemable at any Hickey Freeman store.

Farrington had the same rail down with all three of his horses in the jump-off to finish second, fourth and fifth. Riding Woica for owner Olivia Weeks, he was almost four seconds faster than Korotkin with a time of 41.91 seconds, but the fallen rail at the second fence on course left Farrington and Woica as the runner-ups. Riding Loriot, Farrington knocked down the second fence again and had a time of 47.08 seconds to finish fourth. As the final challenger on course, Farrington had another shot at the title riding Titus for owner Jessica Speiser, but yet again the second rail fell and their time of 47.14 seconds left them fifth.

Wedging between Farrington's three horses to take third position was Torano of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As the first jump-off challenger, he was guiding his own Wiluna de Muze to a clear round when a rail fell at the second last fence. The pair's time was 44.16 seconds. The only other rider to join the jump-off, Kim Mulligan, had eight faults to finish sixth riding Alibi.

Featuring more than $650,000 in prize money, the Vermont Summer Festival includes a $10,000 Mini Prix, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, each Friday and, for the first four weeks of competition, a $30,000 Grand Prix every Sunday. The 2006 Vermont Summer Festival closes with the grand finale, the $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix on Sunday, August 13. The Vermont Summer Festival is also a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall Of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL).

$10,000 Hickey Freeman/Bobby Jones Factory Store Mini Prix

For more information on the 2006 Vermont Summer Festival please e-mail.

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