September 20, 2008

Andrew Ross wins first place in Junior/Amateur event for second consecutive year

(Columbia, MD) – In today’s $40,000 Columbia Classic Grand Prix in Columbia, Maryland, Laura Linback of Long Grove, Illinois wins first place riding As Di Villagana of Woodrun farm.

Linback raced her horse through the jump-off course in 39.21 seconds and zero faults, earning her a $12,000 purse.  It seems fitting that Linback, a former high school English teacher, is a top competitor in this annual showjumping event that raises scholarship funds for Howard Community College students.

Kevin Babington of Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania earns $8,800 for second place riding Caracas 49.  Robin Sweely of Madison, Virginia wins the third place purse of $5,200 riding Carlow Clover of Acorn Hill Farm.

Andrew Ross, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, riding Electra, successfully defends his title from last year’s $10,000 Junior/Amateur Classic to win the $3,000 first place purse in that competition.

In grand prix show jumping, horse and rider race the clock through a challenging course of obstacles, twists and turns. The event is held on the campus of Howard Community College (HCC) in Columbia.

Proceeds from the event, presented by the Belmont Conference Center, provide scholarships for students at Howard Community College through the HCC Educational Foundation.  Major corporate sponsors are Coca-Cola, Herb Gordon Auto Group, Charles A. Klein & Sons, Constellation Energy, Design Collective, Inc., General Growth Properties, Harkins Builders, Healthways, Lockheed Martin, PNC Bank, Riparius Construction, Inc., and Turf Valley Resort.

2008 Results List  

$40,000 Columbia Classic jump-off winners:

1. Laura Linback – As Di Villagana: 39.21 time/0 faults
2. Kevin Babington – Caracas 49: 41.96/0
3. Robin Sweely – Carlow Clover: 43.59/0
4. Tracy Magness – Tarco Van Ter Moude
5. Callan Solem – Mianta
6. Marylisa Leffler – Gerona 92
7. Tracy Magness – Perle
8. Tracey Weinberg – Cromwell
9. Evan Coluccio – Hipnotiq
10. Callan Solem – Allison
11. Callan Solem – VDL Torlando
12. Robin Sweely – Coming Star

$10,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic jump-off winners:

1. Andrew Ross – Electra: 39.25 time/0 faults
2. Henri Kovacs – Condica: 39.44/0
3. Janice Syphers – Jersey: 41.70/0
4. Tracey Weinberg – Larone
5. Henri Kovacs – Cermit
6. Joy Slater – Pisano
7. Kylie Wright – Charlie Brown
8. Katrina Self – Connor McLeod