Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 27, 1993 TAG: 9306270150
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: D1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The concluding event of the 22nd annual Roanoke Valley Horse Show, a collaboration of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley and the Roanoke Valley Horsemen's Association, starts at 2 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center. For the first time, the Grand Prix will be conducted during the day and on its own. In previous years, it was one of many championship events on Saturday night.
Also up for grabs for the first time is a purse of $125,000. The prize is the richest in the United States and Canada and represents an increase of $25,000 from years past, added by directives from event underwriter Marion Bradley Via, the late Roanoke heiress.
Because of uncertainties regarding her estate, the purse amount may never be as high again according to show co-chairman June Camper.
Despite competition from another Grand Prix, a $100,000 affair today in Gladstone, N.J., the event at the civic center features some of the world's most accomplished jumpers. However, defending champion Beezie Patton, who won aboard Northern Magic, is absent.
Among those who have to be considered contenders today are two former champions here.
One is David J. Raposa of Clinton, N.Y., the 1991 champion atop Seven Wonder. Raposa has Seven Wonder back again this year but is also entered with Top Flight.
Another former champion is Terry Rudd, victorious in 1990 with P.S. Gaspacho, with whom she returns. Rudd, of Unionville, Pa., also will ride Alf.
Another strong contender will be Margie Goldstein of Miami, Fla., the American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year in 1989 and 1991. Goldstein made Grand Prix history earlier this month at the Rolex Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tenn. There, she rode seven horses and claimed the first five places.
Goldstein will be riding Land of Kings, La Costa and Aristo.
Others who will have multiple mounts include Rusty Holzer of the Virgin Islands (Picasso, Manassas County and Aroganz); Vicky Miller (Pilot Point, Catch a Wave); Buddy Brown (Charlebois, Different Drummer); and Schuyler Riley (Mad River, Lexington and Pair O'Dice).
First prize is $37,500, second pays $27,500 and third $16,250. Twelve places earn prize money with the last three making $2,500 each.
The objective in Grand Prix jumping is to clear every obstacle on the course with the least number of faults and the fastest time. Riders are allowed to walk the course to inspect fences and check distances beforehand, but there is no opportunity for the horse to go through a trial run on the course itself, although they are allowed to warm up elsewhere.
The starting order is determined in a blind draw. Those who ride later in the competition have an advantage because they can see the manner in which other riders are negotiating the course.
Jumpers may come from a variety of breeds, but they do have one trait in common: a high price tag. Jumpers can command an asking price of as much as $250,000.
To enter the Grand Prix requires a $1,500 fee.
by CNB