Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence


			FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 1999 NORTH AMERICA'S BEST EQUESTRIANS COME TO NEW ALBANY SEPTEMBER 26 (New Albany) – The second annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix will bring some of the top competitors in world class equestrian sports to Central Ohio this Sunday, September 26. North America's best riders, selected from the United States Equestrian Team computer listing, will compete for $50,000 in an American Horse Show Association sanctioned event. The Classic is a fundraising event for the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and is held at the home of Abigail and Les Wexner. The event opens at 11:00 a.m., with the competition program beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and may be obtained by calling 614-889-6875. "Equestrian competition at this level is spectacular," said Abigail Wexner, leader of the Coalition. "Those who attend the Classic will see some of the world's finest riders and horses. Most important, they will be helping to bring attention and support to the issue of family violence." Competitors in the Classic include an Olympic Gold Medalist and a Bronze Medalist from the Pan American Games. In all, around 30 riders will participate this Sunday. Riders include: Leslie Burr-Howard Leslie is a team Gold Medal winner from the 1984 Olympics, and a team Silver Medal winner from the 1996 Olympics. This year, she represented the U.S. at the 1999 Pan Am Games in Canada. As a junior rider, Leslie won the 1972 ASPCA Maclay Finals. Among several other awards and honors, Leslie represented the U.S. at the World Equestrian Games in Holland, in 1994. Todd Minikus Todd was the winner of the first New Albany Classic last year. He was named the MGA Rider of the Year in 1990. Other highlights of Todd's career include winning the 1997 American Invitational; winning 1st place at the KeyBank Cleveland Grand Prix in 1996; and placing 2nd at the USET Florida Open in 1997. McClain Ward At the age of 14, McClain became the youngest rider to win the Rolex USET Show Jumping Talent Derby and was the youngest rider to win the Rolex USET Medal Finals — the first rider to win both titles in the same year. He was the AGA Rookie of the Year in 1991. Jeffrey Wells Jeff has competed for the U.S. in four World Cup Finals. In 1991, he won the Grand Prix of New York and in 1992, he won the Hampton Classic. Other winnings include the Miller's Harness Challenge Cup Series, the Olympic Certification event and the Sheraton Grand Prix. Laura Kraut In 1992, Laura was named first alternate for the Olympic Games in Barcelona. Other distinctions include winning the Motor City Grand Prix and the Turfway Park Grand Prix, as well as earning a team Silver and individual Bronze medals at the 1989 U.S. Olympics Festival. Debbie Stephens Debbie is a Pan American Team Bronze Medalist and a winner of the Budweiser American Invitational. In 1982, Debbie made history when she rode "Spindletop Rocky Raccoon" to an outdoor high-jump record, tying with Dennis Murphy at 7'8" in Cincinnati. Debbie's keen eye for selecting talented young horses has helped place her Centennial Farm among the nation's most successful show barns. Margie Goldstein-Engle This year, Margie won the Budweiser American Invitational and represented the U.S. at the 1999 Pan Am Games in Canada. Other highlights in her career include winning the Rolex USET Show Jumping Championship, and she was one of 12 riders to contribute to the U.S. Equestrian Team's (USET) win in the inaugural Samsung Nations' Cup Series in 1997. Chris Kappler Chris has represented the USET on many occasions and has over 26 career grand prix wins in North America and Europe. He was named Midwest Rider of the Year in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1991. Other highlights for Chris include winning the Garden State Grand Prix, the Autumn Classic Grand Prix and the Chicago Equifest Grand Prix. In addition to the equestrian competition, the New Albany Classic will also feature family entertainment. Children 16 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult and may enjoy rides, games and fun exhibits. Carriage rides, carnival rides and games, an appearance by the OSU Cheerleaders, dog agility demonstrations, a petting zoo and several other activities are planned. Proceeds from the Classic directly benefit the Coalition's efforts to support agencies and organizations that address family violence in Central Ohio. Visit the official website for more information on the Classic. Current Press Releases 2001 Press Releases 2000 Press Releases