Mark Watring to Defend Grand Prix Win at the Memorial Day Classic Horse Show
RELEASE: May 15, 2008
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Marnye Langer
The Memorial Day Classic Horse Show gets under way May 22-26 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC), with five days of competition, culminating with the $25,000 Memorial Day Classic Grand Prix. "The Memorial Day Grand Prix is one of the most popular events we host here at LAEC," stated Box Office Manager Tom DeBone. Held Monday on the grass Cricket Field, spectators can enjoy casual bleacher seating, or opt for a more lavish afternoon in the VIP section under tented and umbrella tables for six with catered food. "We’ve had a completely sold-out crowd for the past four years," DeBone continued.
Mark Watring of Newbury Park, CA, won last year’s grand prix aboard his popular gray gelding, Sapphire. Watring returns in 2008 with three mounts to defend his title. The 2007 second-place finisher Hap Hansen of Encinitas, CA, one of the most celebrated grand prix riders in the country, is trying for his 100th career victory aboard his new horse, Archie Bunker. Other riders hoping to take a winner’s share of the $25,000 purse include Susan Artes, Katie Gardner, Jenni Martin-McAllister and Natasha Merback.
In addition to the grand prix and a full slate of open, junior and amateur classes, the Memorial Day Classic hosts an array of other very special classes. Both the $5,000 PCHA Jimmy Williams Classic and the $5,000 Junior/Young Rider/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic are USEF Zone 10 trials for the upcoming CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. The $15,000 Memorial Day Classic USHJA International Hunter Derby offers one of the richest hunter purses on the West Coast, and the derby style course offers a fun twist to watching a hunter class. One of the most popular classes every year is the Memorial Day Classic Equitation Challenge. This is a team event consisting of a professional, an amateur and a junior rider, and with a trip to Maui for the winning professional, competition is fierce. Finally, don’t miss the CPHA Foundation Bowling benefit on Thursday night at Pickwick across the street from the show grounds.
Competition begins each day at 8:00 a.m. and concludes around 7:00 p.m. Information regarding entries, daily schedules and results are online at
www.langershows.com. Admission is free except for the grand prix. For ticket information, contact Center Box Office at (818) 840-9066. General admission bleacher seating is $12 in advance and $8 for children and seniors. Prices are $16 and $12 on the day of the grand prix. VIP tables for six are $400 and individual VIP seats are $75.