2004 Press Releases

MONTE CRISTO & SEIKO LEAD THE WAY IN
NON PRO 3' AT LEGACY CUP
Juniors and Amateurs Compete Together
By Diana De Rosa

May 15, 2004 - Lexington, KY - After 49 horses had gone in the Non Pro 3' division, sponsored by Essex Classics, at the Legacy Cup, it was Monte Cristo, ridden by owner and rider Jamie Martin, who took the winning ribbon. The nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood, 16.3 hand gelding scored 260 points which earned them the top prize of $1,080 on May 15 during the second week of the three-week Legacy Cup at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show in Lexington, KY.

Not far behind was Becky Gochman riding Bohemia with 256 points and a check for $792. Bohemia was ridden in the Professional 3' ranks by trainer Peter Pletcher and that pair won every class they entered at the Legacy Cup. Martin also led in the Amateur ranks while Elizabeth Votruba rode Seiko to the top ribbon in the Juniors. Overall Seiko finished fourth.

Martin, who had just purchased Monte Cristo six weeks earlier, was ecstatic. "By the time I got to the last jump I was breathing pretty hard. I knew I was doing good and didn't want to blow it at the last jump." Martin went on to explain that Monte knows his job and does it when he goes to the ring, but back at the barn he likes his space. "At the barn you don't bother him," she added.

Gochman also was pleased. "I was nervous because to me it was like the Olympics. But it was a lot of fun. Bohemia knows when it's an important class and she takes over." Her mom, Phyllis Nordgren, watched nervously as her daughter went around the course but clapped with delight when their score was announced. They were 12th in the order and it took another 12 riders before Monte took over the lead.

"Awesome," was the word Votruba used when referring to her 13-year-old, 17.2 hand Dutch Warmblood, grey gelding, who she says she loves and who loves her in return. "At home he peeks his head around the corner and paws. He knows my voice. It's really cute."

On May 16, 2004, the top 20 riders will return to compete in the clean slate finals. For more information about the Legacy Cup go to www.legacycup.com or call 508-835-8813. For press information contact Press Link at 631-773-6155.