The FTI Rider Challenge for 2008

Wellington, Fl – The FTI Rider Challenge for 2008 was won by Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. who rode her Olympic gold medal mount, Authentic, in the Penta Grand Prix at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Saturday.

Madden won $100,000, the second time in the three years of the FTI Rider Challenge that she has won the top award.

Canada’s Eric Lamaze, who won in 2007, collected second place prize of $50,000 while Hillary Dobbs of Sussex, N.J. was third and won $30,000 and Madden’s 2004 Olympic gold medal team mate, Chris Kappler of Pittstown, N.J. was fourth to win $20,000.

The FTI Rider Challenge accumulated points from designated WEF Challenge Cup and Grand Prix events at the CN Winter Equestrian Festival presented by Zimmerman Advertising.

Reflecting on the close race all season between herself and Lamaze, Madden said: “It’s been a long, hard-fought battle. This was a long series, so it rules out a lot of people. I am lucky to have a lot of horses to show and I think Eric does, too.”

Madden earned her FTI Rider Challenge points with Authentic, Judgement, Onlight and Play On.

FTI Rider Challenge – $200,000 CN Winter Equestrian Festival Final

March 29, 2008

1. Beezie Madden, USA, 1723

2. Eric Lamaze, CAN, 1625

3. Hillary Dobbs, USA, 1447

4. Chris Kappler, USA, 1388.5

5. Rodrigo Pessoa, BRA, 1125

6. Laura Kraut, USA, 1109

7. McLain Ward, USA, 1073

8. Todd Minikus, USA, 1067

9. Mario DesLauriers, CAN, 1051

10. Jeffery Welles, USA, 1050

11. Lauren Hough, USA, 1030

12. Peter Wylde, USA, 1003.5

13. Marie Hecart, FRA, 949

14. Mac Cone, CAN, 934

15. Cara Rather, USA, 932

16. Ian Millar, CAN, 914

17. Kent Farrington, USA, 909

18. Nicole Simpson, USA, 897

19. Ben Maher, GBR, 896

20. Darragh Kerins, IRL, 874

21. Peter Charles, GBR, 873

22. Christine McCrea, USA, 844

23. Danielle Torano, USA, 797

24. Anne Kursinski, USA, 781

25. Jimmy Torano, USA, 757.5