A competitive field of 38 top international riders, including many Olympic and World Champions, headlined the $40,000 Pennsylvania National "Big Jump", sponsored by Wilmington Trust, an M & T Company, at the Pennsylvania Horse Show. Designed by Michel Vaillancourt, the course was set at 1.50m and included 12 fences and 15 jumping efforts in the first round, which weeded out quite a few competitors as only six riders made it through to the exciting jump-off. Kent Farrington, top ranked US rider and number four in the world, was first into the ring and set the pace with Willow, jumping clear and in the unbeatable time of 35.05 seconds. Farrington took home the $13,200 first place prize money as well as the Second Cannabis Challenge Trophy. "I was really pleased with him tonight," said Farrington. Olympic champion Beezie Madden and her World Cup Champion Simon also jumped clear but were not quite quick enough, crossing the timers in 36.67 seconds for second place. Ali Wolff and Casall also produced a clear round, but their jump-off time of 37.39 seconds put them in a final third place.
