Source:  News Release/Rebecca Walton for PMG Inc.

$200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational: Who Qualifies?

For 2013, the 30 riders invited to compete at the 41st $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G&C Farm will be selected as follows:

1. One (1) invitation issued to the winning rider of the 2012 American Invitational - Mario Deslauriers

2. FOUR (4) invitations to be issued at the Organizing Committee's & FEI's discretion (2 OC and 2 FEI).

3. FIFTEEN (15) invitations to be issued to the riders who have accumulated the most money won from the following classes held during the competitions:

1) Class 103 - American Gold Cup CSI 4*-W, September 16, 2012;

2) Classes 108 & 109 - Live Oak International CSI 2*, March 20 - 24, 2013.

3) Classes 100 & 101 - Tampa Bay Classic, March 27 - 31, 2013;

4. TEN (10) or all remaining invitations will be issued to riders based on their standing from Rolex/USEF Ranking List (expanded to include foreign riders) as of Friday, March 29, 2013.

The American Gold Cup was held at Old Salem Farm in September of 2012, where Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino topped the four-horse jump-off as the only double clear combination. Kent Farrington and Voyeur captured the second place honors, while McLain Ward and Anatares F took home the third place award. Beezie Madden and Cortes 'C' rounded out the jump-off competitors in the fourth place position. A complete list of results can be found here:  http://phelpsmediagroup.com/viewarticle.php?id=7088. 

The Live Oak International CSI 2* will be held March 20 - 24, 2013, in Ocala, FL. The classes that will count toward qualification will include the $33,000 CSI 2* Winning Round on Sunday and the $50,000 CSI 2* Live Oak Grand Prix on Saturday. More information can be found by visiting http://liveoakinternational.com/.

Just one week later, the Tampa Bay Classic is schedule for March 27 - 31, 2013 at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, FL. Friday's $25,000 Welcome Stake and Sunday's $35,000 Grand Prix of Tampa will each count toward the 41st Annual $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G&C Farm. Please visit  www.stadiumjumping.com for more information.

Annually, this event showcases exhilarating equine power, amazing speed and agility, and equestrian excellence at the home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The day is filled with extraordinary entertainment and activities for the entire family to enjoy.

The Mane Event Kick-Off Party will start at 4:00pm in Lot 5 of Raymond James Stadium with great fun for kids of all ages. There will be face painting and a Horseless Horse Show presented by JustWorld International, as well as autograph and photo opportunities. The gates open at 6:00 pm. with a traditional course walk for the public. The Opening Ceremonies get underway at 7:00 p.m. with the Parade of Tampa Equestrian Festival Series Champions and a special tribute to "Our Heroes." The first horse will show over the course beginning at 8:00 p.m. as they compete for the winning honors.
The 41st Annual $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G&C Farm, will be the highlight event on April 6, 2013 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The world's top horses and riders will gather to compete under the lights during one of the premier show jumping events in the United States.

Tickets for the Saturday night spectacular are on sale now, online at:  www.stadiumjumping.com. Ticket prices $30, $25, $15, Group Discounts for 10 or more persons.

Photo Credit: Mario Deslauriers piloted Cella to victory in the 2012 Gene Mische American Invitational at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Photo By: Parker/Russell- The Book LLC. 

Tampa, FL 33607

WHEN: The 41st Annual $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational CSI 3* - April 6, 2013, 7 p.m.  

American Invitational Highlights:

To kick off the evening activities, the public is invited to participate in the traditional American invitational course walk. This is an opportunity for spectators to marvel at the size and breadth of the jumps equestrians will navigate their horses over.

Sponsorship and Tickets:

Corporate and individual sponsors may participate at any level. Ticket are $15-$30. Senior citizens, active duty members, and group discounts are available. For more information on sponsorship levels or to purchase tickets, please call 1.800.237.8924.

About the American Invitational:

The 41st annual American Invitational, one of the world's richest equestrian show jumping competitions, has been held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida since 1971.The Invitational is the only major equestrian competition to be held in a NFL football stadium.

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