Bjorn Ikast and IZ Lifetime © Flashpoint Photography

GULFPORT, MS (February 15, 2007) — The Winter Classics returned to their roots after a year of being displaced and relocated to Pensacola, FL due to the massive destruction left behind by hurricane Katrina. Television coverage of the area's devastation was viewed by the nation, including the equestrian community for months afterwards leaving questions of not if but when the 5-week Winter Series could return and would it be the same?

Mike McMillian, Director of the Harrison County Equestrian Center, shared that his phone began to ring "off the hook" in late May 2006 with residents asking "Are they coming back?" "What can we do?" and the calls didn't stop for the next several months. When the grounds needed to be cleaned up, "they came" [local residents], when the hotels needed help getting rooms free, "they came". Mike said quite frankly of the Winter Classics "it's more than just a horse show to this community. It's a sense of pride for this area." While the sold out weeks do bring in close to $36 million for the local economy, which is obviously still needed, the exhibitors are the ones feeling appreciative. "Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. Asking what they can do for us or just visiting with the horses. We had dinner at a local place and asked if we were here horse showing. When I said yes the waitress smiled and brought a homemade pie to the table! She said the restaurant just wanted to say thank you. We were all moved... and the pie rocked!" Sean Steffee shared about his barn's first night out. Many other exhibitors note similar experiences since their arrival with the common feel being one of shared pride.

Even Mother Nature seems to be rolling out the red carpet this first week with primarily blue skies, lots of sunshine and very little rain. Although the temps took a dip down to the freezing mark a few nights due to the passing front currently dumping so much snow up north, but the days here have been horse show worthy in comparison and future forecast indicate near perfect conditions are just around the corner. "It just feels good to be home!" Co-chair Bob Bell began, "The grounds truly are beautiful, maybe even more so than before [Katrina]. Great weather, wonderful community support, terrific parties, talented riders and horses. What else could we even hope for?"

This afternoon saw a sample of the international talent Bell mentioned with the Lucky Sevens Open Jumper Welcome Stakes, sponsored by Classic Equine Equip, Inc. Bjorn Ikast and partner I Z's Lifetime, the 14-year old Russian Holsteiner he owns and trains, blazed past seven jump-off contenders with a clear go in the 7 obstacle final round (the course designer for week one is Allen Rheinheimer) that tested riders with zig zag turns and a speedy pace. Their finishing time was a fast 26.926 seconds.

Ikast piloted two rides in the class, both Lifetime and Anchor Man made the jump off. "Today's course was a friendly course in my eyes. It was a nice start for the week here," said Bjorn following his victory. "Although this isn't a start for them. We've been on the road already and this horse won the Prix in Jacksonville. [Braveheart in the adjoining stall]," he added. "My horses love the grass field here." Bjorn went on to exclaim the footing here is just "spectacular" this year, noting that coming from an indoor environment to such a lush grass ring seem to make his horses feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Ikast, who has captured a total of 47 career GPs, attributed his success to Lifetime's natural speed and love to just jump. To make one particularly tight "U" turn for instance, Bjorn noted: "Lifetime knew he had to turn hard, and he just instinctually followed me around. I think that's why we won," he complimented of the stallion.

German born Wilhelm Genn, who now resides in Lebanon, OH finished second on board Chantal for owner Laura Ryan-Barnaclo with a clear time of 27.650. "Just an unlucky day for us," Wilhelm added with a sly smile, "Bjorn had the better ride... today." Laurie Jakubauskas riding her own Counterfoil took third in a time of 27.908, while Bjorn's second mount Anchor Man claimed the 4th position with a clear time of 28.476. And owner-rider Doug King completed the top 5 riding Rex The Rascal clear in 29.774.

The Danish born Ikast will next compete all four of his mounts in Sunday's series opening Grand Prix. Of his return to Gulfport Ikast concluded: "It's wonderful to be back! This is a great organization here; they do a lot for us. We used to show in Indio [for over 7 years] but had some bad events occur so my wife suggested we try someplace new. We came here the next year and the friendliness and great service offered has just kept us coming back," he added, "People are just so nice here. You know shows costs the same almost anyplace you go so you might as well come where there's good service and can really enjoy yourself."

The Gulfport Winter Classics continues with more hunter/jumper and Grand Prix action through March 18th. The opening weekend February 16th, will include the first of many long awaited exhibitors parties and on Sunday the $25,000 Gulf Coast Premier Grand Prix. The Premier weekend will also mark the beginning of the race for the of the $10,000 Budweiser High Point Grand Prix Rider, presented to the top rider, calculated by earned points, of the five-week series.