CONYERS, GA—April 4, 2007—Daniel Geitner, one of the busiest riders of the Atlanta Spring series, kicked off the final week of competition with a big victory aboard the Kyle Register owned Trading Places in the Classic Equine Equipment sponsored Lucky Sevens Welcome Stakes.

The soft-spoken owner of DFG Stables, based in Aiken, SC was expressed respect and awe when asked how it felt to not only compete with but also win over the great Joe Fargis and Canadian legend Mac Cone. "Just riding in there with them is good enough for me. I'm happy just being around them." the modest Geitner commented.

Taking up the reins of this week's jumper course was Zionsville, IN native Allen Rheinheimer, know best for making competitors truly feel "welcome" in the opener stake with reasonably comfortable layouts in the first round and then a zinger or two in his jump offs. This afternoon was no exception with an 80 second allowance over 12 obstacles [15 efforts], which offered a flowing track that rode nicely until the last line into fences #11 and #12.

"After watching 8 or so go everybody else realized you've got to do some work there," Daniel explained first round strategy, "I made a pretty good effort on both of them [Miraj and Trading Places] to make sure I jumped in on a little bit of an angle so that I could bend it out and make the 5 [stride] work nicely." A plan that brought both his mounts into the jump off with clear first rounds of 75.004 for Miraj and 78.969 for Trading Places. Rheinheimer was equally pleased to see a dozen more join Geitner, "I've said it before, let'em get comfortable and settled in the first time around and then test their metal." The theme song could have been Twist and Shout for the 49 second final round that stretched the length of the former Olympic arena with turn after turn after turn.

Crowd favorites, Joe Fargis and Edgar 12, set the bar high with a blistering clean second round time of 39.214 but as if playing a high stakes poker match Canadian great Mac Cone and Melinda raised the bar higher with their second clean run and took over the lead. Daniel Geitner and the Sherry Cooke entry Miraj nearly one-upped Cone until an unfortunate rail cost them the opportunity. Last week's stake champion Diams III gave Joe Fargis the lead back with another over the top time of 37.631.  Daniel Geitner would follow next on his second mount.

The 8 year-old Argentine Warmblood affectionately known to barn mates as "TP" almost hummed along with Geitner, right-left-right-left, as they took flight over the fences. "The turns were tricky," Daniel admitted, "the turn from the triple bar [fence #4] to the vertical in particular. TP actually slipped a little going into the #4 but he kept it together and we were fine." Heading into the final two fences the pair just "let it out", jumping in at a slight angle to land across the timer in 36.636 clear. Six others came after and when the dust settled Daniel and TP were still standing on top. "I'm so proud of them both," began TP's beaming owner Kyle Register, "they're a great team. It's that simple, they're a team." An almost blushing Daniel interjected his own opinions of partner TP, "He's just a super horse! Got a great mind, easy to ride, careful, the whole package-everything you could want made simple."

Official results placed Joe Fargis and Diams III, owned by Mary B Schwab and Oeji Farm, in second with a clear final time of 37.631. Mac Cone riding Ole for owners Sarah Houston and Larry Evoy in third place with a clear time of 38.064; fourth to Mac Cone again with Melinda for owner Southern Ways in a clean time of 38.582, and completing the top five was Joe Fargis with Edgar 12, again for owner Mary B Schwab and Oeji Farm in a final clear time of 39.214. Indications from all point to a thrilling rematch this Saturday in the series closing Grand Prix.

Daniel's day got even better upon learning two Reserve Championships had been awarded to him for performances in the Hunter Divisions, Remedy in the Regular Working for owner Margaret Edge and Undercover in the Green Conformation division for owner High Cotton Farms. "Not a bad start to the week." Geitner chuckled as he headed off to start schooling horses that would be competing tomorrow.

The Atlanta Spring Classics continue through April 7th with showing taking place through Saturday. Classes begin daily at 8AM until approximately 4:30PM and the public is invited. Admission is free and this Saturday afternoon will host the exciting series finale, a $25,000 Grand Prix jumper classic. For more information or results on the Spring Classics visit www.ClassicCompany.com or call the show office at 770-602-2510.