Sergio Campos and Shakira do Jacare © Flashpoint Photography

CONYERS, GA—November 8, 2007—"A little vacation never hurts anyone," commented today's big winner, Sergio Campos of the Florida-based Longwood Equestrian Center. Campos and his Brazilian homebred mare Shakira do Jacare captured the top spot in this afternoon's Open Welcome Stake sponsored by Classic Equine Equipment after enjoying some down time the past couple of months.

The 10-year-old mare who has been fondly dubbed the "Queen of Speed" made it quite clear to the field of 28 that her mind set was "game on" the moment she blast into the Olympic-sized arena. "She felt great!" Campos said with a broad smile, "I believe she's really just hitting her prime now."

The first round of the 12-obstacles course appeared, even after walking it, to be pretty straight forward, with lots of flowing lines and the usual double and triple combinations. Ah, but the designer is Pierre Jolicieur this week, and all the "regulars" to his courses know to count on two things: big spreads - today's averaged 4'9" - and the "surprise mental trip up." The first 11 fell victim to Jolicieur's test, the 5B element of the double combination. Most teams nicked the back rail of the oxer just enough to drop it. "That was really smart of Pierre," Campos said, explaining the "joker" of the first round. "He gave us comfortable long lines in the beginning of the course. Nice relaxed lines with big strides until the double at 5AB. That was really tight, there's not a lot of room there. Both horse and rider had to react and readjust quickly." In fact, Campos was the first to go clear with new mount Sun God, owned by Cheryl and Ron Krise, in a very quick 76.08-well below the allowed 84 seconds. Using the Table II.2b format meant their jump off was immediate and the race to beat the 48-second allowance over seven obstacles became Jolicieur's ultimate challenge. Only four riders would rose to the occasion. "This was very straight forward," Campos said of the jump-off round, "No real traps. Pierre wanted pure speed, he wanted the fastest horse to win." Sun God did not disappoint rider or owner in that department with a fast time of 35.575. But two unfortunate rails, one being at the dreaded 5B element, dashed hopes for double clear rounds.

Shakira was 22nd in the first round order and would become the last to go clean, posting a time of 76.69. "She loves Atlanta!" Campos stated. When asked about the number of victories they've shared in this arena Campos chuckled and admitted he honestly can't remember. "She always does well here." And with the sound of the jump-off buzzer, the mare showed the enthusiastic crowd exactly how she earned the nickname "Queen of Speed" with a clean run and blistering time of 35.226. Afterwards only five remained to challenge, but none succeeded.

Final results placed Pablo Barrios and Tibor, owned by Bonnie Smith, in 2nd with a clear final time of 37.954. Roberto Teran, Jr riding Distant Star 3E for owner King Ridge Stables took 3rd place with a clear time of 37.998. Fourth went to Campos and Sun God in a time of 35.575 with eight faults, and completing the top five was Roberto Teran, Jr with Encore 3E in a final time of 37.671 and 12 faults.

Asked if the spectators could look forward to seeing him again in the weekend's main attraction, the $25,000 Grand Prix, Campos flashed his trademark thumbs up with a huge smile. "Oh yes!" His plans include showing both Shakira and Sun God in this weekend's event and to possibly debut two other new mounts, Cooper and Sante, at next week's Welcome Stake. "They are coming along, but I don't want to rush," said Campos. "I've only been riding this group [including Sun God] for about a month and I'm taking my time to make us a good combination," he added, referring to his recent 10-horse acquisition from Ron and Cheryl Krise's Split Creek Farm. Others in the group include Grand Prix Champion Curioso Z and young jumper Baloume Z.

Campos credits much of his success to friend and in-house Natural Horseman Paulo Miranda, "Anything he touches becomes gold!" he said referencing the change is Shakira's winning consistency since working with Paulo. "I'm such a believer now. He's working with all my horses now." Campos also expressed a deep gratitude to Ron and Cheryl Krise for "the faith they're placing in me and all the amazing support. They've got some great horses and I feel lucky-blessed to be riding them. I really feel we can soon look towards World Cup and beyond."

The Atlanta Fall Classics continue through November 18th with showing taking place Wednesday through Sunday. Classes begin daily at 8am until approximately 4:30pm and the public is invited. Admission is free and each Sunday will host an exciting $25,000 Grand Prix jumper classic at 2pm. For more information or results on the Fall Classics visit www.ClassicCompany.com or call the show office at 770-602-2510.