INDIO, CA (February 6, 2006) -- Canadian rider John Pearce was pleased with what he saw from the in-gate Sunday afternoon, as he got an up-close look at Susan Artes' fault aboard Presto B that handed him the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix.

Once Presto B took down jump six, it sealed the deal for Pearce. He was congratulated by a slew of supporters when the second to last obstacle on course designer Anthony D'Ambrosio's route proved to be too much.

"I don't wish bad luck on anyone," said Pearce. However, it was only natural that he would revel in the outcome.

Pearce, who says he always watches the jump-off was one of six riders to go clear in a round of nine aboard the eventual champion Uriso. His time of 36.20 just nicked Will Simpson and Boxster, who cleared the final jump at 36.80.

Richard Spooner kicked off the intense jump-off aboard Live Fire, posting a clean round of 37.72, telling the rest of the field if they wanted the cash they better come get it from him.

Boy did they ever.

Rich Fellers' time of 37.30 pushed Spooner off the pace as McGuinness had a short-lived lead.

Guillermo Obligado aboard Carlson and Eddie Macken aboard Tedechine Sept each had clean jump-off rounds of 38.73 and 39.08 respectively.

"It's such a fast jump-off," said Kim Farlinger, who posted a clean opening round. "There were so many fast riders in it that I knew I had to give it a run."

However, the 21-year-old's effort came a bit short, as her eight fault score aboard Del Destino placed her ninth.

Cellist 2, ridden by Ali Nilforushan rounded out the clear riders from round one. His four fault score in the jump-off was good enough for seventh.

The win is Pearce's second on the 2006 Indio Desert Circuit. In week one's $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix he rode Champagne to victory. That day, he got some lucky pecans for the jump-off. "I ate the whole jar today," said Pearce.

The $75,000 HITS Grand Prix was the first of four World Cup U.S. West Coast League qualifiers held at the 2006 Indio Desert Circuit. With his fourth place finish, Spooner gains 15 points to remain tops on the leader board with 77 total points. Fellers' 17 points brings his total to 41 points and Simpson's 20 pull his tally to 30 points.

There are 11 total qualifiers for the U.S. West Coast League, with the top four riders advancing to April's World Cup Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Currently, Spooner, Gabriella Salick, Joie Gatlin and Rebecca Hoffmann are in the top spots. The Bayer $75,000 Grand Prix on Feb. 12 marks the next qualifier.

For complete horse show results please visit http://www.hitsshows.com.

HBO Junior Medal - Alex Maida
HBO Children's Medal - Lauren Kardel
HBO Adult Medal - Michelle Tobin
Farnam Adult Hunter Division - January's Best ridden by Alex Beckstett and owned by Claudine Pletcher
Adequan® Open Hunter Division - Tredington Suite ridden by Kirsten Coe and owned by Jennifer Weeks
Marshall & Sterling Children's Hunter Classic - White Gold ridden and owned by Hannah Goodson Cutt
Marshall & Sterling Adult Hunter Classic - Spectacular ridden and owned by Michelle Decker
Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic - Shades of Grey ridden and owned by Melissa Doddridge

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$75,000 HITS Grand Prix - Sunday, February 5, 2006
HITS Desert Circuit II - Indio, CA
Course Designer: Anthony D'Ambrosio, Red Hook, NY

KIDS DAY presented by KDFX Fox TV
Sunday, February 12          11am - 1pm
Fun activities for kids of all ages       

WORLD OF THE HORSE presented by The Desert Sun, KESQ-TV and Time Warner Cable
Sunday, March 12          Noon - 2pm
Demonstrations of various disciplines and riding styles, introduction to several breeds 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Mayone, Chris@HitsShows.com, Cell: 845-389-3272