PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 25, 2006

INDIO, CA (February 25, 2006) -- Each time Canadian rider John Pearce is asked for his thoughts on the 2006 Indio Desert Circuit, the conversation seems to revolve around one horse.

On Friday, Archie Bunker proved why he has the veteran rider talking when the young gelding defeated a field of 57 top horses to capture the $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix. The eight-year-old posted two clear rounds, including a smoking round of 33.91, giving Pearce the triumph.

"He's my favorite horse," said Pearce. "Archie Bunker isn't only going to do great things for me, but for my country too. He's one to keep an eye on."

It must be hard for Pearce to pick favorites, as all three of his Grand Prix horses have taken home the winner's share in separate Grand Prix on this circuit. Champagne toasted the field in week one's $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix, and Uriso stole the show in the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix ending week two. In all, Pearce is three-for-seven. He returns Sunday in the $75,000 Footings Unlimited Grand Prix that concludes week four.

"We've been solid and consistent," he said. "Expect a lot more good things from Archie Bunker on this circuit. I'm thrilled with him."

Archie Bunker is an eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by John Pearce's Forest View Farms.

Of the 57 starters, nine horses mastered Olaf Petersen's first round course to advance to the jump-off. John Pearce opened the round with Champagne. A rail down at jump 12, an orange and blue vertical left them in fifth place overall.

Mark Watring and Sapphire posted the first clear round. Watring drew a nice applause from the Oasis VIP Tent when he successfully navigated the end of Olaf Petersen's route. Once the final two verticals, jump 15 and 16, were clear he was looking at a time of 35.44 seconds.

Next, ABC Lancelot and Hap Hansen matched Watring's clear round, but Hansen's time of 35.68 kept him off the leader board. Hansen would end up with third place overall.

The next two horses, Rich Fellers and Gyro, and John McConnell and La Picolina, each pulled a rail at the double combination.

John Pearce returned with his second mount, Archie Bunker to challenge Mark Watring's time. It was clear from the outset that Pearce was going to pull out all the stops. He set a blistering pace with Archie Bunker, breaking the beams in 33.91 seconds for the win. His time was a full 1.5 seconds faster than Mark Watring and Sapphire.

Richard Spooner and Quirino 3 were the next to canter into the ring. Spooner had the fastest time of the competition with 32.29 seconds, but an unlucky rail at the last fence dashed his chances.

Will Simpson and Boxster finished out the field. Simpson appeared to have a good shot at the time to beat, but a refusal at jump 15 put him out of the running.

Simpson said he thought he had the time beat, but he took his leg off the horse a bit too much and that forced the refusal.

"My horse usually picks me up," said Simpson. "He spoils me."

After the $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix, Simpson praised Petersen's course. "It was a thinking course and I really enjoyed riding it."

With three wins under his belt, John Pearce is enjoying a very successful Indio Desert Circuit. His promising young mount, Archie Bunker, is one to talk about and spectators will enjoy seeing John Pearce compete with him again in tomorrow's $75,000 Footings Unlimited Grand Prix.

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

$30,000 Ariat Grand Prix - Friday, February 24, 2006
HITS Desert Circuit IV - Indio, CA
Course Designer: Olaf Petersen, Germany

KIDS DAY presented by KDFX Fox TV and Woodrun Farm
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