Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: LV shows horse sense during World Cup competition

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 | 8:33 a.m.

Opening with a blaze of neon and showgirl flourishes as only our city can produce, the 2003 Budweiser World Cup Competition offered a splendid four-day event for horse lovers of all ages.

In contrast to the flashy opening, respectful silence prevailed when richly attired competitors and their priceless horses appeared in the show ring. With precision and grace, the 41 international competitors -- drawn from a field of 700 applicants -- executed the sport's most difficult maneuvers and jumps at this world-class event.

Televised and recorded for enjoyment around the globe, the hurdles and surrounding arena were well adorned with Las Vegas resort names, a testimony to the growing support for diverse sporting events in our entertainment lineup.

Among those leading the way in providing support were Cox Communications with its well-placed sky box, where invited guests and corporate employees enjoyed the horses from places of comfort.

Present for the equestrian competition were guests including state Sen. Randolph and Robin Townsend, Sydney and John Knott, Assemblyman and Mrs. David Goldwater, Deborah Stout with Gail Alterwitz and Fernando Poli, chief trainer of Wayne Newton's Arabian horses.

Cox hosts included Steve Schorr and wife Holly, themselves former breeder-trainers of purebred horses, joined by Stephanie Stallworth and husband Steve, Linda Smigulec with daughter Lauren and Ken and Andrea Shelton with their young daughters.

First look

Shining a spotlight on yet another splendid event moving to Las Vegas was The Orleans' cocktail party and dinner for international figures in equestrian competition and the assemblage of sports journalists who cover their stories.

Centerpoint to the evening was a first look at The Orleans' Arena, a jewel-like facility designed with an animal-friendly concept ideal for equestrian events as well as team sports, ice shows, concerts and conventions.

Primed to open in a few short weeks, The Orleans Arena can seat up to 9,000 and is the new home to the National Horse Show, slated for Nov. 19 through Nov. 23.

Previously this indoor championship has been held at Madison Square Garden in New York City since its inception in 1883. Speaking of his role in bringing the prestigious show to Las Vegas for its 120th anniversary was Bob Maxey, longtime gaming leader and local chairman of the 2003 Budweiser World Cup.

Maxey, in praising the new facility's many features, complimented the vision of Coast Casinos owners Michael and Paula Gaughan and their executive vice president, Steve Stallworth, who will oversee arena operations.

Present in the congenial crowd was Pat Christiansen, director of Las Vegas Events, with Zandy Carnes, project director of the National Finals Rodeo for Las Vegas Events, joined by Carol Maxey, Bill Welles and Allen Walsh, president of the National Horse Show Association of America.

Key arena executives explaining the design concepts of larger-than-average stadium seating, the many options for sky box patrons and the luxurious "Big Easy" plaza level included Bill Purcell, newly appointed director of sales and marketing.

Noted artist

Easter weekend was ushered in with style at Andre's inside the Monte Carlo resort. Invited guests were introduced to international artist Jean-Paul Loppo Martinez, former collaborator of Picasso, Miro and others.

Martinez, now a Las Vegas resident, exhibited his latest collection, including the first of his works to be completed exclusively in the United States. His distinctive style and feminine subject matter are immediately recognizable to many in Southern Nevada, as Martinez was the chosen artist for Andre Agassi's 2001 Grand Slam for Kids gala.

With a special grace, he created the painting chosen for invitations, entry passes and commemoratives, prior to having been auctioned to high-flying bidders at the enormous fund-raiser.

Host for this recent evening at Andre's was Dr. Larry Lea, life coach and public speaker, who has long collected the artist's works. Among those attending the champagne reception were Mario and Michelle Longabardi, Robert and Alice Walker, Ira Sternberg, Joellen Murphy, Eric and Claire Noble and John Carling.

Welcoming guests to the suite of private reception areas above Andre's dining room were restaurant partners Andrea Rochat, Mary Jane Jarvis, Claude Cevasco and Jacques Vanstaden.

Wine dinner

"Celebrate the Scholar" wine dinner, presented by the Clark County Alumnae Panhellenic, will be held May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Sazio in The Orleans. Both a fund-raiser and social event, the dinner has been planned with owner-chef Gustav Mauler and includes four delectable courses and wines to match the flavors of each.

Proceeds from the dinner and the evening's silent auction will provide funds for scholarships granted to young women from Southern Nevada who participate in Greek life at their colleges and universities. Reservations are a must, so please call 948-9500 for all the details.

Awards presented

Circle of Peace Awards will be presented by S.A.F.E. House, a nonprofit domestic violence organization, during dinner ceremonies scheduled Saturday at the South Shore Yacht and Beach Club at Lake Las Vegas.

Honored will be: The Andre Agassi Foundation (for commitment to children and the collaboration it has with S.A.F.E. House addressing the issue of violence and abuse in the lives of children); Station Casinos (for strong community investment programs and its efforts to increase awareness of S.A.F.E. House shelter and services); and St. Rose Dominican Hospital (for its strong partnership and support of the organization's efforts to provide education and prevention efforts to end the cycle of violence in families). Those wishing to support and attend this worthy event are asked to call 451-4203 for tickets and reservations.

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