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2005 World Cup Finals
Starlit Draw and Riders' Reception at Ritz Carlton in Las Vegas
April 21, 2005
 Eurodressage correspondent Lita Dove attended the draw for the Grand Prix and the riders' reception following at the Ritz Carlton in Las Vegas. "It's an unbelievably lovely spot half an hour away from the Las Vegas strip. The hotel is surrounded by Lake Las Vegas complete with gondolas," Dove wrote.
The draw for the order of go in the Grand Prix was done by Debbie McDonald and Dr. Cesar Parra, overseen by O-judge Mariette Withages, Uwe Mechlem and secretary Glenda McElroy.
 After the draw, the riders, judges and press were able to enjoy a wonderful dinner buffet outside. "The reception was under the desert stars, and tall palm trees There was a soft nighttime sky," an impressed Dove told Eurodressage.
The reception was filled with lovely touches. In the corner there was a table with T-shirts that both the jumper and dressage riders signed. "The T-shirts will be thrown to the crowds during the competition."
 At the World Cup Finals, camaraderie amongst riders is holding. American Leslie Morse confessed that she is having the most fun and feeling the most friendliness at one of the big shows ever. "Leslie Morse signed T-shirts and told me she's 'gonna go in and have fun. I'll do the best we can,' which pretty much sums up every rider's feeling. After all, they all competed hard to qualify," Dove wrote.
The Order of Go for the Grand Prix on Thursday is the following:
- 1. Evi Strasser
- 2. Debbie McDonald
- 3. Leslie Reid
- 4. Marie Line Wettstein
- 5. Leslie Morse
- 6. Dr Cesar Parra
- 7. Carl Hester
- 8. Elena Sidneva
- 9. Andreas Helgstrand
- 10. Sven Rothenberger
- 11. Guenter Seidel
- 12. Lone Jorgensen
- 13. Robert Dover
- 14. Jan Brink
- 16. Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff
- 17. Edward Gal
- 18. Anky van Grunsven
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