Category Archives: Phelps Media Group

Phelps Media Group

Micaela Mabragana Earns CDI3* Grand Prix Special Win at Dressage at Devon

Micaela Mabragana and Diamond Rosso.

Alice Tarjan Wins CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle

Devon, Pa. – Oct. 1, 2022 – Dressage at Devon’s pinnacle classes of the week, the CDI3* Grand Prix Special, presented by BioStar Whole Food Supplements, and the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Kingsview Partners, were highlighted in the Dixon Oval on Saturday evening. Ready for a night of musical freestyle performances in the electric atmosphere of the Dixon Oval, competitors and spectators reconvened for the evening session of FEI competition, seeing Micaela Mabragana and Alice Tarjan once again earn top placings, this time in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special and CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle.

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Shannon Dueck Takes Home CDI1* Intermediate I Win; Camille Carier Bergeron Clinches FEI U25 Grand Prix with Sound of Silence 4

Performance competition continued at Dressage at Devon 2022 on Saturday morning, with energy still high from the festivities of the night before. Featuring the Junior, Young Rider, and Intermediate I tests for CDI1*, CDI3*, and Amateur competitors prior to another exciting evening of special exhibitions, parties, and FEI Grand Prix competition, the historic show’s top competition continued over the weekend.

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Emma Miller
em@phelpsmediagroup.com

Phelps Media Group Announces the Death of Founder and CEO Mason Phelps, Jr.

Phelps Media Group Announces the Death of Founder and CEO Mason Phelps, Jr.

 

Wellington, Fla. – May 19, 2021 – It is with great sadness and the deepest regrets that Phelps Media Group announces the passing of its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mason Phelps, Jr. Phelps passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home of a heart attack. On behalf of the entire team at Phelps Media Group, we extend the deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

Mason Phelps, Jr. was the epitome of a lifelong equestrian, maintaining an undeniable relevance in the sport that has defined his personal and professional life. His contributions to the equestrian world include being an Olympic athlete, groom, trainer, event manager, governance leader, media executive, and philanthropy organizer.

“With the passing of Mason Phelps, the entire equestrian community has suffered an unimaginable loss,” said Lenore Phillips, President of Phelps Media Group. “Phelps Media Group and our team of dedicated marketing professionals will continue its professional efforts with the passion Mason would have wished and carry his tenacity of spirit in our future endeavors.”

Born in 1949, Phelps’ passion for horses and equestrian sports started early and he was only sixteen when he was invited to participate in his first training clinic with the United States Equestrian Team. In 1968, he was named US Combined Training Association’s Rider of the Year and was alternate for the U.S. Three-Day Team for the Mexico City Olympic Games. His career as a trainer began in 1972, working first as an assistant at Flintridge Riding Club and later developing his own training stable for hunter/jumpers until his retirement from competition in the late 1990s.

With a proclivity for innovation, Phelps paved the way launching dozens of ingenious events throughout his career. Whether they were equestrian competitions or philanthropic fundraisers, his successful events were often the talk of the town with packed attendance. For example, in 1970, he created and produced the AA-Rated Christmas Show in San Antonio, Texas, an annual event that is still an integral part of the Texas equestrian community. In 1976, Phelps founded the American Jumping Derby (later the International Jumping Derby) in Newport, Rhode Island. The first of its kind, it quickly became a major show on the East Coast jumping circuit through 1988. In 1977, Phelps created the New England Horsemen’s Association Hunt Seat Medal, also still a popular event to this day. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Phelps produced a driving event for the Newport Preservation Society. He was also one of the original organizers of the first World Cup Final in the U.S., in Baltimore in 1980.

In the early 1990s at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Phelps created innovative classes including the first equitation class for previous winners of the Maclay Equitation Championship and Medal Finals; an equitation class for past U.S. Olympic, Pan American Games, and Nations Cup athletes; and the first hunter classic for the American Hunter Jumper Foundation, held in the International Arena. Phelps was Director of Equestrian Operations at Palm Beach Polo in 1993. He served several years as President of the National Horse Show, reestablishing its prominence at its new home in Lexington, Kentucky following its stint at Madison Square Garden. In 2012, he also organized the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.

Phelps was Chairman of American Horse Show Association’s (now USEF) Zone I for eight years and served on the boards of the AHSA, USET and Show Jumping Hall of Fame. He also served as President of the New England Horseman’s Council and Rhode Island Horseman’s Association. As an AHSA judge, he judged many horse shows including the AHSA Medal Finals at Harrisburg.

A pioneer and natural leader, Phelps has been instrumental in numerous charity and fundraising events, starting with the famed Newport Roundup in the 1980s. He was one of the founders of the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) in 1996 and in 1998, he produced the first Denim and Diamonds, a benefit gala for the USET Foundation that he produced again in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2004, raising millions of dollars that supported the USET.

In 2001, Phelps founded Phelps Media Group which has grown to represent many of the most prestigious equestrian events, organizations, companies, athletes, and businesses. By 2011 he was named to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce President’s Circle for building “America’s most progressive and successful equestrian public relations firm.”

Please direct all inquiries to Phelps Media Group at info@phelpsmediagroup.com and (561) 793-3389.

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Jessica Springsteen Presented with M. Michael Meller Style Award

Jessica Springsteen and Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve after the CSIO4* $150,000 FEI Nations Cup.

Wellington, Fla. – Mar. 8, 2021 – Top athletes from around the world visit the Winter Equestrian Festival each year to represent their countries during the famed CSIO4* Nations Cup week. Jessica Springsteen, one of the United States’ top young athletes, was presented the M. Michael Meller Style Award in honor of Kate Nash Boone on Sunday, March 7 after her winning performance with the U.S. Show Jumping team during the $150,000 FEI Nations Cup CSIO4*.

The award is given to the international equestrian who exemplifies the best riding style and maintains a sportsmanlike composure while competing in the CSIO4* at WEF during Nations Cup week. Presented in memory of Kate Nash Boone, the award is a way to honor the memory of Boone’s support and love of ‘all things equestrian.’ This award was the first of the iconic M. Michael Meller Style Awards, and was created after Boone battled cancer so that Meller could continue to hear her voice each year. Meller, of MMM Horseman, awarded the trophy to Springsteen following Sunday’s grand prix competition.

Springsteen represented the United States during the Nations Cup competition and proved to be a strong anchor for the team after her clear effort during the second round. After being a dominant force in the equitation and jumper ring as a junior, Springsteen has risen through the international ranks to become one of the top athletes for the United States. She has represented her country in several Nations’ Cup finals and has become one of the most decorated riders in the sport.

“I am so honored to win this award. It means so much to me, and it has been such a great week competing here. This is just an end to a very great week, and I am so grateful. We had so much fun Friday night. It is always such an honor to represent your country, and I have never done the Nations Cup here before, so I was excited to be named to the team, and it was really just a great night.”

Meller commented, “I believe that Jessica is one of the world’s most talented young riders. She works incredibly hard and is extremely dedicated to the horses and the sport. Jessica takes the time to really develop a partnership with each of her horses. As the anchor of Friday night’s winning team, she helped lead an aspiring group of riders on their home turf. It’s an honor to present her with the award; she truly deserves it.”

Founded by Michael Meller, MMM Horseman’s mission is to find and produce some of the world’s top young show jumping mounts. For more information, please visit www.mmm-horseman.com.

American Equus Chosen Riders Dominate at Pegasus World Cup Invitational

Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Colonel Liam.

Hallandale Beach, Fla. – Jan. 26, 2021 – American Equus sponsored jockeys took to the track once again at Gulfstream Park for the 2021 Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Saturday. Race day at the track in Hallandale Beach, Florida saw some of the world’s top jockeys on promising thoroughbred talent, and AE Chosen Riders claimed their place in the winner’s circle in six of the races. Irad Ortiz, Jr., winner of last year’s $3 Million Pegasus World Cup Invitational, earned top placings on numerous horses throughout the day, and went out on a high note to take home the $1 Million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational aboard Colonel Liam.

Trained by Todd A. Pletcher and owned by Robert and Lawana Low, Colonel Liam held 7/2 odds in the field of 12 talented contenders, including horses piloted by fellow AE riders Jose Ortiz, Tyler Gaffalione, Luis Saez, Joe Bravo, and Drayden van Dyke. Ortiz Jr. and Colonel Liam tackled the 1 3/16-mile Grade 1 race to be named the victors in the highest stakes turf race of the day. He ended the day with a second-place finish in the $3 Million Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Jesus’ Team trained by Jose Francisco D’Angelo.

“I was so happy to win this,” Ortiz said. “This is very special to me because I live my life once a day. We don’t know tomorrow and just enjoy the moment. I was so happy for all the connections and for Todd Pletcher too. I feel great. I was thinking about my grandfather who just passed away last year, and I just know he’s looking [down] at me. My whole family’s at home watching the race, I just miss him being around on the track. He’s my number one fan. I just imagine everything in seconds, like they are looking at me. I just feel like I have to celebrate.”

“He showed us a lot of ability in his couple of starts on the grass,” Pletcher said of Colonel Liam. “We felt like he was getting better and better. We loved the way he handled the turf in the Tropical (Park) Derby and he had trained great. We were very optimistic. He’s a little less experienced than some of the other horses but I think this proves his quality.”

Earlier in the day, Ortiz Jr. also won the 1 1/2-mile La Prevoyante Stake Grade 2 Turf race for Fillies and Mares 4 years old and up aboard Always Shopping trained by Todd Pletcher. Chosen Rider Tyler Gaffalione also had a standout day on the track, claiming the 1 1/2-mile Turf W. L. McKnight Open Stakes for 4-year-olds and up on Tide of the Sea trained by Michael J. Maker, as well as 1 Mile Turf Marshua’s River S. Fillies and Mares 4 years old and up on Zofelle.

Gaffalione also clinched the 7 Furlong Dirt Maiden race for 3-year-olds to kick off the day. Luis Saez crossed the finish first in the 1 1/16-mile Turf Claiming Race for 4-year-olds and up aboard Microsecond.

Emma Miller
em@phelpsmediagroup.com

Victory for Boyd Martin and Luke 140 in Galway Downs CCI4*-L

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Kim Miller.

Temecula, Ca. – Oct. 31, 2020 – CCI4*-L eventing competition wrapped up Saturday afternoon with Boyd Martin completing his first-ever victory gallop at Galway Downs. Martin and Luke 140, owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate, won the event from start to finish, just adding a smidge of time to his leading dressage score following both cross-country and show jumping.

Mark Donovan’s show jumping course design which required horse and riders to come into the ring prepared as the time was tight and asked a lot from the CCI4*-L competitors. Only one horse and rider pair, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver, was able to execute Donovan’s track without time faults. Even with the addition of 1.20 seconds of time to his final score, Martin and Luke 140 secured the win on a score of 31, with Tamie Smith and Passepartout following right behind on a score of 32.40.

Despite the fact that Martin has only ever competed at the Temecula, California venue once previously with self-described less than desirable results or that this was Luke 140’s debut at the CCI4*-L level, the duo proved a formidable match all weekend long. Admittedly, Martin thought his other mount and long-time partner Long Island T would be the one leading the pack over the course of the weekend.

“I came out here thinking ‘Ludwig’ [Long Island T] might beat Luke this weekend. But it was Luke’s weekend, and I’m really glad I brought him out here,” Martin shared. He also commented that he has been preaching Luke 140’s international potential to the members of the horse’s ownership syndicate and shared that “this weekend is the first real moment that proves it.” After a successful weekend overall, Martin is excited to aim both Long Island T and Luke 140 towards the 5* stage.

Second-place finisher and California native Tamie Smith was thrilled with Passepartout’s 4* debut, telling the horse, “You almost won your first 4*!” The duo finished the weekend off, adding just .40 time faults following show jumping. Martin wrapped up the top three with Long Island T on a score of 36.40.

Phelps Sports
info@phelpssports.com

Mathieu Michot and Bretzelle D’Arthenay Win 2020 EquiJet $7,500 U25 Championship

Mathieu Michot and Bretzelle D’Arthenay. Photo by Ringside Media.

Ontario, Canada – Sept. 15, 2020 – The 2020 EquiJet $7,500 U25 Championship at Angelstone Tournaments has come to a close. Following three rounds of exciting competition, Mathieu Michot and Bretzelle D’Arthenay were named as the 2020 victors thanks to two top-three placings that pushed them to the top of the leaderboard. Split into three parts, the series classes took place July 23, August 21, and September 11, when top up-and-coming equestrians went head-to-head for a shot at the top title. After a successful 2019 partnership, EquiJet returned to Angelstone Tournaments in 2020 to continue its support of the younger generations of athletes in order to promote their budding competitive careers and offer travel opportunities that may have otherwise been prohibitive.

“This was such an exciting series! Congratulations to all participants. We are so happy to have been able to support the U25 classes this year at Angelstone Tournaments. Traveling to new, and sometimes quite far away, competitions is imperative for high-level equestrians as they kickstart their competitive careers, so we were pleased to have partnered with Angelstone to provide some equine transportation funds for our lucky winners. The future of the sport is bright, and we are proud to have a hand in supporting the next generation,” commented Bastian Schroeder, founder of EquiJet.

Laying down two rounds of quick and careful riding aboard her own Castello Z, Sammy Saunders emerged victorious as the first winner of the three-part series July 23, followed by a win for Lexi Ray and Jana Van D’Abdijhoeve on August 21. During the final installment September 11, Alexanne Thibault and Chacco Prime bested the field as the fastest of the 8-horse jump-off to capture the final class’s blue ribbon. Overall, Michot and Bretzelle D’Arthenay earned the championship distinction with the most cumulative points earned from a third-place finish in August and a runner-up spot in September. Thibault’s September victory pushed her into second place overall to claim the reserve championship.

Celebrating its tenth year, Angelstone has grown since its inception to showcase five competition rings that feature guaranteed perfect footing, including the Angelstone Main Stadium, a tournament ring unrivalled in Canada. Though COVID-19 forced Angelstone Tournaments to rework its schedule, its summer season still features six weeks of Gold-level competition between July and September for exhibitors of all experiences, in addition to seven weekends for its Silver Series. In 2019, nine FEI classes and more than one million dollars in prize money was offered, making the venue a true destination for competitors up and down the East Coast of North America.

Media Contact: Elaine Wessel
(561) 753-3389 | ew@phelpsmediagroup.com

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Moving Forward with 2020 “Hagyard Challenge Series”

Brian Moggre, winner of the 2019 Hagyard Leading Rider Award, with MTM Los Angeles.

Lexington, Ky. – July 21, 2020 – The Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are pleased to confirm they will be moving forward with the “Hagyard Challenge Series” in 2020.  Although the spring shows typically included in the Series were canceled due to COVID-19, Hagyard is committed to “going the distance” in hosting the remaining events in the 2020 Hagyard Challenge Series.

They will be held at the following events:

  • Kentucky Summer Horse Show – Thursday, July 23rd
  • Kentucky Summer Classic – Thursday, July 30th
  • Bluegrass Festival Horse Show – Friday, August 14th
  • KHJA Horse Show – Saturday, August 22nd
  • Kentucky National Horse Show/The Betsy Gala – Sunday, September 20th

With fewer events in the Series, the “Leading Rider Award” for 2020 will be reduced from $50,000 to $25,000. “The award money is tied to our sponsors,” said Elise Jackson, Tour Experience & Event Coordinator for Hagyard. “Since there were fewer events in the series, and considering restrictions USEF has placed on sponsor attendance, it seemed necessary to reduce the Award for 2020.”

With the late start to the show season, Hagyard has also announced a slight change to the method of tabulating points to determine the Leading Rider of the Series. Previously, riders that rode multiple horses earned points based on the placings of each horse they rode in each class. While they can still enter multiple horses, only the points earned from their highest placed horse in each class in the series will count for the Leading Rider Award point tally.

Due to the restrictions and limitations to the 2020 show season COVID-19 has had on the industry, this may provide a more diverse and interesting twist to see which rider will be able to go the distance and come out on top in the Series. Each event in the Series will be available to view via live stream through Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC’s website. Details will follow on how you can view and participate in the excitement safely from a distance as the event approaches.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has hosted the Challenge Series since 2006. The Series is held each spring and summer at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the Series is presented the Leading Rider Award during the Kentucky National Horse Show in September. The Series typically feature a FEI CSI2* and a CSI3*, making riders eligible to earn points toward international show-jumping rankings.

Hagyard announced that the theme for the 2020 event would be Going the Distance. “The word ‘distance’ has been such a prominent part of our life this year, we wanted to put a more positive spin on it,” Jackson explained. “We feel like this theme truly embodies what we want to do with this event, and the Hagyard brand itself. We have worked with the Kentucky Horse Park to go the extra mile this year and find ways to put on the event in spite of some challenges. But that’s what we do for our customers every day, so it’s really inherent in who we are as an organization.”

With more than 50 veterinarians and 142 years behind it, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is the oldest and one of the largest private equine veterinary practices in the world. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the facility, located across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park, boasts superior ambulatory services, the world-renowned Davidson Surgery Center, McGee Medicine and Fertility Centers, Hagyard Laboratory, Hagyard Sports Medicine & Podiatry Center, and hyperbaric medicine facilities. For more information, visit hagyard.com.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com. To request a prize list, please e-mail prizelist@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Carriage Hill Farms Celebrates Exponential Success throughout 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival

Meredith Gallagher and Rebel de Vizy.

Delray Beach, Fla. – April 2, 2020 – Although the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) came to an early close, Carriage Hill Farms (CHF) is celebrating the success and continued growth of its students, horses, and staff over the 10 weeks of competition. Based in Delray Beach, Fla., the team at Carriage Hill Farms traveled 30 minutes north each week to partake in yet another year of one of the world’s premiere winter equestrian events, earning top ribbons and learning valuable lessons along the way.

“I am so proud of the whole Carriage Hill team for having a successful WEF 2020,” said Jane Fennessy, owner and head trainer of Carriage Hill Farms. “From our trainers and riders at home, to the staff we had at the horse show every day, everyone really stepped up their game and made this an exceptional season. Lessons were learned, levels were climbed, and most importantly, fun was had by all!”

Twenty of Carriage Hill Farms’ students took to the competition ring over the ten weeks, all producing great rounds in their respective divisions to progress their knowledge and experience while also achieving their goals. In total, the students of CHF claimed over 75 top-five finishes during WEF, in addition to multiple championships in divisions ranging from the Children’s Hunters to the High Amateur Owner Jumpers.

To highlight a few, Emmanuelle Greenberg piloted her horses Iomare De L’esku, Very Good de La Bonn, Tempo Royal, and Eilan Del Maset to many quick and clear rounds in the Medium Junior Jumpers, and she showed in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search for the first time with Curacao. Annette Friend rode Casual Water in the USHJA National Hunter Derby, her first derby ever. Michelle Whitman and C’Van De Helle claimed a championship ribbon in the Adult Amateur Equitation. Erika Jakobson put in multiple double-clears for top-five finishes with USA Normande and Everton. Angela Calicchio and City Walk clinched first and second places in the Ariat National Adult Medal and Low Adult Amateur Jumpers. Riders Raine Whitman and Madison Staiano finished first and third in the SFHJA Junior Medal 14&Under and a number of other students also capped off their season with great results and even better lessons learned during their time in the ring.

“Our 2020 Season was really about growth and transitions,” shared CHF trainer Meredith Gallagher. “We had a few long-term students transitioning to college and the amateur ranks while the majority of our junior riders were moving up to new divisions and/or new horses. I believe each rider handled those transitions well and I was proud of the way they remained focused and competitive throughout all the changes that this season brought!”

CHF’s large selection of high-quality sales horses also shined bright over the course of the season. Czar Du Mesnil placed at the top of a variety of divisions, including the Low Adult Amateur Hunters, Green 3’6″ Hunters and the Adult Amateur Hunters where he was named reserve champion with Taylor St. Jacques in the irons. Rebel de Vizy continued his winning ways to place third and fourth in the High Performance Conformation Hunters with Gallagher during World Championship Hunter Rider week, and picking up the champion tricolor in the division during Week 4. Gallagher also rode Quinta, who is offered for lease, to a win in the very competitive 1.30m Jumpers. Clearano Z bested multiple fields in both the equitation and jumper rings, showing off his ability to excel at both disciplines with consistent top-three finishes. Uderzo de Rance and CHF trainer Hayley Iannotti proved to be unstoppable in the 1.30m Jumpers, crossing the finish line ahead of nearly 70 people a number of times.

“We have a wide variety of sales horses at Carriage Hill and throughout the season each one of them rose to the occasion and earned top ribbons and championships,” stated Arly Golombek, who manages the international competition and sales horses at Carriage Hill Farms. “They are all sure to make their future owners very happy as they’ve done for us this season!”

Quite possibly some of the team’s favorite memories from the season, Carriage Hill Farms participated in two of the most exciting editions of “Saturday Night Lights”: the Battle of the Sexes and the Great Charity Challenge. In the Battle of the Sexes, Iannotti was a valued member of the girls’ team as she claimed two out of three of her points against the boys team. During Week 4, Golombek, Jakobson and Greenberg rode on a team in the Great Charity Challenge to raise over $30,000 for the Step by Step Foundation.

“Having the opportunity to start the season off competing in the Battle of the Sexes was something I’ve always dreamed of. The Battle of the Sexes is such a fun class and a great way to get everybody in the spirit for circuit! I rode my horse Uderzo de Rance and he was better than I could have ever expected. It was my first time out under the lights and I’m so grateful for the experience and the opportunity that team captain Nicole Bellissimo gave me and hope to do it again in the years to come!” expressed Iannotti. “Being able to raise money as a team for the Step by Step Foundation was so special. Carriage Hill and our students have been lucky enough to participate in this event a few times now and each year it just gets better.”

Carriage Hill Farms would like to thank its entire team for their support and hard work throughout the season, as their continued success would not be possible without them. The CHF horses have now returned to their home base in Delray Beach and are enjoying some time resting and regrouping. CHF’s staff will continue to care for its horses and assist riders in working towards their goals so that when the time comes to step back into the show ring, the Carriage Hill Farms team will be ready!

Media Contact: Georgie Hammond
gh@phelpsmediagroup.com

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Unveils Inaugural “Devon Legends”

Devon, Pa. – January 30, 2020 – The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair (DHSCF) will be kicking off a year-long celebration for its upcoming 125th anniversary with an induction ceremony honoring the “Devon Legends” at the storied Ardrossan Estate in Villanova, Pa. on Saturday, April 25, 2020. This prestigious group of inaugural honorees includes Olympians, national champions, and other luminaries connected to the success of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

This is the first time in the history of the distinguished competition at Devon that the legends of the sport have been recognized. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair looks forward to annually recognizing the many more legends that have made the event a unique and unparalleled horse show.

The first group of Show Jumping athletes includes Laura Chapot, Norman Dello Joio, Joe Fargis, Charlie Jacobs, Peter Leone, Michael Matz, and McLain Ward, as well as Hunter athlete Louise Serio. Ed Ochsenschlager and Richard L. Ridge will represent the Hackney and Saddlebred legends, while Paul Martin, Donald Rosato, and John White represent the Coaching division.

The “Devon Legends” include many of those outside of the historic Dixon Oval, that have helped create the magic at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. These legends include Ringmasters John E. Franzreb III and Alan Keeley, as well as Show Manager David Distler.  The final group of Legends being honored feature distinguished supporters who have worked to improve the event over many years, including Mrs. Edith R. Dixon, Leonard A. King, Jr., Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran, and Mrs. Lawrence A. MacElree.

“The inaugural ‘Devon Legends’ represent the top athletes in the sport, as well as those who have helped make the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair the best event in the country for over a century. We are thrilled to be recognizing the people that have given back to the sport and to the community in so many ways. We are looking forward to this new chapter in this event’s legendary history,” expressed DHSCF Chairman and CEO Wayne W. Grafton.

Tickets for the induction ceremony at the Ardrossan Estate are expected to be available in late February and will be limited. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be celebrating its 125-year legacy with many special events, commemorations, and future-focused initiatives, all leading up to a gala event in May 2021.

For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Irad Ortiz Jr. Dominates Pegasus World Cup Invitational

Irad Ortiz Jr. and Mucho Gusto.

Hallandale Beach, Fla. – Jan. 28, 2020 – The 4th annual running of the $3 Million Pegasus World Cup Invitational was highlighted by standout performances from American Equus sponsored jockeys this weekend. Some of the best upcoming thoroughbreds in the sport came out to Gulfstream Park to vie for the Pegasus Cup trophy, and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. piloted several horses to top finishes, including Mucho Gusto in the highly anticipated Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

Mucho Gusto, owned by Michael Petersen and trained by Bob Baffert, had many eyes on him when race day arrived, with his top contender being Higher Power ridden by Flavien Prat. Mucho Gusto’s odds increased to 9-2 and Higher Power’s increased to 6-1 after the previous favorites, Hall of Fame Jockey Mike Smith’s mount Omaha Beach and Spun to Run, Javier Castellano’s mount, scratched from the race prior to Saturday. With a standout team behind him, Mucho Gusto crossed the finish line in the Grade 1 race clean after establishing an early lead in the field of ten horses with Ortiz Jr. in the irons.

“I had a great trip,” Ortiz Jr. said. “He got a great start and felt good. He relaxed so well and we were able to save ground. At the three-eighths pole I tipped him out and he took off. He was much the best. I think he just took off and opened up easy. He’s a nice horse.”

Mucho Gusto’s Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has a long history of success in the racing world, having won the inaugural Pegasus Cup four years ago with Arrogate and two Triple Crowns with American Pharaoh and Justify. He was thrilled to add another high profile win to his resume with the talented team of Mucho Gusto and Ortiz Jr.

“He looked great in the warm-up,” Baffert explained. “Irad Ortiz did a pretty masterful job – he has a lot of speed but the key was to get a good break and get over right away. And I just left it up to [Irad]; just keep him in the clear. When he was down inside, I thought, ‘I hope he knows what he’s doing,’ but he did. He knows that track really well. It was a great performance by him and the horse.”

Luis Saez finished third in the race on Mr. Freeze, owned by Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister and trained by Dale Romans.

Earlier in the day, Ortiz Jr. rode Phat Man to the win in the $150k Fred W. Hooper One Mile, the horse’s first graded-stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

“The race set up for him,” Ortiz Jr. said about Phat Man. We knew there was going to be a strong pace, we wanted him to be forwardly placed, but at the same time relaxed. He was there when I asked him. He ran a good race.”

In the $1 Million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Turf, Tyler Gaffalione finished in first aboard Zulu Alpha, owned by Michael Hui and Trained by Michael Maker.

“The horse broke well and the speed set up in front of us,” Gaffalione said. “I was able to let my horse settle. They just kept opening up and I didn’t see any reason to go around them, so we just stayed on the fence, and he really exploded down in there and finished the job. He honestly got more competitive down in there.”

Ortiz Jr. and Instilled Regard, owned by Oxo Equine LLC and trained by Chad Brown, finished in third in the turf race, while Jose Ortiz and Sacred Life, trained by Chad Brown and owned by Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables LLC, Wonder Stables and Bethlehem Stables LLC, took fourth.

It was truly a day of domination for American Equus jockeys at Gulfstream Park, with Saez winning the 1 Mile Fillies race on Silver Kitten, the $200k Turf Fillies race on Mean Mary, and taking second in the Three-Year-Old Maiden race with Gimme Some Mo. In the $150k Turf Fillies race, Ortiz Jr. took the victory on Jean Elizabeth, while Jose Ortiz and Girls Know Best finished close behind in second. The $150k Fillies saw Castellano cross the finish first with Atomic Blonde, while Ortiz and Mitchell Road took second and Gaffalione and La Feve took third. Ortiz and Pink Sands were also victorious in the $200k Fillies race.

Emma Miller
em@phelpsmediagroup.com