GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 21, 2015 – Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold, the horse famous for denying Silver Charm the Triple Crown in 1997, has been retired to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.
Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the announcement today.
The 21-year-old stallion comes to Old Friends from Adena Springs in Paris, KY., and has been generously donated by Adena owner Frank Stronach along with an endowment. In October, Old Friends also accepted the Stronach-owned Alphabet Soup.
Sired by Deputy Minister out of the Buckpasser mare Passing Mood, Touch Gold began his career in Canada with trainer Daniel J. Vella. He came to United States as a 3-year-old and was campaigned by David Hofmans. In the U.S., Touch Gold won the GR2 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. Not entered in the Kentucky Derby, he ran fourth in Preakness Stakes after a troubled trip and a suffering a hoof injury.
In the Belmont, Touch Gold laid Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm’s Triple Crown bid to rest when he went wide and surged ahead to catch the favorite in the closing yards.
Silver Charm was repatriated from Japan in 2014 and is also now pensioned at Old Friends.
Touch Gold went on the capture the GR1 Haskell Invitational before retiring with 15 starts, 6 wins and career earnings of $1,679,907.
As a sire, Touch Gold is well represented by four Grade I winners, including Royal Challenger, who won the Breeders’ Stakes, the third leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, and Seek Gold, who won the GR1 Stephen Foster Handicap and is now also retired at Old Friends. His son Medalist is also a multiple-graded-stakes winner.
“It’s amazing to reunite these two great rivals,” said Blowen of Touch Gold and Silver Charm. “We also now have War Emblem and the horse who ended his Triple Crown Bid, Sarava. It’s a great to revisit and recount these wonderful racing stories.
“Our thanks again to Mr Stronach and everyone at Adena Springs for entrusting us with this amazing horse,” Blowen continued. “We hope all of Touch Gold’s fans will come visit him.”
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 155 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 16, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility located in Georgetown, KY, is proud to announce that it has been renewed for 2016 as a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Accredited site.
To obtain accreditation, Old Friends has undergone a thorough application, inspection, and review process in order to meet the TAA’s code of standards in the categories of operations, education, horse health-care management and facility standards.
The TAA recently announced that it will divide $2.48 million in grants among its 56 accredited aftercare organizations.
This financial assistance will help Old Friends continue to provide a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers have ended.
Currently Old Friends cares for more than 155 retired horses in four states, and has two satellite facilities: Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, NY and Old Friends at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, KY.
“We are indebted to the TAA for its continued support and its continued faith in our mission,” said Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends. “The TAA has helped changed the face of Thoroughbred aftercare in this country and in turn it has helped to enriched the sport of racing. We are very proud to be an accredited site.”
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the non-profit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association Inc., the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 56 aftercare organizations supporting more than 180 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 155 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
Esher, England once again hosted one of the latest National Hunt contests of the year this past Saturday with the 36th running of the Tingle Creek Chase since 1979 (there was no race in 1983). A two-mile race for 4-year-old competitors and above, it’s one of the last real opportunities of the year for significant racing glory in Britain, and it always attracts some of the biggest names in European racing.
This year’s event lost a little bit of its luster when it was announced in late November on BBC.com that popular champion Sprinter Sacre wouldn’t compete. He’s a 9-year-old horse who’s become a seasoned champion of spring races, but he’s been treated off-and-on for a heart condition. He seemed nearly back to normal upon winning the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham earlier in November. However, it looks like trainer Nicky Henderson and the rest of the team decided to hold Sprinter Sacre out of major races in preparation for another run at March’s Cheltenham Festival, where he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2013. Thus, the horse did not return to Esher to win back the Tingle Creek title he took in 2012.
As if that didn’t shake up the race enough, popular favorite Un De Sceaux, a Willie Mullins horse, also withdrew just before the competition, leaving the field fairly wide open for the other competitors. Without Sprinter Sacre and Un De Sceaux, it felt like it could be anybody’s race. In the absence of those two, Paul Nicholls’ Vibrato Valtat became the favorite, with Sire de Grugy and Special Tiara also warranting mentions in betting circles. You can find more about the pre-race outlook at Gambling.com, but for the most part these three were the biggest remaining names once Sprinter Sacre and Un De Sceaux pulled out.
And as it turned out on Saturday at Sandown Park, it was Sire de Grugy who was in best form. Another one-time Champion Chase winner at Cheltenham who also took Tingle Creek back in 2013, Sire de Grugy ran a strong race and just beat out Special Tiara at the very end. It was a major win for trainer Gary Moore given the major names like Henderson and Nicholls that were expected to lord over the competition, and it was certainly especially sweet given that Moore’s son Jamie did the riding.
A full race recap is available at TheGuardian.com. Sire de Grugy is next expected to be primed for an appearance at April’s Grand National contest at Aintree.
Rosie Napravnik, Joe Sharp, and baby Carson with Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm (Photo by EquiSport)
Proceeds from the online fashion auction to benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility
GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 4, 2015 – For the third consecutive year, jockey Rosie Napravnik will model handcrafted, one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby chapeaus to support the 7th Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online fashion auction that raises money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.
This seventh season, however, was a family affair. Napravnik posed with her husband, trainer Joe Sharp, and their new baby Carson. Joining them were leading rider Julien Leparoux, who posed with his wife Shea and their son Mitchell, and top jock Brian Hernandez, who posed with his wife Jamie and their daughter Joshlyn.
This is the seventh year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction off six exclusive Kentucky Derby hats between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 156 retired racehorses.
To date, this unique fundraiser has earned over $23,000 for Old Friends.
The six couture hats that will go on the block the first of every month between now and the 2016 running of the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.
The fashion auction kicked off November 1st with Napravnik and Sharp showcasing the “The Silver Charm,” a design inspired by the 1997 Kentucky Derby Champion who is now retired at Old Friends.
Bidding on “The Silver Charm” began at 8 pm on November 1st and will be open for 10 days only, until 8 pm on November 11th. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link. Or click this link: http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/hats-current.html.
The photo shoots for each hat, done by EquiSport Photographers Matt and Wendy Wooley, took place this fall at Old Friends and matches Steinmann’s beautiful hats with ensembles from Lexington’s Bella Rose Boutique.
Rosie Napravnik has been one of the most successful and influential women in the Sport of Kings. In 2012 she became the first woman to win the Kentucky Oaks, a feat she repeated in 2014. Napravnik, who retired from riding last year to begin a family with husband Sharp, also sits on the Old Friends Board of Directors.
Eclipse-Awarding winning Julien Leparoux is also one of horseracing’s leading jockeys. The France-born rider has earned titles at Churchill, Keeneland and at Turfway Park. In 2015 he won the Breeders’ Cup Mile aboard Tepin.
Brian Hernandez was an Eclipse Award winning apprentice in 2004. He has over 1,000 wins to his credit, including the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Fort Larned in 2012.
About Silver Charm
In 1997 Silver Charm won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Gary Stevens. The dual-classic wins helped him capture that year’s Eclipse Award as Champion Three Year Old Male. He went on to win the 1998 Dubai World Cup and, with nearly $7 million in career earnings, he was inducted in Racing Hall of Fame in 2007. After 10 years in Japan, Silver Charm retired to Old Friends in 2014.
About the Silver Charm Hat
The wide-brimmed “Silver Charm” hat features three varying shades of gray and white silk organza at its base. It is adorned with a single rose curl sculpted out of alternating layers of deep yellow dupioni silk and yellow silk organza, which reflect the stallion’s famous racing colors. A fancy charcoal braiding was top stitched to the ruffled-brim edges and along the under brim for a lovely finishing touch, while several free form bow loops, created out of gray veiling, adds just a hint of wispy elegance.
Dozens of long slender gray, white and charcoal silk organza feathers, a Maggie Mae Designs® trademark, were also carefully stitched, layered and shaped to frame the face beautifully when the hat is worn.
For additional information, contact Maggie Mae Designs® at sally@maggiemae.com.
Maggie Mae Designs® Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions – from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can be seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.
About Old Friends Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for 156 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
Lexington, KY (October 30, 2015) – Jane Heart LLC is pleased to announce the new Jockey Cap Collection that will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Created in 2006 by leaders in the horse racing industry, PDJF assists jockeys who have suffered on-track catastrophic injuries. PDJF is an independent public charity that has disbursed over $6.0 million dollars and currently supports 60 permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. Nancy Lasala, President of PDJF, is “grateful for the support of our many industry partners who are committed to the welfare of these men and women, and we welcome Jane Heart to help in this important cause. The PDJF is able to bring much needed financial assistance to a group of athletes who have given so much to the sport of horse racing.” A portion of the proceeds from each design sold will benefit PDJF.
Jane commented: “In reviewing my racehorse designs for Secretariat, Barbaro, and Man o’ War, it seemed a natural that a new design would be a jockey cap to highlight and recognize the greatness of the human athlete in this dynamic sport. My inspiration also came from spending some time at various Secretariat Foundation events over the past several years with Ron Turcotte, the renowned Hall of Fame jockey of Secretariat and the well-known ambassador for PDJF. Ron’s tireless efforts to raise money for PDJF and his winning smile and kindness to all during his autograph session appearances is truly admirable. Being next to him and seeing the appreciation his fans, young and old alike, have for him and how he responds to their every comment and question is heartwarming. Ron truly has been an inspiration to me, and I look forward to help raise funds for PDJF.”
The Jockey Cap designs come in two different size sterling silver charms and one features goggles as an accent. Hand-polished and finished after casting in the USA, these adorable charms can also come hand-enameled in a variety of jockey silk colors in either solid color or two tone. Custom colors are available upon request. Pricing for the charms start at $65.00 and can also come as pendants, on bracelets, and as cuff links. Each piece comes with the Jane Heart logo stamp inside and arrives in a velvet pouch with a commemorative card for PDJF. Visit the website at www.janeheart.com to see the Jockey Cap Collection or call 1-888-703-0503. Select items are available at the Keeneland Gift Shop and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop, both in Lexington, KY; The Santa Anita Gift Shop in Arcadia, CA; and the Kentucky Derby Museum Gift Shop in Louisville, KY.
For more information, contact:
Jane Heart LLC
PO Box 6399
Scottsdale, AZ 85261
Phone: 1-888-703-0503
Mobile 602-300-5148 jane@janeheart.com www.janeheart.com
New York, N.Y., October 21, 2015 – Palomino Entertainment Group is pleased to announce that their film, “One Day”, will be shown during the Breeders’ Cup Festival at the Cheapside Pavilion, located at 131 Cheapside Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. The schedule of public screenings is as follows: Sunday, 10/25 thru Wednesday, 10/28 at 11am and Saturday 10/24 thru Saturday 10/31 at 11:30pm. “One Day” features interviews with Eclipse Award-winning photographer, Barbara Livingston, Hall of Fame Jockey, Jorge Velasquez, and award-winning journalist, Steve Haskin. The film is narrated by Emmy nominee, Josh Charles (“The Good Wife”, “Sports Night”, “Dead Poets Society”). Exec. Producer and editor of “One Day”, TanNa Young, is also Coordinating Producer of the CBS hit series, “The Good Wife”.
This is the true story of famed thoroughbred, Our Mims, the 1977 Eclipse Award Champion 3-year-old Filly. A teenage Jeanne Mirabito falls in love with Our Mims when she sees her race on TV. Jeanne makes a “cosmic claim” on her and vows “one day” she will own her. 21 years later, fate brings them together. They form a bond and through that relationship, Our Mims Retirement Haven (OMRH) is formed where broodmares are given a forever home. OMRH is located in Paris KY.
“One Day” is directed by Victoria Racimo, founder of Palomino Entertainment Group. Victoria has an extensive career as actress, writer, and director. She produced the film “Casi Casi” and sold it to HBO, was co-author with Alicia Keys on the recently released book “Blue Moon”, and staged two theatre scenes for Steven Spielberg in his film “Lincoln”. She starred opposite Charlton Heston in “The Mountain Men” and in Disney’s “Ernest Goes to Camp”, among many other credits.
Palomino Entertainment Group is a multi-faceted film, television and theatrical production company. PEG produced the film as a gift to OMRH to raise awareness and support for the horses at the Haven. “One Day” will also be used as an educational tool about issues surrounding horses that no longer earn money on the track or in the breeding shed.
Palomino extends its sincere thanks to the Breeders’ Cup Festival Week organization for their support and enthusiasm in presenting this new film as part of its main events leading up to the world-class Breeders’ Cup in Lexington, KY.
Bronze Sculpture Features Cigar and Jockey Jerry Bailey Winning 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2015) – The Kentucky Horse Park will unveil a new memorial statue dedicated to the great Thoroughbred champion Cigar on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. Created by artist Douwe “Dow” Blumberg, the statue will be placed at Cigar’s gravesite at the Hall of Champions and features Cigar with jockey Jerry Bailey winning the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
One of the world’s top Thoroughbred racehorses, Cigar died Oct. 7, 2014, at age 24. In May 1999, Cigar came to the Kentucky Horse Park to live out his retirement. He was voted Champion Older Male and Horse of the Year in both 1995 and 1996. In August 2002 he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Cigar was also voted the Racehorse of the Decade of the 1990s.
Blumberg is a Kentucky artist and former professional horse trainer. Originally from Los Angeles, California, he now resides north of Lexington. His works include New York City’s new America’s Response Monument and the Flight 5191 memorial in Lexington.
Thanks to support from all over the world, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation was able to commission the statue. Additional contributions are being accepted to complete the Cigar Memorial. Contributions may be sent to the Cigar Memorial Fund at the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, or made by phone at 859-255-5727, or online at www.khpfoundation.org.
For more information about the Cigar Memorial Statue unveiling or Cigar, contact the Kentucky Horse Park at 859-233-4303 or 800-678-8813 or info@kyhorsepark.com or visit www.KyHorsePark.com.
The Kentucky Horse Park is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 1. Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for children, and includes the Next Day Free. Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate; and the “Showplace for Saddlebreds” – The American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop.
The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 18,400 competition horses in approximately 200 special events and horse shows in 2014. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is THE place to get close to horses. Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found online at www.KyHorsePark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Periscope.
Park Pays Tribute to 19th-Century Jockey, Kentucky’s African-American Horsemen
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2015) – As part of a celebration taking place in Lexington in October honoring the great 19th-century jockey Isaac Burns Murphy, the Kentucky Horse Park will unveil a newly engraved headstone for Murphy as well as tributes to him and Kentucky’s African-American horsemen. The ceremony will take place at the park’s newly renamed Man o’ War – Isaac Burns Murphy Memorial on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m., and includes Dr. Pellom McDaniels, author of “The Prince of Jockeys: The Life of Isaac Burns Murphy.”
One of the greatest jockeys racing has ever known and one of Kentucky’s most famous sons, Murphy became one of the nation’s most famous and respected sport’s figures. He won an unmatched 44 percent of his races, and was the first jockey selected for membership in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Born in 1861, Murphy grew up in Lexington and was apprenticed to Thoroughbred breeders James T. Williams and Richard Owings. He was trained as a jockey by Eli Jordan and went on to be the first jockey to win three Kentucky Derbys (1884, 1890 and 1891). He also won the American Derby four times (1884-1886 and 1888), and the Latonia Derby five times (1883-1886 and 1891). Riding Salvator, Murphy most notably defeated Tenny in the famous 1890 Suburban Handicap.
At this event, the park will introduce new interpretive panels at the site “Isaac Burns Murphy,” “African-Americans in Racing,” and “Kentucky’s African-American Horsemen,” to share their important stories with future park visitors. Murphy’s panels include more accurate information that has recently become available after years of research by dedicated community leaders. Following this event at the park, there will be an unveiling of interpretive panels at 3:30 p.m. at the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden recounting Murphy’s life, describing his homesite, and recognizing the contributions of other African-American jockeys.
For more information about Isaac Burns Murphy, contact the Kentucky Horse Park at 859-233-4303 or 800-678-8813 or info@kyhorsepark.com or visit www.KyHorsePark.com.
Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion Gulch / Photo by EquiSport
Tickets Available Now
GEORGETOWN, KY – OCTOBER 19, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, will host a special Breeders’ Cup Celebration Sponsored by Red Brand Fence on Sunday November 1st, 2015 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Tickets are $25 for the general public, $15 for shareholders and Old Friends members. Reservations can be made by contacting the farm at (502) 863-1775 or booked online by visiting the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
The day will include a barbeque buffet by Furlong’s Catering, pizza from Papa John’s, farm tours, live music from Shades of Grass and both live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, photography, pottery, and other artwork — much of which will celebrate winners of past Breeders’ Cup races.
Renowned equine artist Robert Clarke will also be on hand doing an on-site painting of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner. The canvas will be auctioned at the end of the afternoon.
The event is sponsored by Red Brand Fence, which produces a premium line of agricultural fencing products and reigns as one of the most recognized brand of farm fence in the United States.
Over the years Old Friends has been home to more than 40 retired Breeders’ Cup winners or contenders, among them:
Gulch – winner of the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and currently the oldest living Breeders’ Cup Champion
Eldaafer, winner – 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon
Amazombie, winner – 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint
Silver Charm – 2nd in the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic
Game On Dude – 2nd in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Classic
Rail Trip – 3rd in 2011 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
*Precisionist – winner 1985 Breeders’ Cup Sprint
*Prized – winner of the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf
*Black Tie Affair – winner of the 1991 Breeders’ Cup Classic
*Fraise – winner of the 1992 Breeders’ Cup Turf
*Sunshine Forever – 2nd in the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Turf
*Now Deceased
“With the Breeders’ Cup here at Keeneland this year we hope fans will include us in their plans and come out for the day to see these wonderful past winners and contenders,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “It’s a great way to celebrate the new winners and also the history of the Championships.
“We’d also like to thank Red Brand Fence for their continued support,” Blowen continued. “They are helping us make this one of the best events we’re ever had here on the farm.”
For additional information or to reserve a ticket, please call the farm at (502) 863-1775.
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, WIHS Equitation Finals, Rodney Jenkins Induction Ceremony into WIHS Hall of Fame, President’s Cup Party, Dressage Freestyle, and Shetland Pony Steeplechase Racing
Washington, D.C. – October 16, 2015 – Saturday night will offer a memorable experience at the 57th annual Washington International Horse Show, with a full schedule packed with exciting competition and entertaining exhibitions. There is something for everyone on the biggest night of the show!
The $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC for the President’s Cup, is the featured event. It is preceded by the WIHS Equitation Finals, a freestyle dressage exhibition by Allison Brock and Rosevelt, and the final race in the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship. Throughout the night, festivities will be held at the President’s Cup Party, which benefits the USET Foundation’s “Ride to Rio” Olympic athlete program. The 2015 WIHS runs October 20-25, 2015, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.
One of the world’s most esteemed equestrian competitions, WIHS draws some of the most well-known names in the sport, including Olympians and rising young stars. The highlight event of WIHS, the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, is one of the most prestigious show jumping competitions on the competition calendar. It has been selected as one of seven events to comprise the East Coast division of the all-new Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. Riders will be competing for points to qualify for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Gothenburg, Sweden.
This year’s Pan American Games individual gold medalist and two-time U.S. Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward will return to defend his title as 2014 winner of the WIHS President’s Cup grand prix.
“I have always enjoyed competing at Washington. I love being downtown, and it has always been a very special week,” Ward expressed. “It has always been a great audience for the grand prix. Having it in the heart of the city is what gives it the atmosphere, and it is something that you cannot recreate in other venues.”
The night will begin with the top 10 work-off for the WIHS Equitation Finals. Spectators will watch the top junior riders in the country ride for the coveted championship, one of the biggest goals of the season. SAP, the official Technology Sponsor of WIHS, created a new equitation judging app, which will allow audience members to judge the Finals live from their seats at Verizon Center or as they watch the live stream.
The 2015 WIHS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by The Boeing Company, will take place on Saturday evening as part of a special night celebrating the United States Equestrian Team and will honor Rodney Jenkins. The ceremony will be a special moment in the ring following the conclusion of the WIHS Equitation Finals and before the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington class, and will feature a special tribute video and the presentation of the WIHS Hall of Fame Trophy.
Jenkins’ professional career started in the early 1960s and includes more than 70 grand prix wins. Although some current grand prix riders have more wins, few can match the quality of classes he won, his consistency, or his longevity. Some of his biggest wins were the President’s Cup Grand Prix at WIHS, which he won four times (1970, 1971, 1976, and 1983). In 1989, Jenkins announced his decision to retire from the show ring. Since then he has focused on training racehorses. The WIHS Hall of Fame is a very prestigious honor, recognizing leaders in the world of equestrian sports. The first inductee was equestrian legend George Morris in 1997, and since then 10 individuals have been inducted.
Not to be missed are this year’s entertaining Saturday night exhibitions. Allison Brock will be riding Fritz and Claudine Kundrun’s beautiful 2002 Hanoverian stallion, Rosevelt, in an elegant WIHS dressage exhibition, presented by Deloitte. They will perform a crowd-pleasing grand prix freestyle to music (Kür), where the horse and rider performs specially choreographed patterns to music.
Following Brock’s dressage exhibition is the adorable WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship race, presented by Charles Owen. The steeplechase is modeled after professional races, with riders in colorful silks, a bugler, race caller and even a photo finish, but in miniature. Guided by their jockeys, youngsters age seven to 14, the traditional Shetland Ponies race over a course of tiny hurdles.
Overlooking the arena and adding to the illustrious night is the President’s Cup Party in the Acela Club, co-hosted by The Young Nelson Society of Washington, WIHS’s newest young philanthropic professionals group. The team spirit will be celebrated at the Acela Club, where ticket proceeds for the President’s Cup Party will be donated to support the USET Foundation’s “Ride to Rio” initiative, which supports the U.S. teams aiming for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to help them win medals and stand on the podium.
The party includes an open bar, dinner and the show. Guests, including business, government and diplomatic leaders, will be welcomed by the CityCenterDC red carpet and enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, and socializing. Washington Life magazine will be photographing the party for their Winter issue, and there will be a beer tasting from Breckenride Brewery and a book signing with Vicki Moon, author of the new book, The Stylish Life Equestrian. Party tickets include dinner and open bar and are $150. Tables are also available. Visit www.wihs.org/social-events to purchase or call 202-525-3679.
Don’t miss the biggest and most exciting night of the week at WIHS! Tickets are available at the Verizon Center box office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For group discounts, contact Verizon Center Group Sales at 202-661-5061. For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors and students, visit http://www.wihs.org/tickets/.
About Washington International Horse Show, www.wihs.org Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious equestrian sporting events in the U.S. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup (Saturday night), The Boeing Company Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports.
