Jennifer Alfano and Candid.
Lexington, KY – May 13, 2015 – After dominating the top two spots in Sunday’s USHJA International Hunter Derby, Jennifer Alfano and her stunning lineup of hunters started day one of the Kentucky Spring Classic with a bang.
The chilly morning began in the Stonelea Ring with the First Year Green Hunters, as Alfano piloted the flashy Me Again, owned by Helen Lenahan, to first and second place finishes.
“Me Again was awesome in the First Years,” Alfano said. “He’s still really green, so he has his moments of brilliance, and then moments of ‘I’m not sure how to do it.’ Today was a moment of brilliance. He’s really starting to put it together, and I’ve been really happy with him. He’s starting to get consistent and get his act together.”
Rounding out the division, Havens Schatt took the blue atop Custom Made in the first over-fences class and finished third in the second class.
The day continued with the Green and Regular Conformation Hunters. Russell Frey, in the saddle on Saville Row, delivered two smooth rounds to capture first and second place. Despite the drop in temperature, the grey gelding was on his best behavior.
“He has a lot of confidence,” trainer Lynn Jayne said. “The weather doesn’t bother him; nothing bothers him. He’s very straightforward.”
Despite only switching to Jayne’s training program last Monday, 7-year-old Saville Row went around the course like an old pro. Rider Russell Frey added, “I knew him last year as a Pre-Green horse, and I told Lynn, ‘A building could fall down next to him and he wouldn’t care.’ He’s a good horse to have in the barn; he tries to win. He has a lot of self-confidence.”
The Second Year Green Hunters were next to show, with Alfano back in the saddle on her horse Candid. The big bay gelding, who goes by Sheldon in the barn, impressed the judges with his performances. The duo swept the first day of the division, taking home two blue ribbons.
“Candid was really good today,” Alfano said. “This is sort of our last show before Devon, so he’s right on track. He was great both rounds, so I’m really happy with him.”
Schatt was hot on Alfano’s heels, and the judges awarded her and Deborah Perkins’ Set to Music’s efforts with second place ribbons in both classes.
The first day of the Kentucky Spring Classic wrapped up with the High Performance Hunters, where Alfano showcased the ability of Billie Steffee’s horse, Maggie May. The pair won both classes, ending Alfano’s show day on a high note.
“Maggie May was great today,” Alfano said. “I didn’t show her last week in the division; I just did her in the derby, and I figured that was enough for the week. I just wanted to get her in the division once before Devon, and she was awesome both rounds today.”
Once again, Schatt followed closely behind, putting in two great trips and earning two second place ribbons atop Mostly Sunny, the big chestnut owned by CH Farm LLC.
The professional hunter divisions will continue Thursday in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Coverage will continue Friday with the USEF Platinum Performance Talent Search 2*. Saturday is “Derby Day,” with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby taking place.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows
What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.
Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.
When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition
KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.
Hours:
8am – 5pm daily
Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.
CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.
Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com
Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com