Theo Genn and Asirea Fortuna led the way in the 1.30m Open Jumpers. Photos by: Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.
Wayne, IL – June 18, 2014 – For the Genn family, the Showplace Spring Spectacular series is a family affair. Kicking off the second day of the third week was Theo Genn with Asirea Fortuna in the $2,500 1.30m Open Jumpers, sponsored by Canterbury Farms, taking the victory in 27.626 seconds. Shortly after, Wilhelm Genn rode to the top of the leader board in the $2,500 1.40m Open Jumpers, sponsored by ROC USA and Julie Novak, in 34.516 seconds with Happy Z.
“We are third generation,” Theo Genn explained. “My grandfather was already a professional rider, and then my father grew up riding. We followed in his footsteps. It is nice for all of us to be together, and it allows for us to work off of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. I have grown really close with my younger brother, and it is great that we have each other for different ideas and opinions. It helps quite a bit, especially for the bigger classes and the younger horses. You really need someone on the ground, and it gives us a definite advantage.”
Ringside, mother and wife Patricia Genn shoots videos of her husband and children, providing support from the sidelines. Patricia’s forte was the hunters, but when she and Wilhelm met in Wellington many years ago she began to focus on producing jumpers. Although Wilhelm rides with striking equitation, the joke of the family is that the children ride with the finesse of the “hunter gene.”
The LUXMAX U.S.A. Grand Prix Ring at the Lamplight Equestrian Center transformed back into the premiere show jumping facility, making it hard to believe that one of the most prestigious derbies in the nation had taken place less than 24 hours prior. Entering into a race against the clock, 25 riders faced off in the $2,500 1.30m Open Jumpers, sponsored by Canterbury Farms.
Megan Moshontz-Bash was the first to take on the morning’s track. She guided Pourkoipa Fontaine, owned by Cleveland Equestrian, to a double clear round in 29.152 seconds. Andrew Kocher and Coco 135 fell just shy of her time, crossing the timer in 29.332 seconds.
Theo Genn and was the only contender who could catch Moshontz-Bash. He took a more conservative approach to the jump-off with Asirea Fortuna, owned by Eduardo Leon, but their large stride and forward pace proved enough to take over the lead. Theo broke the beam in 27.626 seconds to take over the lead and eventually the morning’s victory.
“Asirea Fortuna is a really sporty mare, really fast with quick legs, and she is careful and scopey. I really try to carry her with a high pace, stay out of her mouth and let her be smooth,” Theo explained. “You just have to carry a good rhythm, and today I wasn’t going fast at all on her. I didn’t think I was going to win the class today on her. She is the fastest horse I have ever ridden in my life. She is so quick, extremely efficient and in the air for a short amount of time.”
“Even though she is only 8 years old, we have won a grand prix and come in second in another. This was really a schooling class for her, and I knew that I didn’t want to push her too hard with the grand prix approaching this weekend,” Theo stated.
With thunderstorms on the horizon and clouds billowing over the Lamplight Equestrian Center the $2,500 1.40m Open Jumpers, sponsored by ROC USA and Julie Novak, got underway. Riders were racing against the unwelcoming elements, as well as the clock as they moved through the obstacles in an attempt to best the next.
Theo continued with his winning ways, attempting to duplicate his earlier effort. This time he rode Aniviero Z, owned by Amy Lefferdink, to a double clear round in 36.223 seconds. It seemed as though his time might hold, but speed demon Lisa Goldman took over the lead with Rocs to Riches in a timely 35.546 seconds.
Theo described the course designed by Alan Wade, “The courses were beautiful today. We rode his courses in Houston at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, and I really like his courses. They are built really well, spread out but have a good rhythm and flow.”
It seemed as though Goldman would take the win on the opening day for her third consecutive week, but Wilhelm Genn had his eyes set on the 1.40m win. He rode Happy Z to a clean first round, and then as the wind picked up, so did Wilhelm’s speed as they cleared the 1.40m short course in 34.516 seconds.
The jumper action will continue in the LUXMAX, U.S.A. Grand Prix Ring tomorrow when the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake, sponsored by Upper Echelon Academy, will take the center stage. Riders will also have the opportunity to show in the Young Jumper Championship classes, with the unique chance to compete without entry fees. For more information, please visit: http://www.showplaceproductions.com.
Make Your Way Back to Spring Spectacular, Now with New Third Week and USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby
Showplace Productions’ Spring Spectacular is bigger and better than ever. Showplace has added another week to its popular Spring Spectacular event from June 17-22. This new week will allow competitors to attend their regular summer circuits and have a taste of what Showplace and Chicago have to offer on a week when they might be off or traveling. Showplace Productions has added new classes and over-the-top hospitality to make your showing experience even more enjoyable at beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center.
During Week III, Showplace Productions will hold a USHJA $10,000 National Hunter Derby and a USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby in the Grand Prix Ring, plus compete to earn WCHR points. More prize monies have been added to the Open Jumpers, Welcomes and Junior/Amateurs Owners. A new and exciting Accumulator class has been added to the Junior/Amateur Owner division. For professionals, Showplace is offering the opportunity to show young jumpers in some classes at no cost. There will also be some no cost Tuesday schooling opportunities for the pros. For Juniors, an all-new Equitation Championship will be held on Sunday of Week III. Juniors will be asked to demonstrate their horsemanship skills without the help of their trainers in this challenging class. There is something for everyone and a good reason to make your way back to Chicago for Spring Spectacular.
Showplace Spring Spectacular Fast Facts:
What: Three-week, USEF AA rated, Five Star, NAL, WIHS, M&S points eligible Showplace Productions signature event.
Website:
www.ShowplaceProductions.com
When:
Showplace Spring Spectacular I June 3-8, 2014
Showplace Spring Spectacular II June 10-15, 2014
Showplace Spring Spectacular III June17-22, 2014
Where: Lamplight Equestrian Center
6N940 Dunham Road
Wayne, IL 60184
Highlights:
More than $500,000 in Prizes
Showplace Spring Spectacular I:
$5,000 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic
$5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic
$5,000 Open Jumper 1.30m
$10,000 High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
$10,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 Open Welcome Stake
$30,000 Barrington Saddlery Grand Prix Benefiting Assistance in Healthcare
Showplace Spring Spectacular II:
$2,500 Low Amateur Owner Accumulator class
$2,500 High Junior/Amateur Jumper Accumulator Class
$2,500 Low Junior Jumper Accumulator Class
$5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic
$5,000 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic
$10,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
$20,000 Open Welcome Stake
$30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix
Showplace Spring Spectacular III:
$5,000 Pony Hunter Classic
$2,500 Children’s Adult Hunter Derby
$5,000 Low Junior Amateur Owner Gamblers Choice
$5,000 High Junior Amateur Owner Gamblers Choice
$7,500 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic
$7,500 NAL Adult Jumper Classic
$10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$10,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 Open Welcome Stake
$40,000 Weathertech Grand Prix
$75,000 in Hunter Classic Prize Money
Showplace Equitation Championships
Over-the-Top Spring Spectacular Hospitality Includes:
Sushi Yama lunch on Thursdays
Exhibitors dinner party with music from 4-8 p.m. every Friday
Exhibitors dinner party with music from 4-8 p.m. every Saturday
Exhibitors Jersey Mikes Lunch driven around and passed out at 2 p.m. every Saturday
Exhibitors Ice Cream Party every Saturday around 3 p.m.
VIP Tables at the Grand Prix Ring Luncheon every Saturday at 1 p.m.
VIP Tables at the Grand Prix Ring Luncheon every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Contacts:
Manager: Patrick Boyle (847) 274-6834, Fax (847) 717-6653 ShowsNo1@aol.com
Secretary: Nicole Boyle nicole@showplaceproductions.com
Directions:
FROM CHICAGO: I-90 (Kennedy Expressway) West to Route 59 (Barrington, IL).
Route 59 South (Left Turn) to Stearns Road (West Bartlett, IL)
Stearns Road West (Right Turn) to end. (Dunham Road)
Left turn on Dunham Road.
1/8 mile-Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Right.
FROM DOWNTOWN ST. CHARLES: Route 64 East to Dunham Road.
North (Left Turn) on Dunham Road.
Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Left approximately 1.5 miles after Army Trail Road.
FROM ST. CHARLES HOTELS: Route 64 to Kirk Road North.
Kirk Road runs into Dunham Road. Continue North.
Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Left approximately 1.5 miles after Army Trail Road
Hotels:
Horse Show Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott (2 miles) (800-321-2211) Official Hotel
Best Western Inn of St. Charles (2 miles) (800-528-1234)
Fairfield Inn & Suites (2 miles) (800-228-2800)
Hilton Garden Inn (2 miles) (800-445-8667)
Quality Inn (2 miles) (800-424-6423)
Holiday Inn Express (2 miles) (800-465-4329)
Super 8 Motel (2 miles) (800-800-8000)
Country Inn and Suites of St. Charles (3 miles) (800-456-4000)
Hotel Baker (3 miles) (800-284-0110)
Pheasant Run Resort, located three (3) miles south of Lamplight is a large resort complex offering golf, tennis, swimming and dining facilities. (800-474-3272)
Comfort Inn of Geneva (5 miles) (630-208-8811)
The Herrington Inn (5 miles) (800-216-2466)
The Oscar Swan Inn of Geneva (7 miles) (630-232-0173
Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
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561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
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