Lisa Goldman and Centurion B clear the CWD Oxer on their way to the win in yesterday’s $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome. Flashpoint Photography.
Lisa Goldman of Hawthorne Woods, Illinois appears to be unstoppable at the Atlanta Fall Classic. After winning both the Welcome and last Saturday’s $45,000 EMO Grand Prix, she was back again yesterday to win the $10,000 Open Welcome Class, this time in the irons of Mary Goldman’s Centurion B over a course designed by French-Canadian 2015 Pan American Games Course Designer, Michel Vaillancourt.
Vaillancourt not only won a medal at the 1976 Olympic Games with the Canadian team, but also became the head of the Canadian Olympic team as their Chief d’Equipe. He is considered one of the top course designers in the country. “It’s always a pleasure to work with Michel,” commented Allen Rheinheimer, Classic Company’s Technical Coordinator. “We’re very excited that he will be the course designer for the 2015 Pan American Games in Canada and it’s simply an honor to have him here,” he added.
Goldman commented, “It was a difficult course and the triple combo rode really big,” she said, “but even though it was challenging, it was a really good course,” she added.
Twenty-three horse and rider teams took to the Olympic Arena but only nine advanced to the jump off. “Morocco had a rail earlier, but it was fine because he was so good last week,” she added. “He can share with his brothers,” she laughed.
Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida was first to go riding 2Vr Showjumpers’ Zippo Ii. The pair went clean in a first round time of 72.367 seconds, but four faults in the second round in a time of 38.645 seconds would see the pair finish in fifth place overall. Louise Graves of Nashville, Tennessee and her own Zavira turned in a clean first round in a time of 72.908 seconds followed by a clean second round in a time of 41.677 seconds which set the time to beat. Seven horses later, all with jump faults, followed Graves. Vale was next to go, this time aboard Troy Glaus’ Quidam’s Good Luck, and after a clean first round in a time of 72.367 seconds, his second round yielded no faults and a time of 38.645 seconds, pushing Graves out of that leading spot. Liz Atkins of Hampshire, Illinois was the next to go clean aboard Benchmark Stables LLC’s Esconial in a first round time of 76.426 seconds. However, four jump faults in her second round in a time of 41.208 seconds would see the pair finish in seventh place overall.
Goldman was next to go aboard Centurion B and the pair turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 71.748 seconds and clean second round in 37.713 seconds taking the lead and pushing Vale to second place.
David Jennings of Lenoir City, Tennessee followed Goldman in the irons of Westwind Training Center’s Werner 61 and turned in a clean first round effort in 74.835 seconds. However, a rail in their second round in a time of 40.436 seconds would see them finish in sixth place overall.
Ian Silitch of Ocala, Florida turned in the next clear first round effort in the irons of Gaston Family Investments’ Cordova in a time of 76.679 seconds, but eight faults and a time of 40.696 seconds in their jump-off round would see the pair finish in ninth place overall.
Jared Peterson of Archer, Florida rode his father Derek’s Titus 2:11 clean in the first round in a time of 73.450 seconds, but a heartbreak rail at the final fence in their second round with a time of 37.841 seconds would see the pair finish in fourth place overall.
Liz Atkins of Hampshire, Illinois and Benchmark Stables LLC’s Undine were the last horse and rider team to turn in a clean first-round effort in a time of 74.530 seconds. However, eight jump faults and a time of 39.464 seconds in their second round would see the pair finish in eighth place overall.
The final results had Goldman and Centurion B with the win, Vale and Quidam’s Good Luck in second and Graves and Zavira in third.
“I always hope to do this well,” commented Goldman. “It’s been really great!” she added.
“Leo [Centurion B] is in a corner stall. We heard from night watch that the deer were getting really close to his stall at night and he was pretty excited about that,” she said. “So we went to TJ Max and bought some shower curtains so he could get some rest at night,” she said. “That seemed to work since he has been resting well at night and is ready to show in the morning,” she said.
Has the drop in temperature affected Goldman’s riding and her horses? “I’m from Chicago, so I’m used to it. You just have to prepare for it,” she said.
Next up for Goldman is Saturday night’s $45,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix, presented by EMO. “Next for me is my three in the prix,” said Goldman. Considering the remarkable field of high performance jumpers and riders, this event will be one to watch!
On Deck:
The $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes to the Olympic Arena at 6pm tonight so don’t forget to buy your VIP table in the show office. Included in your VIP table purchase are two complimentary bottles of wine and a delicious buffet dinner. Tonight’s dinner menu includes: International Hunter Derby Chef’s Carving Station: * Roasted Turkey Breast * Jack Daniels Top Round of Beef * Smashed Garlic Potatoes, Creamy Sweet Potato Mash, Green Bean Almondine Desserts: Pumpkin Pie Mousse, Chocolate Pecan Pie and Martinis. The temperature has dropped, so come in from the cold and enjoy the class!
Last Call for the 2014 Classic Experience!
This is the last weekend to enjoy the Classic Company’s 2014 show season at the Georgia International Horse Park! Tonight the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes to the Olympic Arena and the $45,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix, presented by EMO takes place Saturday night. Sunday the celebrated EMO Circuit Champions are crowned.
Home to the 1996 Olympics, riders have the opportunity to compete in the Olympic arena and ride for some of the top prize money offered this fall. With more than 300,000 in prize money offered, world-class stabling and arenas, top show management staff and a division for everyone in your barn, there is no better place to be in November. From the jumper ring to the short stirrup arena, each competition ring is highly decorated and staffed with top-notch, friendly professional show staff.
Pssst… Pensacola starts in 54 days! What are you doing this winter? The Classic Company is going to the beach! Join them on the Gulf of Mexico for the best in show jumping action! This circuit has received rave reviews and equestrians travel from around the country to get their “leg up” on the competition.
The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.
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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457