Andy Kocher and Urfarno won the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Friday.
Week IV welcomed beautiful weather, a new influx of riders and barns from around the country as well as Assistant Olympic Course Designer Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico.
Tucci, the Official Custom and Ready to Wear Boot of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, presented the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby award to Sarah Young on Friday who bested 45 horse and rider teams for the win. Duncan MacFarlane won the Kastel Denmark Hunter Style of Riding Award.
Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri started out his weekend winning streak with a blue ribbon on Carolina Suarez’ Ufarno in the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome. Kocher also received a gift certificate to The Gulfport Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint. “We’re going to eat this up tonight at The Shed!” he commented.
Kocher went on to win the $35,000 Budweiser Grand Prix in the irons of his own Heliante.
Saturday saw Penny Brennan of Ocala and her own Japan win the $10,000 Animo by Luxe EQ 1.30m Jumper Classic at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit.
Week V is underway and it is going to be a Presidential week!
Friday is Derby Day! Friday morning at 7:30 am, there will be a complimentary Hunter Derby Continental Breakfast in the VIP tent for all to attend, sponsored by Accolade Farm, Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson. The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge, gets underway at 8 am Central Time and will be broadcasted via the USEF Network. The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, will take place immediately after the USHJA $10,000 International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge.
Friday afternoon, there will be a complimentary Hunter Derby luncheon at noon in the VIP tent sponsored by Kastel Denmark, the Official Jacket of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic.
The $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome takes to the world-class grass grand prix turf Friday afternoon.
Friday evening the Gulf Coast Classic Company will host a Presidential Reception in the VIP tent for all to attend. Come meet the President of the USHJA, Bill Moroney, and the USEF President, Christine Tauber. The reception is scheduled to take place at approximately 5:00 pm and will include light refreshments. All are welcome to attend and meet the presiding leaders over the equestrian sport.
Di Ann Langer, US Show Jumping Young Rider Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor, will visit the Gulf Coast Classic Show Grounds on Saturday, March 7. There will be a gathering in the VIP tent for anyone interested in learning more about the Yong Riders or Under 25 programs. This meeting will be after the JR/AO Jumper classes on Saturday. Any jumper rider under age 25 should be sure to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Janet McCarroll for more information.
Saturday evening the Mooney Props and Crops Reception at Million Air will showcase the elite aircraft to those competitors from the Gulf Coast Winter Classic who share the same passion for flight. This is an invite-only event. For more information, please contact Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.
Sunday the $77,700 Governor’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Beau Rivage, takes center stage on the world class grand prix field at 2pm Central time and will be broadcasted by the USEF Network.
The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.
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