©Flying Horse Photography. John French dominated the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Thermal this weekend with two top placings, including a win with Soldier.
THERMAL, CA (January 27, 2014) – The West Coast’s top hunter riders flexed their muscles this weekend at HITS Thermal and battled for top prizes in the first $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix of the HITS Desert Circuit. John French of Woodside, California and Jenny Karazissis of Calabasas, California traded off at the top, with French collecting first and third, while Karazissis was second and fourth.
French and Elizabeth Gabler’s Soldier were the pair to beat, earning a pair of 87s for the top prize. French imported Soldier, an eight-year-old gelding from Ireland, two years ago and sold him to Gabler. “He is such an easy going horse,” said French. “He has done the Medals and the Maclays with Sophie Simpson and did the WIHS Equitation Finals at the Washington International Horse Show last year as a seven-year old.”
Not only did Soldier compete in Washington, he won the Equitation Final with Maddy Darst aboard, proving that he can win in any ring.
The Devoucoux Hunter Prix took place in the Outside Course at HITS Thermal and was set by Tucker Williams of Houston, Texas. “I built in a few bending lines and added a combination on the bank to really utilize this ring,” said Williams, who owns and operates CCI Jumps in Texas. “This was a spectacular group of horses and riders and they showcased themselves well in the first round, while showing off their handy abilities in the second.”
French agreed that the Outside Course is becoming a favorite among hunter riders at HITS Thermal. “It’s really nice to have the two rings to go in and out of,” said French referring to the layout that combines two regular hunter rings, providing an expansive field for a true hunter prix experience.
Karazissis was only a half point off French in each round, pocketing a pair of 86.5s aboard Kelly Straeter’s Norwegian Wood for second place. French answered back in third with Noelle Wolf’s Bay Lane. They earned an 85.5 in the first round and an 87 in the second. Karazissis was fourth with Straeter’s Undeniable and scores of 86 and 85. Hope Glynn rode to her share of the winner’s purse in fifth with Helen McEvoy’s Campari. They scored a 170 after posting an 84.5 and an 85.5.
This weekend’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix kicks off West Coast qualifying for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. A Devoucoux-sponsored rider himself, French had to sit the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final out last year due to injury, but is confident that he will be present at the HITS Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York this year.
Aside from his win in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix, French was also named the Charles Owen Leading Hunter Rider for Desert Circuit I.
About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. Devoucoux offers a wide range of saddles in many colors and sizes and matching accessories. Devoucoux craftsmen are devoted to creating beautiful products that reflect their obsession with quality and lovingly finished work. For more information on Devoucoux, visit devoucoux.com.
$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Katie Cook had never jumped a jump on Symphony, owned by Amy Knox before she arrived at HITS Thermal last week. The pair became fast friends, however, jumping to three blue ribbons during Week I, winning the Marshall & Sterling Adult Medal on Friday and guiding Symphony to the top of an Adult Hunter class on Saturday before winning the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix on Sunday.
“This horse jumps great from anywhere,” said Cook. “I always know that whatever the distance, he is always going to give me a great effort.”
Cook topped the first round with a score of 86 and returned in the second to earn an 81. “This course was perfect – there were plenty of challenges, but it was straightforward enough for the first week,” said Cook.
Sabrina Tirbor of Tustin Ranch, California was second on her own Caspar after riding to an 85 and 80, respectively. Heidi Kane, who hails from Newport Beach, California, earned a 79 and 83 aboard her own Samba Gracious for third. Jerrie Calandra of Encinitas, California was fourth in the irons of Moonlite Beach, LLC’s Wonderwall. They earned a 77 and 81. Caroline Neirenberg rounded out the top five on her own Bachelor with a 75 and 77.
The $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix will be offered weekly coast to coast this winter as a qualifier for the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final. The final returns to the HITS Championship in Saugerties, New York this fall and offers junior and amateur hunter riders the opportunity to show for exciting prize money over thrilling courses.
About Platinum Performance
Platinum Performance provides more than 10 supplements essential to your horse’s health and conditioning in just one scoop. Platinum Performance Equine addresses a horse’s total body health from joint and hoof care to athletic performance and coat health, and is the 2014 sponsor of the $250,000 Hunter Prix Final and all qualifiers. For more information on Platinum Performance, visit platinumperformance.com.
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