©ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway appears to be the one to beat in the hunter ring at HITS Ocala. She rode to her third win in a row aboard Lyons Creek Bellini this weekend in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.
OCALA, FL (February 4, 2014) – The $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at the Ocala Premiere is in the books with another win for Lyons Creek Bellini, owned by Hays Investment Corp. with Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas in the irons. Jumping in the recently unveiled Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, the pair added another win for team Holloway bringing the total to three wins in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix at this circuit. The pair challenged a course of verticals, oxers and tight turns designed by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida with scores of 85 and 86.25 for a total of 171.25 to take the blue ribbon.
Knocking at the door and taking the red ribbon for owner Susan Darragh was Zidane with rider/trainer Amanda Steege of Bedminster, New Jersey. They posted an 84.5 and 86.5 for a total of 171.
Third was rider/trainer Greg Crolick of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, aboard Carson with scores of 84.25 and 83.75 for a total of 168.5 for owner, Orchard Lake farms, LLC. Fourth place was awarded to MTM Hands Down with Tracy Fenney riding for MTM Farm of Flower Mound, Texas scoring 84.25 and 84, for a total of 168.25. Ashton Alexander of Ocala, Florida rode Fieona, owned by Jack Towell, to cap the top five with a total of 165.25.
Brandie Holloway – mother of Hunter and accomplished rider herself – commented that the elegant Warmblood Lyons Creek Bellini was originally purchased as a personal horse for herself and with a smile she added, “Hunter just took him over and they clicked from the start.”
Hunter was equally excited about three wins in a row. “Baby B, as she calls Lyons Creek Bellini, was just wonderful today. He’s so cooperative and he maintained a soft, consistent rhythm throughout the course,” she said. “He was like a machine throughout, galloping the long lines and multiple direction changes like the pro he is.”
Devoucoux Hunter Prix competition continues throughout the duration of the HITS Ocala Circuit as the race to qualify for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final begins.
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.
$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Riding the course set by course designer Tom Carlson of Windham, Connecticut, Sophia Lothrop of Shelburne, Vermont and her own Castell could not be caught today as they posted a 74 and 84 respectively, for a final score of 158, to take the win in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.
“It has taken me longer to learn how to ride Castel,” remarked fifteen-year-old Sophia, speaking of the grey 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood. “After a three month lay-off from showing because of my school, he felt very steady and made me so proud today.”
Not only did this pair win the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix today but they took multiple ribbons in the Child Hunter Horse 15-17 division during the week.
Cookie DeSimone, who trains Lothrop, also guided Jacquelyn Maggiore and her own Contina to the red ribbon. The pair posted scores of 79 and 78.5 for a 157.5 total. Taking third was Larsen Murvin of Ocala, Florida, riding his own horse Derby, trained by Edward Sexton, earning scores of 81 and 76, for a 157. Fourth place was awarded to Madison Albano of Beverly, Massachusetts and Anucci, for owner Monica Hunt. Their scores of 77 and 78 combined for a 155.
Owner/rider Corinne Milbury, of Boston, Massachusetts rode to a 72 and 82 on Kavalier to round out the top five with a 154.
Platinum Performance Hunter Prix qualifiers will be offered weekly coast to coast this winter and throughout the HITS Saugerties and HITS Culpeper summer circuits before the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final returns to the HITS Championship 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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