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Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classic Week V Celebrates Derby Days

Maddrix and Eloise win the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Flashpoint Photography.

The fifth week of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classic featured the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the $3,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, and is a World Champion Hunter Rider event.

Tim Maddrix of Monkton, Maryland in the irons of Claudia Styslinger’s Eloise beat out a very talented field of 21 horses and riders to win the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby yesterday.  “It was awesome.  The sun came out right before we went into the ring. The course is beautiful!” commented Maddrix.

Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana designed the impressive hunter course which included a spectacular array of barrel jumps, logs, trees as well as an assortment of oxers.  The crowd spilled out from the VIP tent to the stands and all enjoyed a full breakfast that turned into brunch as they watched the Derby contestants battle it out for win.

Maddrix and Eloise scored a total of 181 points in the first round which included three Option bonus points and seven Handy Bonus points.  His second round score awarded him a total of 194.5 point which included three Option Bonus points and five Handy Bonus points for a grand overall total of 375.5 points. “I jumped all of the high options; there were a bunch in the class and a bunch of really good horses and I think by doing so helped us come out with the win,” he said.

Second place was Courtney Calcagnini of Lantana, Texas in the irons aboard Fleur De Lis Farms’ Elementary.  The pair turned in a combined score of 356.50.  Martien Van Der Hoeven of The Woodlands, Texas rode Julie Thompson’s Celino to third place honors with a combined overall score of 355.5.  Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama took fourth place honors with LPF, LLC’s LPF Woodford and a combined score of 354.  Calcagnini returned to collect her fifth place ribbon in the irons of Kendall Whitt’s Calluci and a combined score of 350.50.  Colleen Acosta of South Lake, Texas rode Sophia Depumpo’s Limbo after turning in a combined score of 337.  Callie Schott, of Versailles, Kentucky, in the irons of Devon Craig’s Grappa, placed seventh for her total score of 332. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama collected an eighth place ribbon with Debbie Holland’s Flamboyant after the two earned an overall score of 327.

Andrew Kocher rode Julie Dodd’s Arthur to a ninth place position with a combined score of 318.  Tenth was awarded to Pamela Bartholomew’s Quedo Z, ridden by Kim Buzby of Chester Springs, Maryland, for their overall score of 308.  Eleventh place was awarded to Lincoln Russell’s Patrona, ridden by Kristen Cox of Columbus, North Carolina, and wrapping up the class in twelfth place was Kalifornia, owned and ridden by Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana.

“This is my favorite class all year to show in on this field. Classic Company really does a great job with the jumps.  Being able to show a hunter on the grand prix field is just a blast to ride on and I had a great time,” commented Maddrix.

Catherine Cox pilots Quinn to the win. Flashpoint Photography.
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Catherine Cox pilots Quinn to the win. Flashpoint Photography.

Quinn Takes the Win!

Derby fever continued when thirty five horses tackled the $3,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby course designed by Allen Rheinheimer.

But it was Quinn, owned by Catherine Cox and ridden by Kim Buzby of Chester Springs, Maryland, who bested the competition with a combined score of 184.5.

Timothy Maddrix, this time in the irons of Mary Elise Nolen’s Life Is Good, secured second place with a score of 184, and Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas rode Shawn Hodgen’s Argentina to third place with a combined score of 178.

Fallon Bock of Dallas, Texas rode her own Chf Heart N’ Soul to the fourth place ribbon with a combined score of 177 and Timothy Maddrix rode Abigail Beaty’s Third Day to fifth place with a combined score of 174.  Maddrix returned to collect the sixth place ribbon, this time aboard Cynthia Hallman’s Fig Street’s Duchess; the pair earned a combined score of 166.  Buzby returned for seventh place with Amy Trout’s Drum Roll Please who earned a combined score of 163.5 and Sarah Young of Spring Hill, Kansas rode Gabrielle Smoller’s Salmon Run to eight place honors and a combined score of 162.

“All of the horses jumped really well,” said Rheinheimer.  “I think horses get a lot out of doing the National Derby after the International, especially considering the more unique elements we have on the field,” he said.

What’s for Dinner?

Back Bay is the Official VIP restaurant this week and patrons will be treated to the excellent cuisine that makes Back Bay Seafood Restaurant a favorite dining place among horse show exhibitors.

Back Bay Seafood Restaurant serves the “real local flavor” of the Gulf Coast with a diverse menu that is plentiful and affordable! From the best hand formed fresh ground sirloin burger to live Maine Lobster, Back Bay offers the discriminating diner a vast array of local seafood, steak, salads, pasta, and specialties. Even the lunch menu will amaze diners with the diversity and price: Shrimp & Grits, Seafood Bread, Asian Pot Stickers, and Shrimp Martinis are just a few favorites. In addition, grilled and healthy options are very popular and easily tailored to the any taste! Stop by Back Bay today and enjoy an excellent, yet affordable dining experience overlooking the water!

Back Bay Seafood Restaurant is located at 1458 Magnolia Street in Gulfport and is open for lunch and dinner. While reservations are not required, you may want to play it safe during horse show season and call (228) 248-0505. Be sure to tell them you’re from the horse show!

Grand prix tables are only $325 a week and tomorrow features some of the best food on the Gulf – ringside!  Make sure to see Jonathan in the show office to secure your table today!

Free Live Web Streaming of All Welcome and Grand Prix Classes!

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic is proud to offer everyone the opportunity to watch show jumping action LIVE! Click on this link and catch the action LIVE and FOR FREE!

Gulf Coast Sunshine Classic V
Sunday March 9 at 2:00 pm $77,700 Governor’s Cup Grand Prix

Gulf Coast Finale VI
Sunday March 16 at 2:00 pm $25,000 Grand Prix

Make sure to follow the IDK Media Group on Twitter at twitter@idkmediagroup.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company and the Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter.  Please visit them on the web at www.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

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