THERMAL, CA (February 28, 2012) – Nick Haness of San Clemente, California had a tremendous afternoon on Sunday at HITS Thermal when he piloted three horses to ribbons in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix, including the blue aboard Carolyn Mittler’s Cristiano to cap an action-packed week for hunter riders during Desert Circuit IV.
Haness was impressive in the popular hunter prix that featured more than 50 horse-and-rider combinations in the first round, over a course set by Rian Beals. The seasoned hunter rider brought home a score of 92 in the first round and set the stage for some tight competition. In the second round, Haness and Cristiano nailed down the victory in the Devoucoux class when they scored an 89 for a total score of 173 and the blue ribbon. More importantly, Haness looks like he will be a “shoo-in” to return for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final that will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York this fall. Last year, the rising star finished in second place aboard Jessica Singer’s Cruise and collected $90,000 in prize money.
“Last year in Saugerties was awesome,” said Haness. “Being there and getting a good ribbon really helped me get my name out there more on the East Coast. I am looking forward to a return trip this year. I am not sure what horse I will bring yet, but I am blessed to have a few good ones to be able to choose from.”
Sunday’s feature class was a tight race. Hope Glynn of Penngrove, California, aboard Helen McEvoy’s Chance of Flurries set the stage early in the first round when they scored a 90. Kate Considine of Sherman Oaks, California, and Hannah Goodson-Cutt’s Caretano had the third highest score from judge Mike Rosser in round one when they received an 88. In round two of the big ticket class, John French riding Iwasaki & Reilly’s Small Affair had the top score when he laid down a 92.
“Anytime you have three scores in the 90s and all the rest in the 80s you know it’s going to be a great class,” said Haness. “Everyone was really on top of their game.”
French of Woodside, California and Iwasaki & Reilly’s Small Affair finished the class in second place and French also has his sights set on a trip to the Hudson Valley in September. Haness took third aboard Carolyn Mittler’s Cousteau and sixth riding Isobel V. Goldsmith’s Montague. Glynn and Chance of Flurries finished in fourth at the end of the showdown among some of the best hunter riders in the country.
Sunday’s class was the fourth of six Devoucoux Hunter Prix qualifiers to be hosted at this year’s HITS Desert Circuit for the 2012 Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. West Coast exhibitors will have plenty of opportunities to secure the five qualifiers needed to become eligible for the big ticket class, including the $25,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix Sunday, March 11.
Brookway Stables Leads the Way in the $1,500 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix
Riders under the watchful eye of Archie Cox continue to excel in the $1,500 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix as Karin Binz and Lilly Blavin secured the top two placings in Sunday’s two round classic on a picture-perfect morning in Southern California.
Binz of Los Angeles, California posted the win in the $1,500 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix when she rode Richard Boh’s Rock Royalty to the blue as the horse-and-rider team were the best out of 20 that showed over Rian Beals’ course. Blavin was second riding Cavallo Farm’s Opportunity. Both are now well on their way to qualifying for the all-new $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final during HITS Championship Weekend at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York this fall.
“My customers love this class,” said Cox. “I have several that are looking forward to going to Saugerties this fall. I was there and competed during the big weekend and it was a first class event.”
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. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the second-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 8-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine-dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.
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