CULPEPER, VA (August 30, 2010) — It was the same old story for Second Hand News and Jessica Van Brocklin as they secured the top prize for the consecutive second week in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at the Constitution Classic at HITS Commonwealth Park, in Culpeper, Virginia.
Van Brocklin shows in the Amateur-Owner Hunters under the tutelage of trainer Pam Baker and got the best of the 17 horse-and-rider combinations in Saturday’s feature class for hunter riders. “It was a difficult course. It allowed for inside turns that were doable and was also wide enough with plenty of options,” said Van Brocklin.
“It was very nice course, and I really love the log fences that they include in these types of events,” she continued.
Van Brocklin (Alexandria, Virginia) had the top score of 87 in the first round on a course set by Rian Beals. In the handy round, the duo scored an 82.5 (169.5) to propel them to the blue ribbon. “The handy round was great! That’s really our specialty,” said Van Brocklin.
Denise Perry (The Plains, Virginia) was second riding Skyland Farm’s Placido, and the third-place ribbon went to Derby veteran Sue Lyman (Middleburg, Virginia) on her own The Lion’s Share. The pair won the derby at HITS Culpeper in July and can now add the yellow ribbon from Saturday’s class to their trophy case.
Fourth place was awarded to Savannah Jenkins (Virginia Beach, Virginia) riding the Freedom Group’s Richmond and Winn Alden (Bristow, Virginia) was fifth riding Peyton Smith’s Steel My Heart. Alden had already excelled earlier in the week guiding Hannah Speigler’s Celebration to the championship in the First Year Green Hunters, and she was also Reserve Champion on Avery Finkel’s Cover Art.
This summer the all-new Devoucoux Hunter Derby is a featured event at both HITS Saugerties and HITS Culpeper, and represents the 13th division to count for points in the Marshall & Sterling League. The Devoucoux Derby Finals will be held during the 2010 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on September 15-19 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York and the final two chances to qualify for a spot at the Finals takes place during HITS-on-the-Hudson VII and HITS-on-the-Hudson VII.
Show Jumping at HITS Culpeper now takes a short break and will resume with the Culpeper Finals on Wednesday, September 29 which will feature a full week of competition, culminating with the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday, October 3.
In order to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, a rider must compete in eight or more HITS Grand Prix classes. The top 40 riders, based on money won by horse/rider combination, will be eligible to ride for the Pfizer Million. For more detailed information on the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, including ticket prices that include the special concert by music legend John Fogerty, please visit our website at www.HitsShows.com.
HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS will take the industry to new heights when it hosts the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com. Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.
Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby
| PLACING | HORSE | OWNER | RIDER | PRIZE MONEY |
| 1 | Second Hand News | Jessica Van Brocklin | Jessica Van Brocklin | $1,500 |
| 2 | Placido | Skyland Farm | Denise Perry | $1,000 |
| 3 | The Lion’s Share | Sue Lyman | Sue Lyman | $700 |
| 4 | Richmond | Freedom Group | Savannah Jenkins | $500 |
| 5 | Steel My Heart | Peyton Smith | Winn Alden | $400 |
| 6 | Kenya | Shoal Creek Stables | Sarah Lane | $350 |
| 7 | Bull Run’s Rubicon | Bull Run Jumpers | Kristen VanderVeen | $300 |
| 8 | Werther Van De Breemeersen | Jan Bitzberber | Sue Lyman | $250 |
HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • 845.246.6371 Fax • www.HitsShows.com