(c) ESI Photography. Sloane Coles and Autumn Rhythm.
Culpeper, Virginia – Sloane Coles and Autumn Rhythm claimed the first $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper this weekend with scores of 85 and 84 to total 169.
“It was a nice class,” said Coles. “Autumn Rhythm, my second-year horse, performed beautifully. He did everything he was asked.”
In the first round, going third-to-last, Coles and the dark gray 9-year-old gelding, owned by Nilani Trent, handily earned the top score.
Coles and Autumn Rhythm returned last in the second round, earning a score of 84, which was not the top score of the round — that went to third-place finisher Winn Alden and Spirit, owned by E.S. Equine Broker LLC, who earned an 85 — but Coles and Autumn Rhythm’s combined total was enough to place them first. Alden and Spirit had a score of 80 in the first round, for a two-round total of 165.
Second place finisher Jeffrey Ayers and Romantik, owned by Nina Leopold, received scores of 83 and 82.5 to total 165.5.
Coles continued, “There were some nice bending lines. A normal, nice hunter course with some extra fences. It was well presented.”
The Devoucoux Hunter Prix is a qualifier for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship September 2-6 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
Coles’ goal is to qualify Autumn Rhythm for the Final. She said, “I’m working on my schedule so I can get qualified.”
Lena Rae Reeb and Private Ryan Win $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
High school student Lena Rae Reeb took first place in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix this past Saturday on Private Ryan, owned by Jamie Ringel.
Reeb earned the highest score in the first round, an 84, and topped the second place winner Brooke Cole on her Poetic Justis by six points with a total score of 167 to Cole’s 161. Rounding out third place with a score of 160 was Cristyn Edwards on Wilhelm, owned by Kendall Casaccio.
“I was thrilled win the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix on Private Ryan — it was such a great experience, being my first time showing at HITS Culpeper,” said Reeb, of Weston, Connecticut. “I look forward to showing in the HITS Championship. It is always an amazing opportunity, with elegantly crafted courses and beautiful jumps at a great venue.”
Reeb was also champion in the low children’s jumpers and had a class win on her 3’3 junior hunter as well.
The $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix is a qualifier for the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final at HITS Championship September 2-6 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
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