Carley McInerney and Cortina 200. Photo by Paws and Rewind.
GLADSTONE, N.J. — May 4, 2019 — The pinnacle event of the 2019 Garden State Horse Show, the $25,000 EquiJet Grand Prix, took place Saturday afternoon. The event follows the Thursday night $10,000 Ted Grant Welcome Stake, sponsored by the Spina family, won by top trainer Michael Desiderio. At the end of the evening, it was 17-year-old Carley McInerney who stole the victory aboard Cortina 200, while Sima Morgello took the reserve, and Colin Savaria rode to third.
Autumn Siliato, owner of Autumn Elizabeth apparel and a junior competitor herself, started the evening off with a stunning rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the first rider took to the USET Main Ring at precisely 5:30 p.m. In the first-round course, designed by Joseph Carnicom, 19 horse-and-rider combinations contest the track with 16 pairs clearing the timers. Of the original 19, five entries advanced to the shortened jump-off course. Ocala, Florida resident Colin Savaria was the second to enter the field aboard Felex, and the first to advance to the jump-off phase. Savaria had two entries in the prix, but opted for an early retirement with second mount, Zarco. Almost half of the class had only one downed rail come between them and a chance at a podium position.
The Garden State Horse Show was founded in 1951 by the Junior Essex Troop, a cadet auxiliary born out of the 102nd Cavalry – New Jersey National Guard Essex Troop, to teach young men ages 11-18 cavalry-style horsemanship. In 1983 the Junior Essex Troop became coed. Though the Troop ceased daily operations in 1989, the organization continues its mission to foster education and horsemanship by supporting youth organizations, collegiate equine programs, scholarships, and animal rescue.
New Jersey’s Hamilton Farm, home to the USET Foundation and former training facility for the U.S. Equestrian Team, is the country’s most important historic equestrian venue. Once New Jersey’s largest and most important equestrian event, The Garden State Horse Show is a spring tradition.
At Garden State Horse Show, exhibitors will enjoy the amenities of the world-class facility, including top-notch footing, welcoming hospitality, and great shopping.