Tag Archives: Darragh Kenny

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny and Red Star D’Argent Win $130,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* at WEF 6

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Darragh Kenny and Red Star D’Argent. Photos copyright Sportfot.

3’3″ Hunters Garner WCHR Week Championships

Wellington, FL – February 19, 2016 – Ireland’s Darragh Kenny was the winner of Friday night’s $130,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* aboard a brand new mount, Red Star D’Argent, during week six at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Competing under the lights in the International Ring at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Kenny topped a three-horse jump-off over Laura Chapot (USA) and ISHD Dual Star in second and Sayre Happy (USA) aboard Ludwig’s Joker B in third.

While hunters take center stage on the main show grounds for World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week, the international jumpers get a fresh change of scenery competing in both the Global International Ring and the Derby Field at The Stadium through Sunday. The feature “Saturday Night Lights” event will be the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherhill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular on Saturday, February 20, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The $10,000 Artisan Farms U25 Welcome, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, and the $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will both be held on the derby field at The Stadium on Saturday. The $25,000 Artisan Farms U25 Grand Prix, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, as well as the $50,000 WEF 6 National Grand Prix, will both be held on the derby field at The Stadium on Sunday. The 12-week WEF circuit runs through April 3 offering more than $9 million in prize money.

Richard Jeffery (GBR) set the course for 42 starters in Friday night’s grand prix with only three clear rounds for the jump-off. Sayre Happy qualified her mount Ludwig’s Joker B, but had a refusal at the second fence in the short course and chose to retire after her horse lost a shoe. Laura Chapot jumped next with Mary Chapot’s ISHD Dual Star, completing a clear round in 39.48 seconds. Last to go, Darragh Kenny and Red Star D’Argent clocked in two-tenths of a second faster to take the win in a time of 39.27.

Kenny just recently got the ride on Red Star D’Argent, an 11-year-old Selle Francais stallion by Quick Star. The horse was previously shown under Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya and is now competing with Kenny to be sold. Red Star arrived in the U.S. in the beginning of January, and Kenny has taken his time to get to know his new mount over the last several weeks before stepping up to Friday night’s grand prix.

“My relationship with him is very new,” Kenny detailed. “He was formerly ridden by a very good friend of mine, Sergio Moya. We had talked about the horse coming this winter for me to ride a little bit. He came about five or six weeks ago, and I have just really been getting to know him the last few weeks. He has jumped a lot of good rounds, but has had an unlucky jump down. Today he was fantastic. This was the first grand prix I have jumped him in. I have jumped some WEF (Challenge Cups) and some 1.50m (classes). I did not feel 100% comfortable that I knew him, that I had the right bridle, and everything like that. This week, he felt fantastic. He was really unlucky in the WEF, but fantastic today.”

“The idea is to sell the horse, and that is why he came here for me to ride and show,” Kenny continued. “I have had a lot of horses come and go lately. Some have gotten sold, some have gone to other people, and it does not really bother me because I am trying to produce new horses all of the time so that they can get sold and I can have horses to ride at the top level. The last few weeks I have been very unlucky, so to get this win is really great.”

Commenting on his jump-off round, Kenny said, “I did not actually watch Laura. I know that Laura is an extremely fast rider, and the horse is a super horse. I had one of my friends, Hardin (Towell), watch her. He said that you basically just have to go for it and see what happens.”

“The horse is very easy to turn, and he jumps even better when you turn him back up to jumps,” Kenny continued. “He really tries and is really careful, with good technique, so it makes it easy to turn really short with him.”

Knowing that Red Star turns so well, Kenny had planned to show the horse in Friday night’s grand prix in the smaller arena at The Stadium for the last four weeks.

“I had the aim of jumping him this week. I think this venue suited him,” Kenny said. “He is agile; he is good in a small ring. I knew it would be a careful course, (and) he is very careful.”

Chapot thought she may have been able to take more risk in hindsight, but the rider was very pleased with her jump-off round aboard ISHD Dual Star.

“I thought she jumped fantastic tonight,” Chapot stated. “I do not think she even came close to touching a rail. I think I just played it too safe in the jump-off. I probably should have made at least one of the inside turns, either after the double or to the last line. But with only three in the jump-off and the first one obviously being out, I wanted to put a little pressure on Darragh and not make a mistake. With the way my horse was jumping, I probably should have gone ahead and done that, and that would have made the difference.”

Although Sayre Happy had to retire from her jump-off round, the rider was happy with the way Ludwig’s Joker B jumped on Friday night. The horse was double clear and fourth on Thursday and continued to jump well for his third place finish under the lights.

“My partner and I bought the horse to sell, and I do not think we knew he would be as good as he is,” Happy noted. “I got this horse in July and just did some smaller 1.40m, 1.45m, and this is the biggest class I have jumped with him. The stop was my fault; I was a mile away. He tries his heart out every time, and he is a really fun horse.”

Speaking of the night’s course, Happy stated, “I honestly thought there were going to be a few more clear. Yesterday, the course I walked was what I rode. I watched a bunch of people go and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe I should change my plan.’ But I stuck with it. Tonight I felt the same way. It kind of rode what he set when I walked it, and I stayed with my plan. I thought he did a great job.”

Kenny also spoke of the course, noting, “When I walked the course, it did not look so difficult, but always in this ring, the jumps come up so fast. It ends up riding much more difficult. It suited a smaller horse with more blood. There were a lot of questions here and there about the numbers, but in the end I think he did a super job on the course.”

Chapot, agreed, adding, “This ring rides a little bit more like an indoor ring, and after coming off riding in the International Arena, which is so wide open, it was difficult for horses to adjust that quickly. I thought he posed a lot of questions all throughout the course, and he had rails everywhere.”

Along with the prize money for her third place finish Friday night, Sayre Happy was presented the award for Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider for her success in week six. The award is sponsored by Martha Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman Real Estate in memory of Dale Lawler.

3’3″ Hunters Garner WCHR Week Championships

Stephanie Danhakl wrote the perfect ending to a comeback story for her nine-year-old Warmblood gelding Quest in the culmination of the Osphos® 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division Friday. After much success with Danhakl’s trainer Scott Stewart in First Year competition in 2014, Quest suffered a rare complication involving the veins in his hooves that required over a year of rest to completely regrow healthy hoof.

Stephanie Danhakl and Quest
Stephanie Danhakl and Quest

This week marked the two-year anniversary of his First Year championship at WEF with Stewart, and he celebrated it by carrying Danhakl to first and second over fences, fourth under saddle and a win in the handy on a score of 91 for champion in the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Division.

“I have to credit my vet Haynes Stevens for getting Quest back to full health,” said Danhakl. “After his First Year Championship his feet started getting sore, and we didn’t really know what was wrong. Haynes was the only one who could figure out how to bring him back.”

After over a year off, Quest returned in style and has been back in the show ring with Danhakl for the past few months.

“I’m happy to have him back – he’s an amazing horse,” she said. “He was phenomenal both yesterday and today. I never have to worry about him spooking, and I was confident about him showing in the International Arena. I really look forward to this week with the focus on the hunters. There is a lot of excitement in the air, and it is nice to be able to gallop around and really let out his stride.”

Danhakl admits that her division is a competitive one with a lot of junior riders moving up into amateur competition, but she is happy to be kept on her toes.

Scoring first and third over fences and second under saddle, Vivian Yowan piloted Anytime, owned by Saddle Ridge, LLC, to reserve champion behind Danhakl.

In the Karina Brez Jewelry 3’3″ Amateur-Owner 36 and Over Division, Daryl Portela and Winner, owned by Isalou, Inc., claimed champion after jumping to reserve honors during Week 5. Portela and Winner were first and fifth over fences, second in the handy, and third under saddle to clinch the tricolor.

“I had a great week,” said Portela. “It’s a tough division with a lot of good horses and a lot of good riders, but I feel very comfortable with [Winner].”

Portela has had the ride on the 13-year-old Warmblood gelding for four years after her trainer Jimmy Torano imported him.

“He didn’t have much of a personality and had never done the hunters when I got him,” she said, “but I started him right away. He developed a great personality and became very comfortable.”

For Portela, having a chance to shine in the International Arena is a rare treat. “We never get to show in here. It’s a long way around, but it’s so exciting,” she said.

Reserve champion honors in the Amateur-Owner 36 and Over 3’3″ division was awarded to Lynn Seithel and her own Walk the Moon after a third place finish over fences and a blue ribbon in the handy.

The UHealth Ear Institute 3’3″ Junior Hunter Division saw stiff competition during WCHR week and was split into two sections with Lili Halterman and her own Genuine taking champion in Section A and Mimi Gochman earning champion in Section B aboard Papyrus for owner David Gochman.

Seventeen-year-old Halterman is savoring her final season as a junior competitor at WEF and admits that earning champion during WCHR week was a special bonus.

“This season was most about having fun and enjoying being on my horses,” she said. “I really enjoy big rings, but this ring especially.”

Halterman and Genuine collected two first place finishes over fences, a second-place ribbon in the handy, and a win under saddle to secure champion honors.

“He has always been great,” said Halterman of her 17-year-old Oldenburg gelding. “He always steps up and acts like a babysitter for me, and I have won a lot with him because of that.”

Halterman also earned reserve champion honors in Section A on her own Cussini with a win in the handy, as well as second and sixth over fences.

Taking the Section B Championship, Gochman rode Papyrus to third over fences, adding to his second over fences and wins in the handy and under saddle earlier in the week with Emma Kurtz in the irons.

Gochman, 11, showed in the International Arena at WEF for the first time this week and did it on a new mount. Papyrus, a nine-year-old German Warmblood gelding is one of the youngest and most green horses Gochman has sat on. She only started riding him at the beginning of the winter season.

“I have to be a lot more gentle with him – he is always really cautious so I try to be really soft, which is new to me,” said Gochman. “He took care of me out there today, and it was really a treat. It was fun to have the experience, but also to do well in the big ring. I’m proud that I could keep it together with a new, green horse.”

Mimi’s sister Sophie Gochman collected reserve champion in Section B with Last Man Darling, owned by David Gochman. She won Friday’s over fences class after Emma Kurtz piloted Last Man Darling to fourth over fences and second under saddle earlier in the week.

Week six of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival continues on Saturday with more hunter and jumper action on both sides of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. For more information and full results, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Lindsay Brock for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Luck of the Irish Rules during Turf Tour Week 6

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Conor Swail and Fortis Fortuna (Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (February 14, 2016) – In one of its busiest shows yet this season, week 5 of The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour series combined world-class competition and ideal weather as Olympians, amateurs, juniors, and young horses vied for top honors on Wednesday and Friday, February 10 and 12, 2016. Irish riders rode to top finishes across the major divisions, including the Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m divisions, as Darragh Kenny, Cian O’Connor, and Conor Swail dominated the standings to make it a true Irish sweep.

With a backdrop of the verdant polo fields of the International Polo Club, the fast and accurate pair of Conor Swail and Fortus Fortuna, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange, delivered the winning ride in the $15,000 Grand Prix on Friday, over a course designed by Nick Granat. His double clear effort was contested by only a handful others, while his jump off time of 36.078 proved unbeatable in the course of the day. Another Irish native and 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Cian O’Connor, took reserve honors with a final jump off time of 38.161 aboard his own Enriques of the Lowlands. O’Connor also took fourth place with Duke of Carnival behind two-time US Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward and HH Ashley. 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Beat Mandli of Switzerland settled into fifth with Grant Road Partners’ Celina, followed by 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher and Jane Forbes Clark’s Aristo Z in 6th, Stephen Moore and Teddy Vlock’s Team de Couquerie in 7th, and Cathrine Dinan aboard Grant Road Partner’s Galan S in 8th. Maher, who has competed on the Turf Tour for the past three weeks, has made use of the venues and divisions to prepare the experienced Aristo Z for bigger classes later in the season. “We had a holiday towards the end of last year, and have been using a few classes here to build him up for the bigger Grand Prix next week,” stated Maher. “[The Turf Tour] is great, a nice change from what is on offer, with a relaxed environment and excellent venues. It’s been great for me so far this year.”

Darragh Kenny and Gatsby
Darragh Kenny and Gatsby

To round out the Irish dominance during week 6, Darragh Kenny and Gatsby, owned by Toffolon Partners, LLC, won both of the 1.30-1.35m classes, with Beth Underhill aboard Cadermie and Edward Levy aboard Starlette de la Roque taking the reserve in each class. Granat’s designs in the Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m made excellent use of the expansive turf course, and was intended to present a challenge that relied upon the use of strong basics and tactful riding to adjust between the first round and jump off. Thanks to the generosity of the Turf Tour’s newest sponsor, Bright’s Creek, the winner of Friday’s Junior/Amateur Owner Classic and Grand Prix will receive a 3-day, 2-night trip to their beautiful destination in the mountains of North Carolina. From equestrian activities and fine dining to luxury accommodations and an exclusive BMW Off Road Excursion through 7.2 miles of wilderness trails, hardwood forests, and ancient rock formations, the Turf Tour’s competition now have even more reason to put their best foot forward as Bright Creek will be sponsoring the Grand Prix and Junior/Amateur Owner Classic through the rest of the season. For more information visit the Bright’s Creek website.

In addition to the Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m divisions, the second arena featured Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumpers, 5-, 6-, and 7-Year-Old Jumper classes and qualifiers, a Junior/Adult Amateur Classic, and Speed/Jump Off classes. Intended to act as a catalyst for the growth and development of horses and riders, the Turf Tour combines breathtaking venues with amenities as world class as the riders to consistently draw some of the top competitors in Wellington. Week Seven of the Turf Tour will again take place on the beautiful grounds of the International Polo Club on Wednesday and Friday, February 17 and 19, 2016.

For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Competitions, Show Jumping

Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W Triumph in $25,000 Equiline Holiday I Grand Prix

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Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W. Photos: ©ManciniPhotos.

Darragh Kenny and Zabel D Take $10,000 Equiline Open Stakes Class

Wellington, FL – December 15, 2015 – Kaitlin Campbell and longtime mount Rocky W added another win to their extensive partnership, as the duo captured the $25,000 Equiline Holiday I Grand Prix on Sunday, December 13, at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Campbell, of Springfield, PA, and Rocky W crossed through the timers in 52.192 seconds to take the lead from Irish rider Darragh Kenny and Zabel D who finished in 54.507 seconds, while Abigail McArdle, of St. Charles, IL, and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve collected third place honors with a time of 54.87 seconds. Competition at PBIEC will continue today with the start of the ESP Holiday II including the $10,000 Pony Up Treats Open Stake and the $25,000 Pony Up Treats Holiday II Grand Prix on Thursday, December 17.

Campbell and her own Rocky W, a 1998 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Libero H x Mona Liza), made easy work of the first round track, set by Hector Loyola (PRI), and dashed to an exciting finish in the jump-off round, where the duo finished nearly two seconds faster than Kenny and Zabel D. With a knack for finding the fastest routes on course, Campbell commented that Rocky W’s ability to cover ground and remain balanced through tight turns offered her the opportunity to push for the win.

“This is his first big class down here and he’s usually pretty on it when he knows we’re back in the International Ring. He was being incredibly careful today. I knew that I could go for it and he would stay off the rails,” commented Campbell. “He’s so quick though the turns that you really only need to think turn and he’ll get there. He was really fast through the second turn and I think that’s where we made up the time.”

The duo has been together for quite some time, earning a number of top wins including the $25,000 Nutrena® Grand Prix hosted at PBIEC in March 2015. As Rocky continues to be competitive at the top levels of the sport, Campbell is sure to keep her partner’s happiness and well-being a priority. She explained, “I try not to waste classes and jumps on him. We don’t jump at home too much and I always try to pick classes where I know he can be successful,” explained Campbell. “I’m not aiming him for 5* Grand Prix classes. It’s more about finding classes that I know he can succeed in. It keeps him mentality sharp.”

After an incredibly successful career together, Campbell and Rocky W have established a bond, which allows them to fully trust each other when taking risks on course. Campbell’s gutsy ride through the jump-off round showcased the duo’s relationship and proved rewarding, as they secured another grand prix win at PBIEC. The experience the pair has gained together throughout the years has been incredibly beneficial and Campbell hopes to continue their success this season.

“He knows he’s the best in the barn and sometimes takes advantage of it,” laughed Campbell. “We’ll do some of the smaller FEI Speed classes this year because I don’t want to push him and over face him. He’s so fast that I think they’ll be a perfect fit for him. We’ll see how he’s feeling throughout circuit and play it from there,” she continued.

Darragh Kenny and Zabel D Take $10,000 Open Stakes Class

Darragh Kenny capped a banner weekend with Zabel D, owned by Kerry Anne, LLC, after the duo captured the $10,000 Open Stakes class on Friday, December 11, and then placed second in the $25,000 Equiline Holiday I Grand Prix on Sunday.

Darragh Kenny and Zabel D
Darragh Kenny and Zabel D

The duo took top honors in the $10,000 Open Stake with a time of 42.318 seconds, finishing the class with one of four double clear trips. Peter Wylde aboard Aimee finished in 43.862 seconds, while Heather Caristo Williams and Cosmopolitan 30 rounded out the top three with a time of 46.00 seconds.

Competition at PBIEC continues today with the start of the ESP Holiday II Series, which will conclude on Thursday, December 17. The ESP Holiday III Series will begin on Friday, December 18, and conclude on Sunday, December 20. Please visit www.pbiec.com for a full weekly schedule of competition events and to view daily results.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny and Dirocco B, Sarah Scheiring and Eros SCF Win Adequan Young Jumper Classics

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Darragh Kenny and Dirocco B. Photos © Sportfot.

Say When and Danielle Baran Start and Finish WEF 2015 as Champions of the Triple Crown Blankets Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 Section A

Wellington, FL – March 27, 2015 – Week twelve of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Rolex, continued on Friday featuring the rising equine stars of the circuit in their young jumper finals. The $20,000 Adequan® 7-Year-Old Young Jumper Classic saw a win for Darragh Kenny and Dirocco B, and the $15,000 Adequan® 6-Year-Old Young Jumper Classic was won by Sarah Scheiring and Eros SCF. The $10,000 Holtgers 5-Year-Old Young Jumper Classic was held in the morning, rewarding clear rounds from the circuit’s youngest horses.

WEF 12 continues through Sunday, March 29. The week features the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, March 28, and the $100,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Final will also be held on Saturday. The 1.50m jump-off and the Rolex Grand Prix, starting at 6:30 pm, will be live streamed here: http://bit.ly/1MaVwBa. The $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will host its first round on Saturday; its second round on the derby field Sunday, starting at 1 pm, will be live streamed at http://bit.ly/1H5mkfF.

Steve Stephens (USA) set the courses for Friday’s young jumpers classes. The $20,000 Adequan® 7-Year-Old Young Jumper Classic concluded the day with a win for Ireland’s Darragh Kenny aboard Oakland Ventures and Missy Clark’s Dirocco B. Seventy-eight entries showed in the class, with 18 clear to jump-off, and seven double clear rounds. The riders were given the option to jump-off immediately following their first round or to wait until the end.

Kenny waited until the end of the class to jump off and raced to the winning time of 36.531 seconds with Dirocco B. He edged out Laura Chapot, who had jumped off earlier with Mary Chapot’s BEC Hugo in 38.40 seconds. Lauren Tisbo and Tequestrian Farms LLC’s Hip Girl finished third in 39.42 seconds.

Kenny and Missy Clark purchased Dirocco B two months ago. The Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zirocco Blue VDL x Lux Z) previously had great success as a six-year-old with rider Devin Ryan, and Kenny has high hopes for the horse’s career.

“I got him through a good friend of mine, Andy Kocher,” Kenny detailed. “He had the horse, and I tried him once or twice and really liked him. He is unbelievably competitive. He is super careful, really fast, and extremely brave. He reminds me a lot of my good horse Picolo. He is the same type of horse that will win every class, and you can go all the time. I think it is a super nice horse.”

“We bought the horse together as a horse for the future,” Kenny said of his partnership with Clark. “I think it is going to be really talented. I am very lucky that Missy is helping me to get a few horses together to build up my career. I am very lucky that I have some very good owners right now, and I just want to keep trying to have younger horses coming up through the levels so that I have them when my older horses are ready to be done.”

Kenny continued, “It is hard to know what they will do. He is one of those horses where you are not going to know until you do it. He jumps every height just as easy as he likes, and then you move up and he does that the same way, so I’ll never know until I have to try to do it.”

Commenting on his jump-off round, Kenny detailed, “He is a really naturally very quick horse. You do not really need to change the pace. You just pick up a good pace, and he stays going and then all I had to do was put him at the right distance.”

Scheiring and Eros SCF Go for the Win

In the $15,000 Adequan® 6-Year-Old Young Jumper Classic, 57 horses showed, with 14 clear for the jump-off and seven double clear rounds. The riders were once again given the option to jump-off immediately or wait until the conclusion of the first round. Lisa Goldman and Melissa Hirt’s Roc N Groovy jumped off early and eventually finished second with their time of 33.66 seconds. Sarah Scheiring and Lauren Gristwood’s Eros SCF jumped off later, taking the lead with their time of 32.22 seconds. Sarah Kerins and her own Tykillen Livella clocked in at 35.77 seconds to place third.

Sarah Scheiring and Eros SCF
Sarah Scheiring and Eros SCF

Eros SCF is a Dutch Warmblood gelding by Balou du Rouet x Coriano, bred by Karin Jimenez (USA) at Sporting Chance Farm in Pennsylvania. His rider, Sarah Scheiring, is based out of Chester Riding Club in New Jersey with trainer Jamie Maillet. His owner, Lauren Gristwood, was a working student at the farm five years ago, and was looking for a project after selling her previous horse. They found Eros SCF as a yearling, and Gristwood immediately bought him after seeing the horse’s great movement and quiet demeanor.

Gristwood, of Virginia, broke the horse herself. She occasionally rides Eros at home when she has the time, but leaves the showing duties to Scheiring. She currently works as a groom for Canadian show jumper Ben Asselin.

“The first time I ever got on him was bareback in a field,” Gristwood noted. “Sarah is the only other person that has ridden him. He was my first yearling. I love the young ones. It is really cool starting them from the ground up and see the progress.”

“You would not believe how many people told Lauren how bad of a decision she was making when she first got him,” Scheiring explained. “Every single person said, ‘Why would you do that? That is so dumb! Why would you buy a one-year-old horse? Who knows what it’s going to be?’ But she believed in me. She always has. Last year she turned the reins over to me, and he has been unbelievable ever since.”

“He is perfect. He is wonderful, and he never lets me down,” Scheiring said of Eros. She then described the day they first saw him.

“He walked great,” she remembered with a laugh. “It was winter; the ground was rock hard with snow. We put a pole in the round pen, made him trot over it, and he would not canter. We said, ‘Okay, we can work with that.’ Also, a dog came barreling in the barn when he was on the crossties, and he did not flinch at all.”

Eros SCF only showed in three classes this winter as Scheiring geared him toward Friday’s final classic. Commenting on their winning round, Scheiring detailed, “I saw Lisa Goldman go first, and she is always fast. She is hard to beat. My horse jumps really high and spends a lot of time in the air, so I knew I had to make it up in the lines and I had to leave one out. He is really good at turning, so I could land and turn. I walked the line from the Sotheby’s jump to number 15 and walked a seven and stuck to it. It was a little bit scary, but that horse is so careful, I know he is not going to knock it down if I can get him there.”

In addition to their winning prize, Scheiring and Eros SCF accepted the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award for week twelve. With a great day to conclude his winter, Eros SCF will have a little time off and then show in the summer with the main goal of competing in the Young Jumper Championships at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in August.

Also showing on Friday, the $10,000 Holtgers 5-Year-Old Young Jumper Classic was held in the morning, awarding prize money for clear rounds overall from the promising young horses. Todd Minikus and Spring Girl, Victor Amaya and Donald Cheska Stables’ Foreigner, Nick Novak and Ricochet, Ronan McGuigan and Blythe Masters’ Maximus, Charlie Jayne and Haylie Rolfe’s Zara, Emily Hill and KBS Ronnin, and Candice King and Bellissimo LLC’s First VDL all cleared the course without fault.

Say When and Danielle Baran Start and Finish WEF 2015 as Champions of the Triple Crown Blankets Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 Section A

No stranger to the winner’s circle, Danielle Baran, from Ontario, Canada, and her horse, Say When, added another tricolor ribbon to their collection during the final week of WEF. This past weekend Baran earned a first, a second, and two fourths over fences on their way to topping the field of 17 riders in the Triple Crown Blankets Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 Section A. After kicking off WEF as champions during week 1, Baran exclaimed, “We haven’t had a down time during this entire circuit, which is incredible!”

Claiming the reserve champion spot was Carlotta with owner and rider, Ashley Hodges. Hodges rode Carlotta to a first, a second, and a fourth over fences in the Triple Crown Blankets Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 Section A.

With a final championship during week 12, Baran secured the circuit championship with Say When in the Adult Amateur 36-49 Hunter division. Baran also finished as reserve circuit champion with her horse, Vizcaya. “She has had an amazing season!” trainer Chris Sorensen stated. “Wellington is always a big test for us because we go up against the best horses and riders in North America. Danielle [Baran] has been one of the top hunter owners in Canada for the past couple of years, so it is nice to see her come down here and have a great season.”

Coming to Wellington with the same horses as last year, Baran credits the extra help from trainer Darcy Hayes for her best WEF circuit yet. “I’ve never had a year this consistent. Darcy [Hayes] has really helped prepare the horses, and I enjoy having two trainers supporting me at the ring,” Baran explained.

After an amazing start to 2015, Baran is looking forward to fine tuning her riding throughout the rest of the year. “I want to make sure it doesn’t look like luck,” Baran smiled.

Baran went on to say, “Eventually I would like to move up to the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ and will probably buy another horse with Chris [Sorensen] in the next couple of years to add in some new ones. Hopefully I can keep my horses going as long as possible because I adore them and feel blessed to have them.”

While Baran is done showing, Say When will compete tomorrow in the USHJA International Hunter Derby with Hayes. At the conclusion of the weekend, Baran and her horses will take a break before returning to Ontario for the summer shows.

WEF 12 continues on Saturday evening featuring the $100,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Final jump-off followed by the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* in the International Arena. Hunter coverage returns to the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter ring for the Bainbridge Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 and the first round of the USHJA International Hunter Derby. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny Earns One-Two Finish in $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m at the 2015 WEF

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Darragh Kenny and Picolo. Photo © Sportfot.

Tomeu, Burlington, Gilbertson and Foley Claim $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Team Event; T. J. O’Mara and Kaskade Receive High Score in the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase

Wellington, FL – January 30, 2015 – Show jumping action at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) took place on both sides of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday with classes for top international show jumpers as well as young up-and-coming talents.

In the International Arena on the main show grounds, Darragh Kenny (IRL) took the top two spots in Friday’s $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m speed class aboard Oakland Ventures LLC’s Picolo and Toffolon Partners LLC’s Gatsby. The $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Team Event, presented by the McNerney Family, was held in the International Ring at The Stadium at PBIEC with a win for the team of Kaely Tomeu, Brett Burlington, Lacey Gilbertson and Tom Foley.

Week four of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, continues through Sunday, February 1. The week will feature the $372,000 FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix CSI-W 5*, presented by Fidelity Investments®, on Saturday, January 31. Other highlights include the $85,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Classic on Sunday, February 1.

The $50,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Asheville Regional Airport, will finish with their final two phases on Saturday, January 31. The cross-country begins at 1:30 pm on The Stadium derby field. The special showcase will feature some of eventing’s top horses and riders competing for phenomenal prize money in the winter equestrian capital of the world.

Both of tomorrow’s phases of the $50,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Asheville Regional Airport, and Saturday night’s $372,000 FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix CSI-W 5*, presented by Fidelity Investments®, will be live streamed at www.COTH.com.

Guilherme Jorge (BRA) set the track for Friday’s 1.45m with 51 competitors and 23 clear rounds. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Artisan Farms LLC’s Melody des Hayettes Z set the leading pace at 60.31 seconds to eventually finish sixth. Alvaro de Miranda (BRA) upped the time in 59.49 seconds with his own and Victory Equestrian Sport BV’s AD Amigo B, but was later pushed to fifth place. Darragh Kenny jumped into the lead with Gatsby in a time of 57.87 seconds, but soon topped himself to put Gatsby in second. Jessica Springsteen (USA) followed with a clear round in 58.20 seconds to take third place honors riding Stone Hill Farm’s Davendy S. The only person who could beat Darragh Kenny was Kenny himself as the rider topped his own time in the winning round with Picolo in 57.13 seconds. Conor Swail (IRL) jumped into fourth place in the end in 59.26 seconds aboard Vanessa Mannix’s Grand Cru vd Jijf Eiken.

“I just said to somebody that for these classes with those two horses, it is difficult not to be in the top six,” Kenny said of Picolo and Gatsby after his top-two finish. “They are two incredible horses. They are so careful, they are really fast, and you can do whatever you want with them.”

Kenny’s winning mount, Picolo, is a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Diamant de Semilly x Alme. With Kenny in the irons, Picolo jumped to an impressive eight FEI victories in 2014 alone. The horse had a four-month break and started back last week with a couple of 1.40m classes. He stepped right up to the 1.45m this week and never missed a beat.

“Honestly, this horse is just amazing. Every time I ride him he is unbelievable. I have never, ever had a horse like this,” Kenny proclaimed. “He just wants to win so much, and he tries so hard. He is so competitive, and he is just an incredible horse.”

Second place finisher, Gatsby, is an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion (Simba x Cruise On) that normally competes with amateur rider Allison Toffolon.

“Ali usually shows him, and she is coming in two weeks. I thought I’d show him this week just to give him a round, and it is just easy,” Kenny stated. “Their styles are a little bit different. I know Picolo so well. I know Gatsby quite well, but not as well. I went fast with Gatsby. I did four strides along one line, and I think Conor (Swail) was the only other person that did four there. Gatsby has such a big stride, so that is where you can be faster with him.”

“I saw Jessie (Springsteen) go and she was really fast and really good and that made me a little bit nervous,” Kenny admitted of his hold on the lead. “Then Eric (Lamaze) was really fast. He was actually faster than Gatsby, so I was a little more nervous. When I went with Picolo, I just wanted to make sure that I went as fast as I could possibly be. He is just incredible when you go against the clock. He is so easy. You just gallop at the jumps, and you never really worry that he is going to knock them down.”

Now that Picolo is off to a great start for his 2015 season, Kenny plans to move the horse up to some bigger classes.

“I am just starting to build him up,” the rider explained. “This is his second week back showing. He will probably jump the 1.50m this week. My goal is to jump him on the Nations Cup team here in week eight. Then he might jump one of the under the lights grand prixs after that. He has just been such a great horse. You can do whatever you want with him, so it is great to have him.”

Gatsby will continue to show in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers with Toffolon, and they also have plans to compete in the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series throughout the circuit.

Also showing in the International Arena on Friday, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge was held in a California Split with 95 total rounds. Laura Chapot (USA) was the fastest clear aboard Mary Chapot’s Zealous to win Section A. Roberto Teran, Jr. (ARG) won Section B aboard ARK Partners LLC’s Farina.

A $500 Shapley’s Groom’s Class was also held in the afternoon. The winner was Miguel Barrera with Revelation, owned by Lori Harvey from Laura Stern Stables. Second place went to Fernando (Uno) Mendoza with Parlay, owned by Laura Stern of Laura Stern Stables.

Tomeu, Burlington, Gilbertson and Foley Claim $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Team Event

Competition in the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Team Event was tight to the very end Friday evening with the final placings being determined by a two-horse jump-off. Under the lights of The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Kaely Tomeu led her team of Sweet Oak Farm riders to victory in a head-to-head duel against Eugenio Garza.

Two teams jumped clear in the first two rounds of competition, but only Tomeu kept the streak alive riding to her third clear trip of the night aboard Fidalgo van het Leliehof and delivering a win to fellow teammates Brett Burlington, Lacey Gilbertson and Tom Foley.

The Team Event is one phase of 2015 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series, presented by the Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte which will offer $170,000 in prize money in seven featured events throughout the Winter Equestrian Festival.

In total, 16 teams competed in two rounds over a 12-effort course designed by Richard Jeffery (GBR). Jeffery will also set the track for the stadium jumping phase of the $50,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Asheville Regional Airport highlighting Week 4 of the WEF on Saturday. After the evening’s first round, each team dropped their lowest score before advancing. In the second round, 15 teams returned in order of highest to lowest total faults. The winner was determined by the lowest total score after two rounds and a tie-breaking jump-off.

Garza’s four jump-off faults with Bariano – his only in the class – settled his team of Spencer Smith, Shawn Casady and Michael Murphy in second place. Smith with IV Ever and Casady on Twister jumped to a pair of double-clear efforts, while Murphy ended on 12 faults from two rounds.

Making Chef d’Equipe Shane Sweetnam and fellow trainer Michael DelFiandra proud, 19-year-old Tomeu jumped the final round of the night with a win hanging in the balance. “It was a lot of pressure, but it made me do better knowing that other people were counting on me,” she said. “It was going to be exciting no matter how I did because we would have had good results being second, but it was great going clear and winning.”

Fellow Sweet Oak Farm riders Gilbertson aboard Record De Pleville and Foley on Petrushka III ended on zero faults. Burlington and Anders Wictor L had a single rail in each round.

While not the oldest on the team, Tomeu brought the most Under 25 Grand Prix Series experience. After competing in 2012 and 2013, Tomeu didn’t chalk the win up to being a veteran, but rather gave credit to 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Fidalgo van het Leliehof.

“This horse is amazing,” she said of the mount Sweetnam found for her in June. “I actually didn’t ride my best in the jump-off, but he pulled through for me. I landed off that last jump, realized we had won and knew it was all him that did it. I ride him in the High Amateur Jumpers and he really takes me around – he knows his job.”

Camaraderie from the barn aisle spilled over into the show ring during competition, according to 21-year-old Gilbertson. “Obviously we always want each other to do well because we ride in same barn, but it was special to be able to ride together on a team,” she said.

“We don’t get to do this very often,” added 15-year-old Burlington. “Showing in this stadium ring under the lights on a team was a fun experience.”

Riding last in the second round, 18-year-old Foley kept his team’s hopes for a win alive going clear and guaranteeing a jump-off. “It was good to go last – the pressure makes you try a little bit harder. My horse fought to the end for me,” he said of the 10-year-old KWPN mare he piloted. “It was more the horse than me to be honest.”

Third-place was a two-way tie between two four-person teams including Taylor Reid, Ryan Genn, Theo Genn and Richard Neal as well as Michael Hughes, Catherine Tyree, Katherine Strauss and Lucy Deslauriers. Both teams finished with four faults after two rounds.

The Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series is designed to give young riders a valuable stepping-stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level and culminates with the $50,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series Final. The Final will take place Sunday, March 22 on the grass derby field at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during WEF 11.

T. J. O’Mara and Kaskade Receive High Score in the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase

This morning in the Rost Arena, 58 junior riders came to compete in the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase. After three hours of competition, T. J. O’Mara’s score of 90 was unbeatable, and O’Mara earned top honors in section A. Madison Goetzmann finished in second with a score of 88.5 and Katherine Bundy rounded out the top three with a score of 87 in section A.

Kelli Cruciotti won section B with a score of 89. Just behind Cruciotti was Ailish Cunniffe who earned a score of 88 to take home second place in section B. Lucy Deslauriers was the third place finisher in section B of the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase with a score of 86.

O’Mara, from Rumson, NJ, was partnered with his own horse, Kaskade, today for the winning ride. Kaskade came to O’Mara two years ago having been a hunter, but O’Mara and his trainers at Beacon Hill thought Kaskade could be a good fit in the equitation. “We saw how much potential she [Kaskade] had, and we decided she would be an amazing equitation horse,” O’Mara explained.

Having come from the hunter ring, O’Mara and his trainers have been working on getting Kaskade softer and more accustomed to doing the tight turns required in the equitation. Talking about the preparation, O’Mara said, “This past week the trainers have been working with her [Kaskade], and she felt amazing today.”

While O’Mara and Kaskade started off the day on a high note winning the WIHS Hunter Phase, they also went on to win the WIHS Jumper Phase section A with a score of 91. With top scores in both phases, O’Mara was awarded the overall first place prize.

“I was worried about the jumper phase. The first line was forward and going to the right, so I was worried about Kaskade’s left drift and not making it up the line. Also, the last line was a very steady six to one and I thought she collected very well, making it easier than I thought it was going to be,” O’Mara commented about his Jumper Phase round.

After today’s win, O’Mara is qualified for the George Morris Excellence in Equitation class and is excited to compete in it during WEF 11. Looking past the WEF circuit, O’Mara has set his sights on continuing to win equitation classes throughout the summer, as well as have a successful equitation finals season this fall.

Equitation continues tomorrow with the THIS Children’s Medal 15-17 in ring 8. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny and Windbreaker Top Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jump-Off at the 2015 WEF

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Darragh Kenny and Windbreaker. Photos © Sportfot.

Brooke Banks Wins Adult Amateur 18-35 Section A Championship in First Week as Amateur Rider

Wellington, FL – January 9, 2015 – Week one of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued on Friday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL with the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off and Speed Challenge classes held in the International Arena in the afternoon. The jump-off class went first with a win for Ireland’s Darragh Kenny aboard Windbreaker. The Speed Challenge saw a win for Laura Chapot (USA) and Shooting Star. The 12-week WEF circuit runs through March 29, 2015, awarding over $8.2 million in prize money.

Eric Hasbrouck (USA) set the course for the day’s 1.40m competition with a busy schedule of show jumping. The $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class saw 77 entries in total 15 clears in round one. Entries jumped off immediately following their first round where seven more went double clear.

David Beisel and Equine Holdings LLC’s Ammeretto were the first pair to jump double clear over the short course and held the lead through much of the class with their time of 32.69 seconds, but eventually finished in third place. Darragh Kenny came along many rounds later with Windbreaker and took the lead in 31.89 seconds. Victoria Colvin and Karen Long Dwight’s Chanel B 2 jumped into second place at the end of the class in 32.59 seconds.

Class winner, Windbreaker, is a 12-year-old KWPN gelding by Heartbreaker x Farmer. Kenny explained that he was just schooling the horse for its owner, but easily breezed past the leaders to take over the top position.

“This is only the second time I have ridden the horse,” Kenny detailed. “It is trained by Laura Bowery, and it is owned by Kerry McCahill. It is actually her junior jumper. I was just riding it in a class or two for her this week to give it a school.”

“Laura said to me that it is a really quick horse and it is super easy, so it was easy to go fast on him,” Kenny said of his jump-off. “He is super nice to ride, very uncomplicated and very careful. I think he will make a really good junior jumper.”

“I didn’t know the horse and actually I didn’t see David go either, so I just went as quick as the horse felt comfortable with and it turned out to be good enough,” Kenny added of his round. “It is a quick horse and he is very uncomplicated, so I could do whatever I wanted, and it was very easy just to be fast on him.”

Kenny praised this week’s course designer, Eric Hasbrouck, on another great track, noting, “He has been super. Eric is a brilliant course designer. He rode himself, so he knows a lot about it and I think the courses this week have been great.”

Kenny looks to show Windbreaker a few more times throughout the circuit in preparation for his rider. “It will be just doing the same thing, a couple of schooling classes to have him set up for Kerry, and Laura will ride him a little bit as well. Between us all I think the horse should go really well,” he stated.

Kenny has a big group of horses to show throughout the winter and looks forward to a great few months. “I have a lot of good horses for this circuit, so hopefully it goes really well,” he concluded.

Also competing in the International Arena on Friday, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge was held later in the afternoon with a win for Laura Chapot aboard Mary Chapot’s Shooting Star. Forty-nine entries showed with 13 clear rounds. Chapot and Shooting Star jumped the fastest clear round in 62.14 seconds early in the class. Nicolas Pizarro and Jacobo Zaga’s Calvaretto finished second in 62.45 seconds. Chapot also took third place honors with Mary Chapot’s Zealous in 62.84 seconds.

Brooke Banks Wins Adult Amateur 18-35 Section A Championship in First Week as Amateur Rider

While it’s far from Brooke Banks’ maiden season in Wellington, she is jumping her first fences as an amateur rider this week. When the clock struck 12 on New Year’s Eve, she shed her junior status and set her sights once again on the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, this time as an amateur. Not letting her new title faze her, however, Banks jumped her own eight-year-old Mecklenburg gelding Brodeur to the championship in Section A of the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter division.

Brooke Banks and Brodeur
Brooke Banks and Brodeur

Banks and Brodeur boasted two third-place performances over fences yesterday and returned today to win both the Under Saddle and the first of two final jumping tests. Trainer Ron Esposito admits that watching the always quiet and regal Brodeur take home the brag-worthy flat win was no surprise.

“I’ve only met two Mecklenburgs, but they were both quiet and consistent,” he said. “I don’t have many in my barn, but I plan to find more.”

Posting consistent top performances, Lexey Hall collected Reserve Champion aboard her own Lacoste. The pair was first and second over fences yesterday and returned to collect third today, as well as fourth under saddle.

Banks has enjoyed her share of early success with Brodeur, a horse she only acquired a year ago from Patricia Griffith and Heritage Farm. Their 2014 goal of jumping at USEF Junior Hunter Finals was realized at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show this summer. “I rode him in Hunter Finals in Harrisburg, was fourth overall and haven’t ridden him since,” said Banks.

A freshman at Cornell University, 18-year-old Banks is juggling a Communications course load and collegiate extracurricular activities, in addition to a robust riding schedule, leaving Brodeur’s schooling to Esposito. “My trainer kept him [Brodeur] in great shape for me. To come back to WEF and win right away is a great feeling. I’m really excited for the rest of the circuit – I am hoping to get down here more than originally planned,” she commented.

Banks is focused on showing consistently at 3’6″ in the coming months and looks forward to making more time for Brodeur. “I love that his stride is big, but he goes slow – every distance is always right there. His jump is so smooth, and he comes up nicely with his knees,” she said.

While an obvious competitor in the ring, Brodeur is a pocket-pony in the barn, according to Banks. “He has the best personality – in the barn he is so quiet and always sleeping,” she concluded with a smile. “He’s like a pet that then goes into the ring and jumps around beautifully.”

The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues in the International Arena on Saturday with the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic at 2 p.m. and the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes, the first “Saturday Night Lights” event of the circuit, at 7 p.m. Hunter and equitation competition continue as well with the EnTrust Capital Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division awarding championships in the Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Lindsay Brock for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Darragh Domination of American Gold Cup CSI4*-W Continues with Third Win in a Row

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Darragh Kenny and Prof De La Roque jump onto the tabletop in Saturday’s $34,000 Fidelity Investments Speed Derby.

North Salem, NY – September 13, 2014 – Darragh Kenny has done it again. For the third day in a row, the talented Irish athlete made headlines at the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, this time after clinching the victory in the $34,000 Fidelity Investments Speed Derby CSI4*.

The Speed Derby victory comes amidst an unbelievable American Gold Cup winning streak for Kenny. On Thursday, he blew the competition out of the water to claim victory in the $34,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome aboard Gatsby. On Friday, the pair did it again, turning in the fastest clear jump off time to win the $100,000 Hermès American Gold Cup Qualifier. A third victory for Kenny however, would not come without a hard earned fight for the fastest finish.

Fellow Irishman Ronan McGuigan galloped into the Speed Derby course aboard Capall Zidane with guns blazing. McGuigan successfully navigated the rolling terrain and the 14 obstacles of the Alan Wade designed course set on the grass grand prix field of Old Salem Farm, to turn in a clear ride in 79.890 seconds.

Fifteen more horse and rider combinations completed the course that wound around the Old Salem Farm grand prix field. None would come close to matching or besting McGuigan’s time. But Kenny was determined to keep his phenomenal win streak alive and not even a downed rail would stop him from doing just that.

Aboard Prof De La Roque, owned by Postage Stamp Farm, LLC of Wellington, FL, Kenny flew over the course, up and down the tabletop fences and down a slight grassy embankment at an impressive clip. The speed caught up to the pair at one fence as a rail rolled out of the cups and hit the grass, but at the end, Kenny and Prof De La Roque blazed through the finish line timers in 75.850 seconds.

That time was just four-hundredths of a second fast enough to earn the victory, even with the additional four seconds added for the rail penalties, relegating McGuigan to second place. Rounding out the top three were Peter Lutz and Robin De Ponthual who finished clear in a time of 81.170 seconds.

The victory on Saturday with Prof De La Roque is not only the third major victory in the same number of days at the American Gold Cup for Kenny; it comes in the midst of what has been a year of incredible success for Kenny.

Most recently, he earned back-to-back wins at the Hampton Classic Horse Show before immediately boarding a plane to France for the World Equestrian Games where he was named 12th in the world.

“It’s been going amazing. I’ve had an incredible year,” Kenny said. “To be honest, it’s very little to do with me. It has to do with the horses that I have, the people that are behind me and the staff that work with me. The team behind all of me is all of them. That’s what makes everything go so well.”

Kenny and his team will now set their sights on the feature event of the 2014 American Gold Cup: the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W Grand Prix. He and Gatsby will join some of the world’s top competitors on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Flo Fulton First in $10,000 Mitchell-Innes & Nash Fine Art Adult Jumper Classic

The Adult Jumpers rode to their finale today in the $10,000 Mitchell-Innes & Nash Fine Art Adult Jumper Classic. From a field of 55 horses, 23 advanced to jump-off before Flo Fulton and her mount Mirell rode away with the win.

Flo Fulton and Mirell
Flo Fulton and Mirell

“We got [Mirell] in February, and we really clicked from the beginning,” Fulton said of the 8-year-old Hanoverian mare. “She’s really a little winner. When we’re feeling on, we always have great rounds. She doesn’t like you to fuss with her or push and pull. Once you get the motor going, she’ll really just take you to the fence.”

Outside of riding, Fulton, who trains with Jeffery Welles, operates her own consulting firm, aiding luxury brands with strategic events. She, her husband and their dog split their time between New York, Los Angeles, CA and Colorado, but she always enjoys traveling to the American Gold Cup.

“I love this farm. I love the Morrisseys [of Stadium Jumping]. They run an amazing horse show,” Fulton said. “I also love that they have the Hermès booth here so that I can do a little shopping!”

Finishing in a close second behind Fulton were Dean Dignelli and Redefin, while Laura Faulkner and Pompadour rounded out the top three.

Top Equitation Riders Compete in the Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championship

While the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W is a renowned show dedicated almost strictly to show jumping, it is also home to the esteemed Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships.

A top finish in one of the ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Finals is necessary to advance to the prestigious ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Championship at the National Horse Show in Kentucky on Nov. 2, 2014.

Taking the top three spots in today’s Region 2 Finals were Michael Hughes, Ailish Cunniffe and Lucy Deslauriers, respectively.

Tune in to the exciting conclusion of the 2014 American Gold Cup Sunday at 2 p.m. with the live streaming of the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W Grand Prix available here!

More information can be found by visiting the www.theamericangoldcup.com or www.stadiumjumping.com.

45th Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts

What:
The $200,000 American Gold Cup, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W

When:
September 10-14, 2014

Where:
Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY

Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon.

Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.

Parking:
Available on the grounds

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – before 9/6/14: 941-744-5465/800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610 ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457

Website – www.theamericangoldcup.com

Televised Broadcast:
The 2014 American Gold Cup Grand Prix will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 21 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Tickets:

Weekdays: Admission is free to the public.
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $20 per person, $15 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Gates open at:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 12 noon

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at www.theamericangoldcup.com and at the gate. (Online ticket sales will be available June 1 – Sept. 1.)

Charity Partners:

JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/

ASPCA
http://aspca.org/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Matt Morrissey
941.915.3457
matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com

Connie Sawyer
518.461.6288
sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com

Advertising Opportunities:

Mary Silcox 800-237-8924
mary.silcox@stadiumjumping.com

Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all-weather German-designed fiber and sand.

Hotels:
Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
(877) 270 1393
Ridgefield, CT

West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323
Brewster, NY 5 – 10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011
Mt. Kisco, NY 5 – 10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600
Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: (941) 744-5465 Fax: (941) 744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 105 Wellington, FL 33414
Tel: 561.753.3389 Fax: 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny and Gatsby Go Two-for-Two at American Gold Cup CSI4*-W

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Darragh Kenny and Gatsby are on a roll, claiming four consecutive victories together.

North Salem, NY – September 12, 2014 – For anyone looking to wager on Sunday’s $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*W Grand Prix, consider placing a bet on Darragh Kenny. The Irishman is on quite the hot streak at this year’s American Gold Cup; yesterday he earned a definitive victory in the $34,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake aboard Allison Toffolon’s Gatsby, and today the same duo did it again, clinching the win in the $100,000 Hermès American Gold Cup Qualifier.

Rewind to a month ago and Kenny had yet to even show the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse. Now a few short weeks later, the pair has racked up an impressive track record, winning all four of their last four attempts.

“He’s an amazing horse,” Kenny said. “He just keeps winning all the time. It’s unbelievable.”

With three wins with Kenny already under his belt, today’s 1.60m track, set on the beautiful grass field at Old Salem Farm, served as the next big test for Gatsby.

“This is the first time that I’ve ever jumped him this big and he jumped it so easily,” Kenny said. “I was really happy with him.”

Many other more experienced horses did not fare as well as Gatsby, as rails continued to roll out of cups throughout the challenging course, designed by Alan Wade and intended to separate the best of the best from the rest for qualification to compete in Sunday’s $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI*4W Grand Prix.

Watch an interview with Darragh Kenny following his win, including clips of his jump-off ride.

“Alan Wade is an Irish course designer, and he is to me one of the best course designers in the world,” Kenny said. “He’s incredible. He built a really super course today. It caused a lot of problems everywhere, not just in one place. I think he got a great outcome in the class.”

Of the 59 competitors competing in the first round, five would advance without fault to the jump-off, while 15 others would finish on just four faults.

Young rider Wilton Porter and his mount Diamonte Darco were the first to go clear in the opening round, but a thrown shoe in the schooling ring would move the talented pair down the return list for the jump-off.

Instead, it was Christine McCrea with Zerly, owned by Candy Tribble of Suffield, CT, who came back first to jump-off. The pair was clear all the way to the final fence, a large, orange Hermès oxer, but the rail hit the ground leaving them with four faults in a time of 48.120 seconds. Megan Nusz and Dynamo, owned by Amalaya Investments of Houston, TX, were next in the ring, and they were met with the same fate as a rail came down on the last oxer. The pair’s slightly quicker time of 47.610 seconds would move them just ahead of McCrea and Zerly for the eventual fourth place finish.

Kenny and Gatsby were the next to return, and they left nothing to chance going clear all the way through to the end in a quick time of 44.280 seconds.

“I knew that Brianne [Goutal] could be very fast, and Wilton [Porter], his horse pulled a shoe in the warm-up, so he had to go after me. So I knew I had to be quick. In the end it proved to be quick enough,” Kenny said.

With shoe back on, Porter and Diamonte Darco returned after Kenny to go clear in a time of 51.850 seconds, a time that would be good enough for the third place finish in the end.

Brianne Goutal and Nice De Prissey finished second in the $100,000 Hermes American Gold Cup Grand Prix Qualifier
Brianne Goutal and Nice De Prissey finished second in the $100,000 Hermes American Gold Cup Grand Prix Qualifier

Edging out Porter for the second place spot were last year’s $200,000 American Invitational CSI4*-W Grand Prix winners, Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey. The pair ended on a clear round in a time of 51.460 seconds. For the second day in a row, Kenny won the class by a significant margin of more than five seconds.

Catherine Tyree First and Second in $3,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Power and Speed

Not unlike Kenny, Catherine Tyree is having her own bit of a win streak, but for Tyree the streak today came within just one class. The Northwestern University sophomore took both of the top two spots in the morning’s $3,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Power and Speed class. She claimed the victory aboard her own Wetter and finished in a close second with Free Style Van Polderhof.

“I’m so happy. Both horses were so great. I couldn’t have asked them to do anything better,” Tyree said. “They both really fought today and were so on their game.”

Tyree continued, “Wetter’s pretty unconventional, but I’ve had him for over two years now, so I’ve adapted my ride to him. I know him like the back of my hand. We’ve done a lot together. I’m really happy that he’s finally in the spotlight and that he got his win because he’s been so great for me ever since I got him. Then Freestyle: She’s 9 years old, but she’s a little bit on the greener side so we just started going fast and kind of starting to challenge her a little bit. She’s been so great so I’m really thrilled with how she was today.”

Tyree heads back to Northwestern next week, but she is always happy to be able to make the trip to the American Gold Cup.

“This is, I think, one of the nicest shows that we have in America. Everything is done so well for the riders and the horses,” Tyree said. “The stalls are great. The rings are phenomenal. With Alan Wade here you get really, really nice courses on the field. It’s a top show, like something in Europe.”

The competition for juniors, amateurs and professionals alike continues at Old Salem Farm tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m. Highlights of the day will include the $34,000 Fidelity Investments Speed Derby and the Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships.

On Sunday, the horse show comes to an exciting conclusion with the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*W Grand Prix which kicks off at 2 p.m. EST.

All competition will be webcast live throughout the week at www.theamericangoldcup.com, and more information can be found by visiting the website or www.stadiumjumping.com.

45th Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts

What:
The $200,000 American Gold Cup, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W

When:
September 10-14, 2014

Where:
Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY

Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon.

Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.

Parking:
Available on the grounds

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – before 9/6/14: 941-744-5465/800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610 ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457

Website – www.theamericangoldcup.com

Televised Broadcast:
The 2014 American Gold Cup Grand Prix will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 21 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Tickets:

Weekdays: Admission is free to the public.
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $20 per person, $15 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Gates open at:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 12 noon

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at www.theamericangoldcup.com and at the gate. (Online ticket sales will be available June 1 – Sept. 1.)

Charity Partners:

JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/

ASPCA
http://aspca.org/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Matt Morrissey
941.915.3457
matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com

Connie Sawyer
518.461.6288
sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com

Advertising Opportunities:

Mary Silcox 800-237-8924
mary.silcox@stadiumjumping.com

Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all- weather German-designed fiber and sand.

Hotels:
Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
(877) 270 1393
Ridgefield, CT

West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323
Brewster, NY 5 – 10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011
Mt. Kisco, NY 5 – 10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600
Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: (941) 744-5465 Fax: (941) 744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 105 Wellington, FL 33414
Tel: 561.753.3389 Fax: 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny Is Great with Gatsby at American Gold Cup CSI4*-W

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Darragh Kenny and Gatsby.

North Salem, NY – September 11, 2014 – When Darragh Kenny and Gatsby entered the ring as one of the last to go in today’s $34,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake, the time to beat sat at 76.040 seconds. That time, held by Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W, had been set nearly 50 rounds before and looked like it would remain untouchable.

But by the time Kenny and Gatsby trotted off the grass grand prix field at Old Salem Farm, they had blown Springsteen’s time out of the water by nearly 5.5 seconds and clinched the biggest victory of the day at the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W.

“He’s unbelievable,” Kenny said of Gatsby. “He’s a very fast horse, and he’s very easy to go quick on. He’s so careful, and he just wants to win. He’s truly a fantastic horse.”

Alan Wade set the course for today’s highlight class, which was run according to FEI Art. 238.2.1 with riders pinned according to penalties and time with no jump-off.

Of the 71 starters, 10 produced clear rounds, with Candice King and Kismet 50 paving the way as the early clear pathfinder in a time of 81.50 seconds.

King and Kismet 50’s time was toppled by the next to go clear, as Springsteen, of Colts Neck, NJ, and Vindicat W shaved more than 5 seconds off to take over the lead. Seven of the remaining clears turned in great efforts but all finished more than a second outside of Springsteen’s time. Paul O’Shea and Skara Glenn’s Sienna would come the closest and end up being the eventual third place finishers with a time of 77.840 seconds, while fourth place would go to Schuyler Riley and Dobra de Porceyo who had a time of 78.580 seconds.

Only Kenny and Gatsby made beating the time look easy as the cleared the final vertical with plenty of room and seconds to spare.

The large margin of victory over the 70 other horses competing was an impressive feat in itself, but perhaps equally impressive is the fact that the win today marks Kenny and Gatsby’s third victory in a row.

Owned by Allison Toffolon of Bronxville, NY, Gatsby came to Kenny for the ride when Toffolon went off to school this fall at Southern Methodist University. Since then, Kenny has shown the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse four times, finishing second the first time out and first in all three of their last efforts, including the win in the $15,000 Merill Lynch Speed Derby and the $10,000 Open Jumpers, both at the Hampton Classic.

“He’s been absolutely incredible. I’m lucky to get the chance to ride him,” Kenny said.

Toffolon will return to the saddle on Gatsby during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, but in the meantime, there is no place that Kenny would rather have the ride on the stallion than at the American Gold Cup.

“I love this horse show. It’s a great horse show with a great atmosphere,” Kenny said. “They run it really well. The footing is super, and it’s a really enjoyable horse show to be at.”

Kenny continued, “If I had to pick one thing? It’s the atmosphere. It feels like a top show in Europe.”

Prior to Kenny’s victory, the juniors and amateurs took their turn on the grass field for the $3,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and it was Michael Hughes’ turn to ride away with a win. He took the top call with Luxina while second place went to Catherine Tyree and her own Don’t Go, with Richard Neal and his mount Quadam rounding out the top three.

Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W
Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W

The 2014 edition of the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W will continue tomorrow with the $100,000 Hermès American Gold Cup Qualifier beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday’s highlight events will include the $34,000 Fidelity Investments Speed Derby and the Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships. The five day horse show culminates on Sunday with the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*W Grand Prix which kicks off at 2 p.m. EST.

All competition will be webcast live throughout the week at www.theamericangoldcup.com, and more information can be found by visiting the website or www.stadiumjumping.com.

45th Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts

What:
The $200,000 American Gold Cup, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W

When:
September 10-14, 2014

Where:
Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY

Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon.

Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.

Parking:
Available on the grounds

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – before 9/6/14: 941-744-5465/800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610 ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457

Website – www.theamericangoldcup.com

Televised Broadcast:
The 2014 American Gold Cup Grand Prix will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 21 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Tickets:

Weekdays: Admission is free to the public.
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $20 per person, $15 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Gates open at:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 12 noon

Tickets are on sale now and are available online at www.theamericangoldcup.com and at the gate. (Online ticket sales will be available June 1 – Sept. 1.)

Charity Partners:

JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/

ASPCA
http://aspca.org/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Matt Morrissey
941.915.3457
matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com

Connie Sawyer
518.461.6288
sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com

Advertising Opportunities:

Mary Silcox 800-237-8924
mary.silcox@stadiumjumping.com

Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all- weather German-designed fiber and sand.

Hotels:
Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
(877) 270 1393
Ridgefield, CT

West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323
Brewster, NY 5 – 10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011
Mt. Kisco, NY 5 – 10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600
Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: (941) 744-5465 Fax: (941) 744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 105 Wellington, FL 33414
Tel: 561.753.3389 Fax: 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Bluman and Apardi Win G&C Farm Cup at Spruce Meadows ‘Pan American’

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Daniel Bluman and Apardi. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Darragh Kenny and Fantasy Win $8,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m

Calgary, AB, Canada – July 10, 2014 – Spruce Meadows kicked off its final week of summer competition with the ‘Pan American’ Tournament CSI 5* on Thursday and a win for Colombia’s Daniel Bluman and Apardi in the day’s feature $33,500 G&C Farm Cup 1.50m. Ireland’s Darragh Kenny also continued his hot streak this summer by winning the first international competition of the day riding Fantasy in the $8,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m. The ‘Pan American’ Tournament runs July 10-13, featuring the $400,000 Pan American Cup presented by Rolex on Sunday, July 13.

Uliano Vezzani of Italy set the track for 54 starters in Thursday’s G&C Farm Cup, held in the Meadows on the Green with 15 qualifying for the jump-off. Three chose not to jump the short course, leaving 12 to advance with five double clear rounds.

Mexico’s Antonio Chedraui was the first rider to clear the jump-off track with La Bamba and set the pace in 41.169 seconds to eventually take third place honors. Four rounds later, Pablo Barrios (VEN) and ZL Group, Inc.’s Zara Leandra took the lead in 38.691 seconds, but they were soon pushed back to second place. Last to go, Daniel Bluman and Ricardo and Alberto Simhon’s Apardi sped through the track in 37.953 seconds to take the win.

Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky’s Gazelle finished fourth in 41.352 seconds. Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) and Polasko placed fifth with a time of 43.060 seconds.

Bluman started riding Apardi, a nine-year-old KWPN stallion (Corland x Kannan), when the horse was seven years old. The pair won the Eight-Year-Old Young Jumper Final during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, in 2013. Apardi has since stepped up to the next level and become a competitive horse in Bluman’s string.

“From the moment I got him from Colombia, he has always looked like a careful horse,” Bluman stated. “He was a little bit difficult. He has a lot of energy and he gets a little bit anxious, but he always tries to be careful no matter what. It has been a long way to get the dressage going well and get his body to feel good and improve the rideability. I have to say that already one year ago when he first came to Spruce he already started showing special things. Right before coming to Spruce last year he won the final in Wellington, and then here at Spruce he jumped very well.”

“Through the year as an eight-year-old he jumped in Europe and he was like every young horse, a little up and down, but he has been very good here this year,” Bluman said. “When he arrived, unfortunately he got a little bit hurt on the plane coming from Europe, so I couldn’t show him the first two weeks, but after that he started and he has been jumping really good. The first week he was clear the first day and then last week he was second in the 1.50m on Sunday, so he has been knocking on the door a little bit. Right now he is at the point where he is ready to start winning classes.”

Going in last for the jump-off, Bluman had the opportunity to watch some of the early riders, including the leading round of Pablo Barrios.

“I knew Pablo was leading. Pablo is a great friend of mine and a former trainer and I really wanted to beat him,” Bluman declared. “We’re good buddies, but of course every time you have a little chance or a little opening to beat your trainer, it’s nice. It gives you a good feeling. Of course it is very healthy competition between us. It turned out well. This is the first win of the season for me and the first class that I have won here in two years, so I am very happy. I have been getting too many second places.”

In the jump-off, Bluman knew exactly where Barrios had left the door open, and he went full out to the final fence.

“I got Pablo to the last jump definitely,” Bluman affirmed. “I know, because I spoke to Pablo when he came out of the course. He told me that he had been neat, but he knew that he had left an opening for the last jump. I did for sure at least one stride less in the last line. I know I have a super careful horse that at the end I can run as hard as I want, and the moment I let him read the jump, he is going to clear it. When I landed, without looking at the tower, I felt confident that I had him.”

Apardi will jump Saturday’s $83,000 Investors Group Cup 1.50m to conclude his summer at Spruce Meadows. He will then fly back to Europe to jump as second horse in Valkenswaard and will step up to be Bluman’s first horse in the grand prix in Dublin. “We have big hopes for him,” Bluman concluded.

Kenny Continues Hot Streak

Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) is the course designer in the All Canada Ring this week, which saw a win for Darragh Kenny of Ireland in the $8,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m to kick off the final week of summer competition at Spruce Meadows. Kenny and the nine-year-old Hanoverian mare, Fantasy (For Pleasure x Acorado), completed the fastest of 13 clear rounds out of 45 total competitors over D’Ambrosio’s speed track. Their winning time of 70.819 seconds just edged out Hector Florentino (DOM) and Anemone’s Vicky, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms. They held the lead through most of the competition with a time of 71.066 seconds, but had to settle for second. Lisa Carlsen (CAN) and Alycia Hayes’ World’s Judgment finished third in 71.965 seconds.

Darragh Kenny and Fantasy
Darragh Kenny and Fantasy

Fantasy is shown under the ownership of Oakland Ventures LLC. She was purchased by Darragh Kenny, in partnership with trainer Don Stewart, in March. Kenny saw the mare compete with rider Kyle Timm in Ocala, FL, and bought her soon after.

“She was only jumping 1.35m and had done one 1.40m,” Kenny explained. “I had seen the mare the September before and really liked her. She is great quality, lots of scope, super blood, and really careful. I think she is going to be very nice, I am just going to take my time with her a little bit.”

“She is a really, really interesting mare,” Kenny said. “She has been placed a couple of times in the 1.45m classes. She did the two derbies here and she was very good in those. She is still quite green in her riding, but she is super brave, and I think she has a lot of ability. I think she can do really good things.”

Fantasy’s confidence and ability led Kenny to jump her in the derby competitions for experience this summer, and she fared well with the demanding course both times.

“She is extremely brave. She does all that stuff very well,” Kenny noted. “I wanted to do that with her because it is good for her to get that kind of experience going around the ring. It is bigger jumps without putting her in a class that is too big for her. You have lots more space in the derby and lots more room to set up the jumps, so you don’t make that many mistakes at the jumps. I think it is easier for her to figure out how to jump bigger jumps that way.”

Fantasy’s experience came into play in her win Thursday morning where Kenny kept a tidy track to shave off the time.

“I didn’t actually go that fast; I just stayed very tight,” he explained. “She turns really well and you can turn back to any jump and she has the jump to jump it easy, so I just stayed very tight. There was an option to do the grob or do a double that was on the left side, which was actually a shorter line to do the double, and I just did that with her because I know she jumps the grob no problem.”

The ‘Pan American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows will continue on Friday with the $33,500 Ashcor Technologies Cup 1.50m in the Meadows on the Green. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Spruce Meadows Media Services
caroline.weilinger@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
sprucemeadows.com