(C) ESI Photography. Alex Granato and Gansta on their way to a $5,000 FEI Welcome Stake win.
Ocala, Florida (February 11, 2015): A week of international competition at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida kicked off Wednesday at the Ocala Winter Festival with Alex Granato of Wellington, Florida taking home first place honors in the $5,000 FEI Welcome Stake with his own Gangsta. Seven nations were represented in the class, including Canada, Colombia, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela.
A field of 59 took their turn at the Welcome Stake course designed by Martin Otto of Muenster, Germany. Boasting 12 efforts set at 1.45m, the course proved to be preparation for many Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ riders introducing their mounts to the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. An impressive 32 entries went clear including 2014 Great American $1 Million Grand Prix winner Andre Theime of Plau Am See, Germany on Conthendrix, Kevin Babington of Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania with Shorapur, and Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, New York riding Simon.
Early on, Mexico native Nicolas Pizzaro and Armando Torrado’s Temascaltepec went clear setting 57.02 as the time to beat. Starting 22nd in the order, Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida and Troy Glaus’ Quidams Good Luck chased Pizzaro’s time and with a clean go in 55.32, Vale rose to the top of the leaderboard. Michael Hughes of Allendale, New Jersey aboard Luxina, owned by Christina Fried, was next to challenge Vale and the clock, entering the ring 30th and leaving clear with a time of 55.30 to move into the lead.
Thirty fifth in the order and having won the $1,000 Level 6 Jumper earlier in the day, Granato saw the speed class as an opportunity for him and his 15-year-old grey to shine. The pair secured their place at the top in a swift, clean 54.63.
“I did get a chance to watch a lot of people – maybe some had trouble or some were using it as a school for the Nations Cup,” said Granato. “I focused on the horse that I knew and used that to my advantage.”
Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, Ontario, riding Baranus Group’s Baranus, gave Granato a run for his money when he took the ring near the end of the order. The pair breezed through the course in 54.79 for a second place finish, bumping Hughes to third, Vale to fourth, and Pizzaro rounded out the top five.
“Everyone I’ve talked to, including myself and my team, give great compliments to Tom and the HITS team. This is a first rate job from beginning to end,” raved Millar.
“The course was just right for the first time the group was in the ring this week. It was a nice preview of the competition we can expect for Friday’s FEI Nations Cup class,” added HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri.
FEI competition at HITS Ocala continues throughout the week with the $34,000 FEI Jumper Prix Thursday, the $200,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Friday, the $34,000 FEI Jumper Classic Saturday, and the $150,000 FEI Grand Prix Sunday.
Wellington, FL – February 11, 2015 – The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour returned to the pristine polo fields of the International Polo Club (IPC) Palm Beach for another day of ideal weather, unparalleled footing and challenging competition. Michael Murphy, the leader of the first 1.30m-1.35m Jumper Class, was spotted anxiously perched on the edge of his seat as the last horse of the day attempted Nick Granat’s course, but his jump off time of 35.624 seconds held solid, proving that Murphy’s Law held no water for the sixth week of The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour.
Murphy discussed his plans for his Prem’ Dollar Boy. “This is the best place to show! The horse I rode was Prem’ Dollar Boy. He’s 11 years old, and we decided to do The Turf Tour as a warm-up for the Under-25 division because it’s on the grass this week. We just did the one class, and he rode really nice today; he’s going really well. This is the perfect venue to come to and at the same time get the horse prepared.”
Ben Meredith came in a close second to Murphy, aboard Anabelle 28, in a time of 36.391 seconds. Anne Kursinski brought two of her mounts over to IPC and claimed third on her trusted partner Diva, stopping the clock in 37.127, and eighth on a less familiar ride, MTM Motto.
Kursinski could hardly keep her enthusiasm contained about coming to The Ridge. “I think these shows are great. It’s so nice to have something different. I think WEF is great, yet both are totally different. To be able to bring the horses here for this experience, as well as for the kids, is perfect to familiarize them with jumping on the grass and going to a new venue – the experience is fantastic. The footing is excellent, the jumps are exceptional, and the courses are ideal. I’m so thankful that George [D’Ambrosio] and Nona [Garson] have created this, and they should!”
Kursinski continued, “I hope for them that they do get good sponsorship, because this should be wonderfully sponsored. Growing up we learned how to ride on turf – you go to Spruce Meadows, and you go to a lot of big shows in Europe, they all still have grass. I think it’s a great asset, that everybody learns how to ride on grass, and I think the horses love it. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for everybody.”
The 2014 Leading Rider, Jeffery Welles, put in some incredibly fast rounds, claiming first aboard KM What Ever RV in 30.920, third on Calais with a time of 32.120 and fourth on Broken Heart, stopping the clock in 32.640 in the second $2,400 1.30m-1.35m class. While Paul O’Shea put in a very fast time of 30.948 aboard Primo Calypso, he was able to clinch the second place finish, but couldn’t quite catch Welles blazing speed.
Welles was happy with all of his mounts. “Broken Heart had a week off, so he was fresh and a little spooky at the beginning. But then he thawed out and he was good. Calais was the same, a little spooky at fence one but then I was really happy with the way he went. He jumped really nicely. KM What Ever RV is a quicker mover than the other two, so I was able to ride the same track in the jump off, but he’s a quicker mover across the ground, so he was faster in the jump off. He’s more experienced and is a very nice horse. The course rode nicely, the footing was good, and I liked the jump off with nice sweeping turns.”
The second ring saw a number of talented horse and rider pairs competing throughout the day. Rogelio Pollerano claimed the top prize on his own Ubbie d’ondroville in the first Low Schooling Jumpers. Stephanie Gallucci rode Chellou to a second place finish. In the second Low Schooling Jumper class, Roger Seitzmer was victorious on Bimini. Germain Edelmann captured second with S & L Farms’ S & L Puppy Love.
Marie Hecart on Amy Hentenaar’s Wishfull-V won the first class of the Medium Schooling Jumpers. Roger Pellerano returned to the ring to pick up second on his own Temporelle De Fritot. Sephan Barcha riding Nelson Pessoa’s Heticcra won the second Medium Schooling Jumper class, while Vis A Vis 10 finished in second, owned and ridden by Kiva Iscol.
Friday’s events promise to be exciting, with the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix running from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Beginning at 8 a.m., the second ring will have Low Schooling Jumpers, with two classes running simultaneously with open cards until noon. Medium schooling jumpers will kick off at noon with two classes running with open cards until 4:30 p.m.
The Ridge at Wellington’s schooling show series continues this weekend, with hunters and equitation on Saturday and jumpers on Sunday. These shows offer a wide range of classes from mini stirrup through open hunters on Saturday, and Itty Bitty through the Open Jumpers divisions on Sunday.
Week Six of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour will take place at The International Polo Club, located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington, FL 33414. The show entrance will be off 120th Street between Lake Worth Road and Pierson Road. The Ridge would like to thank Dover Saddlery for their support of the 12-week series as the cooler and banner sponsor.
Show Net will be onsite for both Wednesday and Friday events posting live results, as well as videoing rounds in both rings. For results and videos, please visit www.shownet.biz.
Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.
The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.
The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.
Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.
The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.
Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.
What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.
Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996
Sugar Erskine, Scott Swerdlin, Mariano Obregon and Gillian Johnston. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.
Wellington, FL – February 11, 2015 – Coca-Cola defeated Gateway Merchants 13-7 as the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup continued Wednesday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Gateway Merchants (which started the game with an automatic point due to the team’s handicap of 19) had a fighting chance in the first half. It kept Coca-Cola at bay, briefly leading by a point or two and tying the game at the end of the second (3-3) and third (5-5) chukkers.
That’s when Coca-Cola asserted itself, changing the entire face of the game the moment the second half started. Every member of its team scored in the fourth chukker. Gillian Johnston, who played an exceptionally strong game throughout, scored once in the third and twice in the fourth.
But at the start of the second half, an unexpected change in Gateway Merchants’ lineup gave Coca-Cola something to think about. Nico Escobar subbed in for Scott Swerdlin, who has been battling an army injury.
“When Nico came out we got a little bit nervous that he was going to maybe mark Gillian and try and make a run for it,” said Sugar Erskine. “Actually Gillian scored two goals in that chukker, and we ran away with it.”
Gateway Merchants was scoreless in the fourth and fifth chukkers. Coca-Cola took advantage of the lull, scoring five consecutive goals in the fourth and another in the fifth.
Erskine maintained a consistent scoring streak for Coca-Cola from start to finish, making a goal in every chukker except one. He broke the 5-5 tie within the first 30 seconds of the second half. With the same tight teamwork Coca-Cola showed throughout the game, nearly every player on the red team was in on the next goal. The play started and ended with Julio Arellano. He made a long pass through the air to Erskine, who sent it with one strong hit to Johnston. She outmaneuvered Escobar, who was in hot pursuit and rapidly gaining ground, to hand the ball off to Arellano. He grabbed it, pulled out of a thick pack and scored, giving Coca-Cola a 7-5 lead.
The fourth chukker, which had opened 5-all, ended 10-5 for Coca-Cola. By then Coca-Cola’s dominance was unstoppable, although it did dial down the assault a bit for the rest of the match. Both teams scored two goals apiece in the final chukker, ending the game 13-7 for Coca-Cola.
“Anything could have happened today,” said Mason Wroe, who made one precisely calculated shot after another throughout the game, scoring in the fourth and sixth chukkers. “We just wanted to keep it simple and disciplined, and we’re happy with the outcome.”
The Ylvisaker Cup continues Thursday with four matches. The first three will be played at IPC, starting with FlexJet vs. Orchard Hill at 10 a.m. Casablanca plays Lucchese at 2 p.m., and Enigma plays Valiente at 3 p.m. The final match of the day, CT Energia vs. Palm Beach Illustrated, will take place at the Everglades Polo Club at 4 p.m.
International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.
Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.
Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.
Featured Highlights:
Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015
Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015
Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015
Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015
USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015
Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015
111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015
Directions:
From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)
From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left
Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290
Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles
Wellington, FL – February 11, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its sixth week of competition, sponsored by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, on Wednesday with a win for Harrie Smolders (NED) and Exquis Walnut de Muze in the first international jumper class of the week. Smolders and his veteran partner of eight years blazed to victory in the $34,000 1.45m speed class to kick off the week.
Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, WEF 6 runs February 11-15, 2015, featuring a full schedule of “AA” hunter and CSI 3* jumper action. The week features the coveted World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition, with hunters taking to the International Arena at PBIEC for their daily classes, weekly championships, and a chance to compete in Saturday night’s $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular.
As the hunters are featured on the main show grounds at PBIEC, the highlight jumper competition will be held on the adjacent grounds at The Stadium at PBIEC. The $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI 3* will the feature event in the International Ring at The Stadium on Friday night.
Several of the week’s highlight classes will be available LIVE online at the following links:
Thursday’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 at 1 PM: http://bit.ly/1vi9TXa
Friday’s $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI 3* at 7 PM: http://bit.ly/1zJafeL
Saturday’s $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular at 6:30 PM: http://bit.ly/1Fwrqkr
Sunday’s $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix speed class, presented by EnTrust Capital at 8 AM followed by $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic: http://bit.ly/1z64TGV
Richard Jeffery of Great Britain is the course designer in the International Ring at The Stadium for week six. On Wednesday, Jeffery began the day with 47 entries in the $34,000 1.45m speed class with 16 clear rounds.
Harrie Smolders and Exquis Walnut de Muze, owned by Team Exquis, had the winning time of 64.06 seconds over Canada’s Vanessa Mannix and Dooley’s Deluxe. Mannix took an early lead that held through most of the class in 66.21 seconds, but eventually settled for second. Peter Leone (USA) and My Pleasure jumped the third place round in 67.18 seconds.
Smolders has ridden Exquis Walnut de Muze, a 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Nabab de Reve x Chin Chin), since she was eight years old. The pair has a long history of success, including many top grand prix victories, and the rider was happy to see his mount back to her winning ways after a little time off.
“I have already had her a long time, and we have had many good shows together,” Smolders said of their partnership. “She had a little injury last year, so she is just coming back, but she has already been jumping fantastic the last two weeks. We have already been close to winning a few times and I couldn’t stay out (of the winner’s circle), the way she jumps. I still needed to be patient and wait for the right moment, but today was it.”
“I know her so well. I know exactly how she reacts and what she is going to do, so that makes it a bit easier,” Smolders said of his winning round. “It was quite a bit of turning in this class, but she knows the game and she always finds the fence. She has a lot of routine, so I only have to stay quiet in the turns because otherwise she wants to go in front of me. She thinks too fast. I have to think a bit slow and just look in the turns and then she finds the fences herself.”
Smolders noted that Exquis Walnut de Muze tends to have her best performances in bigger arenas, but had no problem adjusting to the change of venue this week. The International Ring at The Stadium is a smaller ring that many riders liken to the venues in Europe. When Smolders was last in Wellington in 2012, the facility had just been built to host the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, and has since transitioned to holding many different events throughout the circuit. He enjoyed the opportunity to compete in a new location and give the horses a different experience.
“I had not been in here yet; this is my first time jumping here,” Smolders noted. “It is like the size of most of the rings on the Global Champions Tour. It is different. The International Arena (at WEF) is way bigger and also the derby field here, but I think it is good to have the change in venue. It is good for the horses to have a different place to show sometimes. It keeps them fresh in the mind.”
Along with Exquis Walnut de Muze, Smolders has top horses Emerald and Don VHP Z in Wellington for the big classes. The mare will compete again in Sunday’s $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, while the two stallions will handle the grand prix duties.
“I started Emerald a bit quiet because these are his first outdoor shows this year, but I want to move him up this week to the grand prix,” Smolders explained. “Don, I used the first two weeks for the grand prix, and she [Exquis Walnut de Muze] has done all of the other classes. In the Suncast series she was already clear two times and now she will go again on Sunday.”
Also showing at The Stadium on Wednesday, Peter Leone (USA) jumped to victory in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class aboard Lionshare Farm’s Wayfarer. Adam Prudent (FRA) finished second with Henri Prudent’s Si Bella.
WEF 6 continues on Thursday, featuring the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 in the International Ring at The Stadium. In the International Arena on the main show grounds, the professional hunters will award championship honors in seven divisions, including three that finish in the International Arena. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Beezie Madden and Simon. Photo courtesy of Noelle Floyd.
The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce that Ariat has signed on for the third year as a corporate partner and has taken on an expanded role as a team sponsor of the EQUUS Foundation Fete Cheval Etoile which will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 in Wellington, Florida.
Ariat will be sharing the spotlight with Animal Planet during the evening of February 20th in recognition of their mutual commitment to horse welfare. Beezie Madden will captain the Ariat/Animal Planet team of Georgina Bloomberg and Nicole Shahanian-Simpson. George Morris and Katie Prudent will judge Madden, Bloomberg and Simpson in the Best Performance Team Invitational, a first of its kind competition where teams of grand prix riders will compete over a 1.35m jumper course judged on style and performance.
Tables and Individual Seating are available. Click here to RSVP online!
“EQUUS Foundation does such amazing work for both people and horses. We are thrilled to continue our partnership and look forward to an incredible year ahead,” said Susan Alcala, vice president of partnership marketing at Ariat International.
Ariat will continue to support a variety of initiatives including the Champions program, one of the Foundation’s main initiatives, an incentive-based equine service program created to stimulate volunteerism within the equine community.
“Thanks to Ariat’s partnership, dedicated volunteers participating in the Champions program are eligible to eligible to win a grant for their favorite equine charity, apply for academic and riding scholarships and receive gift certificates for Ariat products,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
Ariat will be also be one of the sponsors for the Foundation’s Benefit Luncheon on June 20, 2015, held in association with the Fairfield Grand Prix, the culminating event of the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show in Westport, Connecticut.
Fete Cheval Etoile Fast Facts
WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2015, 6 pm
WHERE: International Club, Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
3401 Equestrian Club Drive (Pierson Rd), Wellington, FL 33414
The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: equus@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
About Ariat International
Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com.
Polito Pieres and Inaki Laprida. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.
Wellington, FL – February 10, 2015 – Villa del Lago defeated Tonkawa 17-13 as bracket play continued in the Ylvisaker Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
The first chukker started with a penalty shot by Polito Pieres, who easily converted for a goal. He followed up with a long pass to an in-motion Agustin Obregon, who tapped the ball in for a second Villa del Lago goal. After some back-and-forth play, Obregon took off and again drove the ball between the goalposts.
Inaki LaPrida worked through the defenders and made a backshot to score Tonkawa’s first goal. A penalty in the goal mouth cost Villa del Lago a point on a penalty one, making the score 3-2. Jeff Blake hit a backshot to Gonzalo Deltour, who tied the score 3-3 at the end of the first chukker.
The second chukker was as action-packed as the first, with Pieres scoring off a breakaway just seconds into the match. Julian de Lusarreta set up Pieres for a tailshot, a move that was repeated throughout the game as the two powerhouses worked in tandem. Pieres converted his second penalty of the day to make the score 6-3. He then made quick work of the Tonkawa defenders, dodging one after another to score on one of his signature dribbles.
Deltour converted a penalty at the start of the third chukker, making the score 7-4. De Lusarreta gained momentum as the chukker wore on, working through defenders to score and then taking off on a breakaway for back-to-back goals. Pieres ended the third chukker with another point on the board for Villa del Lago, bringing the score to 10-4.
Villa del Lago continued its hot streak in the fourth chukker as Pieres came onto the field with guns blazing. He went wide open in a 180-yard drive to goal and then converted for his ninth goal of the game, making the score 12-4. In the next play LaPrida made a strong defensive move, backing out Pieres’ attempt on goal.
LaPrida followed up by snatching the ball out of the air and shooting a pass to Jeff Hildebrand, who drove it in to make the score 12-5. Deltour wove through strong pressure at midfield, stealing the ball and sending it to Blake for another goal. Deltour continued to ride the wave, making a goal on a chip shot. He then converted a penalty to end the fourth chukker 12-8.
Pieres converted for a goal at the top of the fifth, followed by a penalty conversion by Deltour. Pieres set up his right-hand man de Lusarreta for a goal, and then followed up with another goal of his own. De Lusarreta scored again with an assist from Pieres, making the score 16-9. Deltour converted for another goal, ending the fifth chukker 16-10.
Deltour demonstrated his determination and ball-handling skills in the sixth chukker, tapping in back-to-back goals. Pieres scored off of a breakaway from the throw-in. Blake shot a pass to Deltour to score, ending the match 17-13.
Pieres was happy with how his team handled the competition.
“Luckily in the beginning we scored a lot of goals and took a little bit of an advantage,” he said. “It was a tough but fun game to play.”
Play for the Ylvisaker Cup continues Wednesday at 3 p.m. with Coca-Cola playing Gateway Merchants.
International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.
Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.
Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.
Featured Highlights:
Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015
Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015
Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015
Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015
USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015
Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015
111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015
Directions:
From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)
From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left
Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290
Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles
(C) ESI Photography. Kirk Webby and Brando Du Rouet win the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix.
Ocala, Florida (February 8, 2015): A star studded 41 entries competed in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix held in the picturesque Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. Kirk Webby from White House Station, New Jersey came out on top of the line up on Brando Du Rouet owned by the Tolleshunt Investment Group.
Competing over Bernardo Cabral’s course of 16 jumping efforts within the 83 second time allowed narrowed the field to a lucky four in the jump off, despite multiple entries by McLain Ward, Candice King, Aaron Vale, Tracy Fenney and more. The course was set at 1.50 meters and took its toll on competitors, with rails falling throughout.
The first of four to return for the jump off was Candice King of Wellington, Florida, riding Bellissimo LLC’s Kismet 50. Knowing her competition, King took all the inside routes for the win until the back rail of the final oxer fell to give her four faults in a very fast time of 49.314. This proved to be the fastest round with four faults earning King second place honors.
Next up was McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, riding Double H Farm’s HH Ashley, who was second during the HITS Ocala Week II $50,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix. The Olympic Gold Medalist also took the inside routes, but an unfortunate rail at the second part of the combination cost him four faults in a time of 49.476 to place fourth.
Third to jump off was Kama Godek of Fairfax, Virginia, riding her own Air Force One. The grey was rearing with excitement at the starting buzzer and galloped the course without slowing for the turns. The crowd sighed with disappointment when the final rail fell for four faults in a time of 49.387 to finish third.
“I just needed to give one more half halt to the last fence,” said Godek who was happy with her ride.
Last to go and taking advantage of knowing just what he had to do to win was Kirk Webby aboard Brando du Rouet. The pair rode slowly and carefully for the clear and the win, successfully completing the course with no jumping faults and just two time faults in a time of 56.047.
“My strategy once everyone had rails down was just to go clear – and I’m really happy for the people who own him [Brando Du Rouet]. They have been really good to me,” said a victorious Webby. “The course was technical enough and I think it got the right result. My horse is by Baloubet du Rouet so he’s bred to do this.”
Placing fifth was Jerome Navet on OnlyJumpers.com’s Sirius Brown who had a clear jumping effort in the first round but just one time fault in a time of 83.889.
Marianito Obregon and Grant Ganzi. Photo: Alex Pacheco.
Wellington, FL – February 9, 2015 – The second game of the Ylvisaker Cup between Casablanca and Gateway Merchants was postponed and then resumed nine days later after Luis Escobar suffered a fall in the fifth chukker that necessitated transport to Delray Medical Center. Escobar is making significant improvements and is expected to make a full recovery. Casablanca weathered the pressure, the interruption and a cloudburst by staying focused and won 12-10.
Throughout all the excitement and uncertainty in scheduling and players, the Casablanca team stayed resolute in their game plan.
“We stayed focused on our game plan,” said veteran player Juan Bollini. “It did not matter who was on the other side; it could have been Facundo Pieres or Adolfo Cambiaso; we talked about keeping our cool and playing as a team.”
That paid off as Casablanca hung on to a one goal lead at the time of postponement to win the game and garner a 2-0 record in bracket play.
The first chukker kicked off with a handicap goal on the board for Casablanca, the team in red rated at 18 goals compared to the 19-goal Gateway Merchants team. Luis Escobar of Gateway Merchants quickly equalized the handicap goal with a penalty 3 shot that was deemed “crafty like a fox” by announcer Toby Wayman for the stealthy walk approach. After that, the momentum swung in favor of Casablanca for the first half. Mark Tomlinson was everywhere creating plays, especially in the second chukker when he was mounted on an agile chestnut mare, named Analizada. Guille Aguero hustled the hitter on set plays and knock-ins and young Grant Ganzi played with maturity beyond his years as his offensive plays stretched the field nicely for Casablanca on offense.
Gateway Merchants finally got a goal from the field to start the third chukker on an Escobar back shot to Pelon Escapite. That got things moving for the Merchants as they scored twice more to close the gap to within one goal at the end of the third chukker. Casablanca rode back to the tent at halftime holding on to a 6 to 5 lead.
The teams traded goals after the half time break. Tomlinson brought back the handy chestnut and produced a lot of quick plays and a run to goal in the fourth chukker to make the score 9-7 after the fourth chukker in favor of Casablanca. But, the almost perfect performance by Escobar at the penalty line (converting six out of seven penalty shots) kept Gateway Merchants breathing down the neck of Casablanca and brought them back to within one goal in the middle of the fifth chukker. Escobar and another player collided and the game was halted.
The game was postponed with 3:40 remaining in the fifth chukker with the Casablanca team leading 9-8. When the game resumed nine days later, the Gateway Merchants roster was different as Matias Magrini had replaced Escobar, Nico Escobar replaced Scott Swerdlin (out for an injured arm) and Mariano Gracida replaced Pelon Escapite to keep the team at the same handicap.
Casablanca was awarded a penalty two call and converted the penalty and added a field goal from Guille Aguero as black clouds rolled in and rain drops started to fall. Magrini converted a penalty two for Gateway Merchants to bring them back within two goals at the end of the fifth chukker.
Rain continued to fall as the players came onto the field for the sixth chukker, the players seemed determined to play on. Magrini put another point on the board for Gateway Merchants to bring them within one goal, getting some help from Nico Escobar stealing the ball at mid field to start the drive. But Gateway Merchants never let up, and kept the defensive pressure on to force a turnover that led to a Juan Bollini field goal on the south end that sealed the victory and undefeated record for Casablanca.
Mark Tomlinson commented, “It was a difficult game, but we were properly committed. The pressure was definitely on coming into the last part of this game after all that time, having won a game in between and having a chance now to advance to the quarters.”
Casablanca was not even going to play in the tournament until the sudden withdrawal of another team led to the formation of the Casablanca team just four days before the start of the tournament.
When asked if he ever thought it would work out to be one of the only undefeated teams in his bracket, Bollini responded, “I knew we had good players, but we just planned to stay focused on making it nice for Grant, who is like a son to me. We planned to play for experience for him and play well and see what happens.”
What happened is an undefeated record for Casablanca heading into the final round of bracket play and enviable position as teams jockey for quarterfinal berths. The third round of bracket play for the Ylvisaker Cup will be very interesting, that starts on Tuesday February 10 with Villa del Lago versus Tonkawa at noon.
International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.
Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.
Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.
Featured Highlights:
Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015
Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015
Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015
Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015
USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015
Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015
111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015
Directions:
From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)
From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left
Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290
Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles
Jared Zenni, Jeff Hall, Carlucho Arellano, Facundo Obregon. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.
Wellington, FL – February 8, 2015 – In breathless overtime play that almost went into an eighth chukker, Enigma beat Palm Beach Illustrated 14-13 in Sunday’s featured match on Engel & Völkers field in the Ylvisaker Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Two additional matches in the tournament ended with the same scores (12-8) as Orchard Hill defeated CT Energia and Audi bested FlexJet.
In an eleventh-hour battle that had everyone’s head spinning, Enigma and Palm Beach Illustrated chased each other up and down the field until Matias MacDonough swooped in to make the final play. With just 12 seconds left in overtime, he slammed in the tie-breaker to clinch a 14-13 victory for Enigma.
Even the winners seemed stunned as they rolled in from the field and dropped into their chairs. Before Jeff Hall and Carlucho Arellano had time to catch their breath, they locked eyes and stammered at each other: “What happened? What just happened?”
That’s what everyone wanted to know. The game was a thriller with more plot twists than an Alfred Hitchcock film. The first third played out in what turned out to be a deceptively benign manner, with the score tied at the end of both the first and second chukkers (1-1, then 3-3). Enigma came on exceptionally strong in the third and fourth chukkers, cruising into a three-point lead (the third chukker ended 7-4 and the fourth 9-6).
If you ask Hall, that’s when everything went askew. The fifth chukker turned the entire game on its head. Enigma was suddenly scoreless, stopped dead in its tracks by Palm Beach Illustrated, which scored six goals in the chukker. Much of Palm Beach Illustrated’s burst of firepower came from Facundo Obregon, who stormed the field with brilliance and determination. Until then, Obregon had been playing his usual consistent game, making one goal in each of the first four chukkers. In the fifth, however, he went Rambo, dominating both the offensive and defensive play and scoring three (of his total eight) goals. In that seven-minute shuffle, Palm Beach Illustrated doubled its score to 12 and snatched a three-point lead.
Obregon kept at it, scoring again at the top of the sixth chukker. But Enigma reasserted itself with four consecutive goals (three by Arellano and one by Matias MacDonough), ending the sixth chukker 13-13.
That’s when things really got interesting – and nerve-wracking, regardless which team one hoped would win. Overtime lurched ahead in a stop-and-go style: first a whistle (no foul called), and then another (resulting in offsetting penalties). As Arellano prepared to take the penalty shot, Enigma looked like a shoo-in. But no – Arellano hit an air-ball that went wide, as did MacDonough’s subsequent shot out of the bowl-in. Tommy Collingwood fought through Enigma’s defenders, but his goal attempt also went wide. Hall stepped in to end the conversation with a huge pass downfield to MacDonough, who popped the ball in for a 14-13 win.
All in all, the outcome an enigma – even to Enigma.
“I don’t know what happened, man!” said Hall. “We had a blinding fifth chukker. You don’t feel it, then all of a sudden boom-boom-boom! The next thing you know, you’re tied; then you’re down by one, down by two. They scored six goals! We started up by three; we ended down by three. Then we go into the sixth chukker, and we end up even. It was just a crazy, crazy game. It doesn’t happen like that very often.”
MacDonough offered his take on it. “To be honest, they were a really strong team, but the first half we didn’t feel that pressured. The fourth chukker was all right, and then in the fifth they hammered us. We were up by three, and all of a sudden we were down by three, so that was a fight,” he said.
“I think we had a pretty solid team, a ‘four-man’ team,” he continued. “Everyone was trying to do his own job. But today we had to bring something else to the game. It wasn’t enough being solid. I give (Palm Beach Illustrated) a lot of praise. To be honest, they played a heck of a game. It was tough.”
MacDonough and Hall were recognized for their contributions to the game, Hall as MVP and MacDonough for having the best-playing pony. Hall scored six goals total and played in amazing tandem throughout the entire game with MacDonough, the pair making more shared plays than you could count. Suavidad (the BPP), a product of MacDonough’s renowned polo pony breeding program in Argentina, was his fast train in the fourth chukker and in overtime.
Audi Wins Key Third Round Game over FlexJet
Audi triumphed over FlexJet 12 to 8 in the strategically important third round Ylvisaker Cup game for both teams.
Audi’s Nic Roldan stated emphatically, “It was do or die time for us!” That sense of urgency powered Audi to a convincing win over their fellow Ganzi team FlexJet.
Nic Roldan. Photo: Alex Pacheco
The game started out a bit choppy as both teams probed each other for weakness. FlexJet had Gonzalito Pieres in the lineup replacing Rodrigo Andrade, but the change did not seem to disturb the rhythm of the team in white as they were equal with Audi at 2-all on the scoreboard at the end of the first chukker.
Roldan and team Audi found their stride in the second and third chukkers, capping a four-goal run with a sneak attack penalty six conversion to end the third chukker countered only by a penalty two conversion from Pieres. This gave the offensive advantage to Audi with a 6-3 lead heading into halftime.
The teams mirrored each other through the fourth chukker as each scored two goals. At the start of the fifth, Marc Ganzi drove in a field goal to initiate a four-goal run by the powerful Audi offense. Roldan and Ganzi both scored twice in the fifth chukker to give Audi an insurmountable seven-goal lead heading into the sixth chukker. FlexJet tried to rally in the sixth chukker and closed within four goals, but the Audi lead held up easily.
“We concentrated on going to the man and keeping it simple,” said Roldan who scored nine of the 12 goals. “Marc was super up front, Lucas was working his tail off in the middle, Freddie was solid at back, and I was just trying to help out.”
Ganzi, whose three goals jump started the Audi offense, paid tribute to the opposition and the fields. “We beat a good team today,” said Ganzi. “They basically have two 10-goal players with Gonzalito and Miguel. We planned to stop Cody (Ellis) since he scored five goals the other day, and it worked. The fields were amazing, the ball was rolling, and it really opened up the game.”
Audi has a bye in the next round of bracket games, but is in good position with a 2-1 record, and 1-2 FlexJet faces undefeated Orchard Hill in their final bracket game.
Orchard Hill Picks Off CT Energia 12-8
Orchard Hill defeated CT Energia 12-8 at Everglades Polo Club in bracket play for the Ylvisaker Cup.
The first chukker kicked off with a penalty one in favor of CT Energia, which gave them an automatic goal and a one-point lead starting out. A penalty shot by Joao Paulo Ganon was deflected and another penalty one was awarded to Orchard Hill, tying the score up 1-1. Lucas Criado took off on a breakaway from a bowl-in to score the first goal of the match, making the score 2-1 and ending the first chukker.
After a wide goal attempt by Facundo Pieres, Ganon converted a penalty four to even the score up once again. In classic polo play, Criado shot the ball with pinpoint accuracy to teammate Remy Muller. Muller drove it in, to score for Orchard Hill. Pieres made a penalty conversion and Orchard Hill began to pull away from CT Energia with a two-goal lead. Criado continued the momentum with another shot through the uprights. Alessandro Bazzoni fired back with a goal for CT Energia, keeping the play lively at 5-3. But the Orchard Hill team widened the gap again when Pieres converted another penalty to end the second chukker 6-3.
Criado kicked off the third chukker with a run to goal but it went wide. However, after the knock-in, Muller worked in on CT Energia’s play and made a backshot to Criado, already on the move, who took the ball in to score. Kris Kampsen made a spirited goal attempt, breaking his mallet in the process and although the mallet head flew through the goal posts, the ball went wide resulting in an Orchard Hill knock-in. CT Energia made up some steam with a run by Ganon up field to the goal mouth and Bazzoni backed him up, scoring and narrowing the gap 7-4.
In the fourth chukker, Pieres and Criado continued their stellar teamwork, working like a well-oiled machine. Pieres drove Criado a long lofted pass to easily score. Criado’s ball shot on a trajectory that squeaked by one of the flaggers. At the end of the play, in a demonstration of sportsmanship, Criado apologized to the flagger for coming so close. Ganon sent Manifold a pass down field. Manifold drove the ball in to score, ending the fourth chukker at 8-5.
The fifth chukker teemed with goal attempts, but it was Pieres who broke the wide streak, making a run down field to score. During a timeout, announcer Gus Whitelaw thought on his feet, playing Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” to punctuate the score. After play resumed, Kampsen converted a penalty two to make the score 9-6. Pieres took off on a breakaway, scored and Orchard Hill broke into the double digits going into the sixth chukker.
Then, Pieres continued his hot streak, winning the ball off of a bowl-in and scoring, making it 11-6. CT Energia battled back, with Manifold scoring. Pieres and Criado were in the zone working together as a unified force. In another beautiful play Pieres sent a pass to Criado to score. Kampsen scored the final goal of the match in the final seconds, ending the match 12-8.
Orchard Hill patron Steve Van Andel gave credit to CT Energia for their tough play.
“They change their positions so much, it’s hard for us to follow them around,” said Van Andel. “It was a man-on-man game, and the better we did that, I think the better we scored. I’m happy we came out on top.”
Criado seconded Van Andel’s opinion on CT Energia.
“They played really well, especially in the first half, and we did better in the second half,” said Criado. “It was tough to control the game. That was the key. They have Joao Paulo Ganon, who is very good, and Alessandro [Bazzoni] scored a couple of goals.”
The action will continue on Tuesday at noon with Villa Del Lago going head to head with Tonkawa at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.
Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.
Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.
Featured Highlights:
Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015
Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015
Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015
Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015
USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015
Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015
111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015
Directions:
From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)
From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left
Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290
Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles
Penny Brennan and Japan fly over an oxer in today’s $25,000 Foley RV Center Grand Prix.
It was ladies’ day at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic! A field of world class, high performance grand prix riders, all of whom are women, competed for the cash in the $25,000 Foley RV Center Grand Prix, presented by EMO.
Eight advanced to the jump-off, but it was Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida and her own Japan who took home the championship honors.
The grand prix course was very welcoming and the crowds gathered around the world class grand prix arena under beautiful sunny skies.
The jump off time was set at 45 seconds. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama was first to go in the jump off in the irons of Dejan Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS. The pair finished clean and set the new time to beat at 33.177 seconds.
Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania followed Shepherd in the irons of HHS Louis, owned by Cerulean Stables, LLC. While the pair turned in a clean round, their time of 37.028 seconds would see them finish in fifth place overall.
Brennan and her own Sun Tzu entered the ring and turned in the fastest four fault round in a time of 31.352 seconds which would see them finish in sixth place overall.
Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia followed aboard Vavoom, owned by Amanda Hood. Their fault free jump off round in a time of 34.781 would see them finish in third place.
Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas followed Cambria with Anna Beth Athey’s Balizo. A rail at the second to last fence in the jump off round in a time of 34.433 seconds led them to the eighth place finish.
Forte returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Rincola Black Adder, owned by Cerulean Stables, LLC. Their fault free round in a time of 35.947 seconds saw them finish in fourth place.
Brennan was back, this time in the irons of her own Japan. Brennan put the gas on and finished clean in a time of 32.760 seconds, taking the lead.
Shepherd had one more ride to go and entered the ring in the irons of Loretta Patterson’s Triompf. Triompf and Shepherd are regulars in the Winner’s Circle so all eyes were on the pair as they took to the field. A rail at the second to last fence gave them four faults in a time of 32.842 seconds, which would see them finish in seventh place overall.
“The crowd was thrilled with the lady jockeys today,” commented Janet McCarroll, Gulf Coast Classic Show Coordinator. “Everyone was tail gating, petting the miniature ponies out there and just having a great time,” she added. “We hope everyone comes back every weekend and joins us here for more show jumping action!”
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are USHJA’s Members Choice Award winners, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter. Please visit them on the web at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
