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Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping

Paget Is Supreme at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

September 8, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Jock Paget (NZL) and Clifton Promise win the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR), the last leg of the HSBC FEI Classics series. (Photos: Kate Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 8 September, 2013 – Jock Paget kept an admirably cool head in the pressurised last few minutes of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, final leg of the HSBC FEI Classics, and became the fifth New Zealander to lift the top prize here at this much-respected British CCI4*.

Kiwi riders have won 12 of the last 26 Burghleys, but it’s 14 years ago that a rider captured both Badminton and Burghley in the same season on the same horse (Great Britain’s Ginny Leng on Master Craftsman).

Paget’s dual-winning mount, Frances Stead and Russell Hall’s handsome New Zealand Thoroughbred Clifton Promise, an ex-racehorse, seemed to grow in confidence around Richard Jeffery’s Jumping track. He only hit the last fence, by which time the Land Rover Trophy, and third place in the HSBC FEI Classics series, was in the bag. “I was nervous because I wanted to win, but I knew I had two rails in hand and I had a lot of confidence in how Promise was jumping in the warm-up,” explained Paget. “I have altered a few little things with him this year, since my training with [European Champion] Michael Jung, and now give him a little more room in front of fences. “It’s really only just sinking in that I’ve won Badminton, let alone Burghley, but I know that it’s a very special achievement.”

Clifton Lush, the horse on which Paget was lying second after Cross Country, was unfortunately withdrawn overnight due to a bruised fetlock, but he should be back in action in time for Paget to contest the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing (winning Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky in succession) next spring.

One of Paget’s chief mentors, Andrew Nicholson, was second, third and eighth – another record – in a Kiwi whitewash. “I brought three horses and I still can’t beat him,” the 52-year-old Nicholson joked about his former protégé. “When Jock first came to me, in 2009, he may have looked like a monkey up a pole, but I still thought he had a lot of natural talent. What was most important was that he wanted to learn; he was always running around watching the top riders, like William Fox-Pitt and Pippa Funnell, and that’s how you become successful yourself, by looking and learning.”

No horse has ever won back-to-back Burghleys, but Andrew came very close to achieving that accolade with second place on the 2012 winner, Avebury (he was also first and second with Mr Smiffy in 2000 and 2001).

He also finished third on his 2012 Pau winner Nereo and eighth on Calico Joe and rounded off an extremely lucrative payday by scooping the $150,000 HSBC FEI Classics title for the first time. He has also extended his lead in the $50,000 HSBC Rankings, which he has led all year.

“It does feel like a great achievement to have been so consistent,” he said. “That’s really what staying at the top is all about.”

Although nine of the 19 horses jumping in the morning session went clear, there were none from the 24 in the afternoon. Nicholson had a fence down apiece on Avebury and Nereo and, with the latter horse, overtook William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Parklane Hawk after they hit the second and third elements of the treble at fence 10.

“I think he was still in too much of a forward gear after Cross Country,” said Fox-Pitt, who finished second in the HSBC FEI Classics. “But Jock’s achievement is fantastic and I hope he enjoys the moment. This has been a brilliant competition; it was a proper four-star and the Cross Country and the optimum time had exactly the right influence.”

Ingrid Klimke’s (GER) FRH Butts Abraxxas does not have the best of Jumping records, but he went clear on his last CIC3* run and Klimke said she had decided not to practise in between. The strategy seemed to work well, as they only hit the third fence to rise two places to fifth.

Jonelle Richards, sixth on The Deputy with 12 penalties, and Sir Mark Todd, seventh with four faults on the inexperienced Oloa, a horse the double Olympic gold medallist has mooted as a future championship ride, completed the New Zealand domination. European team silver medallist Ludwig Svennerstal (SWE) enjoyed his best CCI4* result so far when finishing ninth on King Bob and Kristina Cook (GBR) was 10th on Do Novo News.

This is HSBC’s last year of sponsoring the Classics, after six highly successful years when the series has captured riders’ imaginations and led to sporting tussles of the highest calibre, most famously between Andrew Nicholson and William Fox-Pitt. “It’s definitely raised the profile of the four-star events,” commented Nicholson, who is the only rider ever to have won the HSBC FEI Classics with tree 4-star victories (Pau, Kentucky and Luhmühlen). “It has made me travel to Kentucky and spend time working out what horses to take to Pau and Luhmühlen.”

Catrin Norinder, Director of Eventing at the FEI, said: “It’s been a super series for Eventing and a great success and we are so grateful to HSBC for all their interest and generosity.” She confirmed that the both the FEI Classics and the FEI Nations Cup Eventing, which has proved so popular, will continue and that plans are already in hand for reviewing both series and for seeking financial backing.

HSBC Training Bursary

The HSBC Training Bursary, worth $1,000 to the most successful CCI4* first-timer, was awarded to Alex Postolowsky (GBR) who finished 36th with a clear Cross Country round at her first Burghley on Paul Newbert’s Islanmore Ginger, an Irish-bred 15-year-old chestnut gelding by Giorgione.

Postolowsky, 28, is based near Burghley in Lincolnshire and earned plenty of local support. “I’ve grown up with this event, competing in the Pony Club showjumping, in the young horse classes, and as a spectator. It still hasn’t sunk in that I’ve actually competed here; it seemed an untouchable dream,” she said. “I have J-P Sheffield [fellow rider] to thank for all this. I thought I wasn’t ready, but he said, ‘If you don’t get a move on, you’ll be 62 before you ride at Burghley!’ It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, yet I only decided to go for it a month ago.” The pair completed Boekelo CCI3* last year.

About the winner – Jonathan Paget (NZL)

Jonathan Paget (NZL) – known in the sport as Jock – has made a remarkable rise to stardom in Eventing.

He only started riding at the age of 18 when he was an apprentice bricklayer in Sydney, where his family then lived, and tried his hand at the rodeo. He began training with Kevin McNab (AUS) in Queensland and progressed from never having jumped a fence to competing at CCI3* level in two years.

In 2007, Paget returned to New Zealand and started riding Frances Stead’s Clifton horses. His first CCI4* was Kentucky in 2010, after which he was selected for the Kiwi squad for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, where he was seventh individually on Clifton Promise.

Paget has been based in Dunsfold, in the south of England, working closely with senior New Zealand riders Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson, and Dressage trainer Andrew Gould, since February 2011. He has been fifth at Burghley twice, in 2011 and 2012 on Clifton Lush, and winner of the British Open Championships this year. With Clifton Lush, he was part of the bronze medal New Zealand squad at the London 2012 Olympic Games , finishing 10th. The pair was later second at Pau and, in May, they won Badminton.

Full results on: www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

Audio links:

Commentary on Jonathan Paget’s winning ride: http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Comm_2013.mp3

Jock Paget: http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Paget_end_bur.mp3

Andrew Nicholson: http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/andrew_nicholson_burghley_end.MP3

William Fox Pitt: http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/wfp_burghley_end.MP3

Full standings will be available here: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics.

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation.

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub, you can access the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 series standings, HSBC Rankings and all news relating to the current and past series.

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics events will share a total prize fund of US$333,000 split as follows: 1st – US$150,000 (Series Champion); 2nd – US$75,000; 3rd – US$50,000; 4th – US$33,000; 5th – US$25,000.

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2013 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2013.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

Our signature Twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics #Eventing

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials:

Bridget Burbidge
Press Officer
bridget@jbpromotions.co.uk
+44 7850 822 820

FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Germany Triumphs in $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

September 8, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Hans Dieter Dreher and Colore. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Farrington and Blue Angel Take $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m Victory

Calgary, AB, Canada – September 7, 2013 – Saturday at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is always full of national pride, and this year was no different. Eight top teams from around the world went head to head, and the winning nation for the second year in a row was Germany with teammates Hans Dieter Dreher/Colore, Christian Ahlmann/Asca Z, Daniel Deusser/Evita van de Veldballe, and Lars Nieberg/Leonie. Earlier in the day, the $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m was held in inclement conditions, but that didn’t bother Kent Farrington (USA) and Blue Angel as they captured their second win of the week. The ‘Masters’ concludes tomorrow with the prestigious $1 Million CN International, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

The action was exciting in the BMO Nations’ Cup as eight teams competed in the first round. The top six returned for the second round; the United States and Switzerland finished with 12 faults in the first round to tie for seventh place. Following the second round, three teams stood on eight faults – Belgium, Germany, and France – and they would proceed to a jump-off. One rider was designated from each team, and it came down to their performances.

First in for the jump-off was Francois Mathy (BEL) on Polinska des Isles, one of only two double clear rounds. They put in a solid ride, but a slip in front of the penultimate oxer caused four faults. Their time of 39.54 seconds would slot them into second place at the end.

Hans Dieter Dreher (GER) and Colore went in next and had speed from the start, with Dreher pushing Colore’s huge stride into overdrive. They finished clear in 40.36 seconds for victory.

As the last in the ring, Penelope Leprevost (FRA) and Dame Blanche van Arenberg had to be quick and clear. But it was not to be, as they pulled a rail at the second jump for four faults. Their slightly slower time of 39.70 seconds left France in third.

Germany stood in the winner’s circle for the ninth time in the history of the Nations Cup at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, going back to 1977 when West Germany was the first champion. This is their second win in a row, and led by Chef d’Equipe Heinrich Engemann, they notched an impressive four clear trips in the first two rounds over a challenging course set by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. Weather also played a factor as rain came down during a majority of the competition.

With a clean sheet from Germany’s first three riders in the second round, anchor Lars Nieberg and Leonie, a 10-year-old Westphalian mare by Larenco x Grandeur owned by Josef Waning, did not have to return for the second round. Nieberg was also clear in the first round. Ahlmann, Dreher, and Deusser each had four faults in the first round.

Engemann spoke about his decision to choose Dreher for the jump-off: “Hansi’s horse jumped really well in the first and second round. The horses had not so much experience in this level. We know Hansi is a fighter and he’ll try when he goes in the jump-off. That’s why we put him in the jump-off for us. He did a really good job and we are happy.”

Dreher has been riding Colore, an 11-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Contender x Lord owned by Paul Buecheler, for just 10 months and this was the horse’s first Nations Cup. “Today I’m very, very proud of him,” Dreher expressed. “He jumped amazing today, and I hope it will stay like this. I tried to be clear and as fast as possible. I think it was okay!”

Ahlmann was very happy with Asca Z, a 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Ascari x Carthago Z owned by Stoeterij Zangersheide. “My horse, he jumped really good in the first round,” Ahlmann said. “I was lucky with one down. He has not so many experiences in this kind of level. The second round he felt a lot better and he jumped it much more easy and felt really, really good. He made a really big step forward in these kinds of classes.”

Daniel Deusser and Evita van de Veldballe, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Wandor vd Mispelaere x Clinton owned by Stephex Stables, showed strongly as well. It was also Evita’s first Nations Cup. “She’s just nine years old this year and has not the most experience in classes like that. I thought she did a good job today,” Deusser noted.

Deusser was complimentary of the course design by Palacios, knowing the conditions that affected the grounds. “The ground was okay, but the circumstances were that it rained a lot. It feels different to ride in the sun or rain. It was not crazy big. But the good horses and the non-experienced horses, they all had nearly the same result,” he explained. “The teams were really, really close together in the first round, and we didn’t have any really bad pictures in this class. I think he did a super job today.”

Ahlmann said that the team was pleasantly surprised at their result. “It feels really good, especially since we didn’t expect it,” he affirmed. “We were really motivated, but some of us had our second horses today. We were really happy in the second round. Lars made it possible with his clear at the end (of the first round). Everything worked 100%. We are 100% super happy, especially with Hansi. He did a great job in the jump-off.”

Engemann added, “Spruce Meadows has some of the biggest shows in the world and a really important Nations Cup. When we have an invitation to come here, we want to have a really strong team and try to win. For us it was really important to show, and in the end, we really had to win the class.”

Second place finishers Belgium were led by Mathy and Polinska des Isles, who were double clear. Pieter Devos and Candy had four and zero, Olivier Philippaerts and Cabrio van de Heffinck scored four and one, and Nicola Philippaerts had eight in the first round with Vadetta VH Mettenhof, but returned for an all-important clear in the second round to put them into the jump-off.

Penelope Leprevost and her handy mare Dame Blanche van Arenberg had an impressive double clear performance for France. She was joined by teammates Kevin Staut on Estoy Aqui de Muze HDC (0,4), Eugenie Angot with Old Chap Tame (4,0), and Marc Dilasser on Obiwan de Piliore (4,13) in the third place finish.

Great Britain placed fourth on 13 faults, Canada was fifth with 20, and Ireland scored 21 for sixth place.

Farrington Does It Again

Winning twice during the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is not easily accomplished, but top American rider Kent Farrington showed speed was the key in the $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m. He and Blue Angel, an 11-year-old AES mare by Luidam x Ascendent owned by Robin Parsky, returned second to last in the second round. The top eight from the first round came back with a clean slate, and it was Farrington’s ride of 44.26 seconds that secured victory.

While the weather may have been unforgiving, the footing in the International Ring held up well, Farrington said. “I don’t think the ground was that bad, more just uncomfortable. It’s cold and wet, and the ground splashes a little bit. They’ve invested a lot of money into the field here and there is a great base underneath,” he remarked. “Even if it rains a lot, the (horses) still jump pretty good.”

Since speed was the name of the game, Farrington felt he had a bit of an edge. He said, “She’s naturally very fast and she’s a brave horse. She’s competitive all on her own. It’s a matter of trying not to make too many errors and sticking to my plan. She’s naturally fast by herself and I’m a naturally fast rider. It’s a good combination.”

Setting the early pace and slotting into second place was crowd favorite Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Quelmec du Gery, who stopped the clock in 44.41 seconds. Ian Millar (CAN) and Star Power were third in 44.56 seconds.

Lamaze had to move down in the original first round order when Quelmec du Gery pulled a shoe in the warm-up. With the shoe back on and with bell boots, he jumped around well with an incredible hind end clearance at each jump.

Lamazed pointed out, “I used a back pair of boots on him today, which I haven’t used [before]. When I had the skinny down with his back end (earlier in the week), I thought I’d try it. (Former owner) Penelope [Leprevost] said she put these boots on once in a while to really kick his hind end into gear, but told me to be careful because he really reacts. But I like a horse that reacts like that!”

Having only ridden Quelmec du Gery since June, Lamaze has not had a lot of opportunities to push for speed. “The jump-off… I mean, you have Kent and Ben in the back (behind you),” said Lamaze with a smile. “I’ve never gone fast, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it’s $125,000, we’re at the ‘Masters’, let’s learn what he can do. I think he’s going to be a very fast horse actually. He’s very handy to go fast with; it doesn’t matter how fast you get to a fence, he slows up to jump it. I was thrilled.”

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ concludes tomorrow with the $50,000 Telus Cup 1.50m speed in the All Canada Ring, then the highlight of the week, the $1 Million CN International. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://www.sprucemeadows.com/press/view_release.jsp?id=314.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
www.sprucemeadows.com

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping

Jonathan Paget Wins 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

September 8, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

(Burghley, UK, 8 September 2013) Current Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize contender, Jonathan Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise, held his nerve in the final show jumping phase to win the 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Andrew Nicholson (NZL) finished in both 2nd place riding Avebury and 3rd place riding Nereo.

A New Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Prize Contender

Having now won both the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Paget is now in the unique position of being able to compete for the US$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Prize – to do so, he will need to complete the third and final challenge of winning the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, with a win making him only the second person to be a Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Champion, joining Pippa Funnell.

Rider Quotes

Jonathan Paget riding Clifton Promise

Q. Congratulations – incredible. You made that incredibly easy with that cushion of having two fences down – that must have been quite nice?

It was very nice knowing that I didn’t have to panic about the time and ride around and just jump the jumps as best we could.

Q. When you reflect on this year, just how amazing does it feel to do what you have done?

It is a very special year – I’m obviously never going to forget this year – I just hope I can be consistent and keep improving.

Q. What is it about Clifton Promise – to win the two big ones in this country on the same horse in the same year – the last time that was done was 1989 – there’s something special about this horse isn’t there?

Absolutely, he’s an incredible horse and always has been. He’s a full New Zealand thoroughbred, he does great dressage, he’s a lion cross-country and doesn’t want to touch a pole in the show jumping! He’s everything you could wish for in an event horse and he’s tough.

Q. Will you now be thinking about the Rolex Kentucky next year and the Grand Slam, which is now very much on the agenda?

Yes, absolutely – I need to make a plan now for Rolex and work back and try and go there and nail it.

Q. Overall, a few years ago when you were being taught by Andrew Nicholson, did you think in your wildest dreams that you could be heading for a Rolex (Grand Slam of Eventing Prize) potential?

Yes, you always dream about that. I would have been able to say back then yes I will definitely be able to this in this amount of time but it’s something that I wanted and something that I’ve worked towards and it’s great that it’s happened.

Andrew Nicholson riding Avebury & Nereo

Q. Congratulations, you’ve just finished in both 2nd and 3rd place – how was that on Avebury?

Avebury was just a bit casual; he’s normally a very big gate jumper and perhaps I was a bit casual too. But, I wouldn’t have won it anyway – I think if I had gone clear then Jock (Jonathan Paget) would have jumped the last clear because he knew he could have the last down and pretty much just let that happen.

Q. You mentored Jonathan by helping start his career in Eventing – how good is he doing the double – Badminton and then Burghley?

It’s a great achievement and what a fabulous horse. He’s trained it himself – it hasn’t been one that someone else produced – he got it off the racetrack when it was young and he’s had a lot of faith in him and it’s rewarded him.

Q. New Zealand dominating the leaderboard – it’s looking good for next year’s World Equestrian Games

It’s really great – like I’ve said before, it’s great being part of the rebuilding of our squad!

Copyright Free Audio Post Final Show Jumping Day Press Conference

For an audio interview of the post-Show Jumping press conference featuring Jonathan Paget and Andrew Nicholson please click link here: http://po.st/BurghleySJPressConf.

Other audio available here:

Commentary on Jonathan Paget’s winning ride
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Comm_2013.mp3

Jock Paget
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Paget_end_bur.mp3

Andrew Nicholson
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/andrew_nicholson_burghley_end.MP3

William Fox Pitt
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/wfp_burghley_end.MP3

Results after Cross-Country

1 Jonathan Paget/Clifton Promise (NZL) 41.1
2 Andrew Nicholson/Avebury (NZL) 46.3
3 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 47.3
4 William Fox-Pitt/Parklane Hawk (GBR) 50.3
5 Ingrid Klimke/FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) 52.2

For more information on the 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and full Results/Leaderboard, please visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing

In 2001, Rolex created the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. This prize is awarded to the rider who manages to win the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials event in any consecutive order. Until now, only British rider Pippa Funnell has managed this staggering achievement, winning the title in 2003.

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
T: +44(0)207 592 1207
E: tim@revolutionsports.co.uk

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Alliy Moyer Hunts to the Win in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby

September 8, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Alliy Moyer and Carlson win the $5,000 National Hunter Derby.

Mythical and Jersey Boy Top the List to Return for Sunday’s $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Handy Round

Antioch, IL – September 7, 2013 – A field of 39 horses galloped back in time over old fashioned coops, stone fences, logs and brush jumps in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by ABBA Vet Supply. The derby is part of a special stand-alone event at the 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby at Rush and Caroline Weeden’s Annali Farm in Antioch, IL. Hunting to the top of the class was Alliy Moyer of Carmel, IN, and her nine year old Hanoverian, Carlson.

The rustic course was designed by George H. Morris of Wellington, FL and Bobby Murphy of Lexington, KY. The course was open and flowing, up and down hills and through the woods, resembling a fox hunting track.

“I really liked how open the course was,” said Moyer. “You could just gallop around.”

This was Moyer’s first derby win. Moyer, 19, spent this year showing in the Amateur Owner Hunter Divisions and now is trying her hand at the derbies.

“My horse was really confident,” said Moyer. “My trainer (Tammy Provost) usually rides him in the bigger derbies so he’s easy to ride.”

Moyer came back in third place and just decided to be as handy as she could.

“My horse is really handy; he’s little and compact so he’s easy to turn,” added Moyer, “so it worked out for the best!”

Moyer goes off to college now as a freshman at The University of Indianapolis to study Biology.

After the first round, it was Taylor Adams and In Print, owned by David Glefke, who took the lead. Following Adams was Tammy Provost and Sigfried owned by Susanne Stroh for the second spot and Moyer in third.

In the handy, Adams scored an 81 and an 82 with four high options for a total of 171 but Moyer edged her out with tighter turns earning an 86 and an 85 plus four high option points for a total of 179. Provost had an unfortunate stop at the first jump, knocking her into eleventh place.

Thanks to all the great sponsors; Moyer won an Animo jacket from Barrington Saddlery and a Le Fash gift certificate courtesy of Le Fash along with an ABBA custom jacket and gift certificate. Moyer also was the High Scoring Amateur in the class, winning a pair of Pikeur breeches sponsored by Frantisi, and also was wearing a Le Fash shirt, which made her a winner for the “Wear It and Win It Challenge” class. Le Fash will be donating $500 to the charities in Moyer’s name because she was wearing a Le Fash shirt.

Clare Sargent was the High Scoring Junior rider and also won a pair of Pikeur breeches. Doug Boyd was the High Scoring Gentleman, winning a custom belt from Good Threads.

Barrington Saddlery also awarded Animo breeches to Taylor Adams and Samantha Segedy for second and third place. Riders placing second through sixth also received gift certificates for Le Fash shirts.

*Mythical and Kelley Farmer win the Classic Round of the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby*

The 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby is presented by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause. The Mission of the group is to showcase high-level equestrian events with the express purpose of raising funds for selected charitable institutions in the Chicago area. The event features the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by ABBA Vet Supply and the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, generously sponsored by Canadian Pacific (CP). The proceeds from this unique stand-alone event benefit three charities: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, The United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation, and the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation.

The excitement continues Sunday, September 8th, with the final round of the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Twenty horse and rider combinations from today’s Classic Round competition will hunt around the course again in the Handy Round for the coveted first prize.

The 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby Fast Facts:

WHAT:
The Chicago Hunter Derby rated Hunter Special Competition by USEF

WEBSITE:
www.chicagohunterderby.com

WHEN:
September 7-8, 2013

WHERE:
Annali Farm, 18752 Edwards Road, Antioch, IL 60002

TIME:

Saturday’s schedule:
10:00am The National Derby will begin
12:00pm lunch served
2:00pm The International Hunter Derby Round 1
5:00pm Cocktail party

Sunday’s schedule:
10:30am Gates open and ticket holders welcome
11:00am International Derby course walk, brunch and bar open, children’s horseless derby
12:00pm Calcutta
1:00pm First horse on course
3:30pm Awards ceremony (all times are TENTATIVE)

FEATURES:
$50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

JUDGES:
George H. Morris, Geoff Teal, Scott Williamson, Steve Wall

TICKETS:
Prices for VIP tables on Sunday:
$10,000 – Grand Champion Table (Front row, center) VIP parking
$5,000 – Champion table (front row)
$2,500 – Blue ribbon table
$250 – individual seat
$75 – children’s seating

Visit www.chicagohunterderby.com to purchase tables for Sunday.

Attend Saturday’s events with a $25 donation at the door.

DIRECTIONS:
From Chicago and Suburbs: The drive will take 60-70 Minutes. Take the Edens (94 West) to the Toll Way (94 North) toward Milwaukee. Follow 94 West/North approximately 6 miles beyond Great America. Exit at 173/Rosecrans Road. At the stop sign on the off-ramp, turn left onto Rosecrans Road. Go 1/2 Mile to the first intersecting Street, Hunt Club Road. Turn right onto Hunt Club Road. Go approx 1 mile to Edwards Road and turn left onto Edwards. Once you are on Edwards Road, go past the first stop sign, the entrance will be on your right (2nd driveway).

CONTACT INFORMATION:
www.chicagohunterderby.com
sterling@michelleduprettievents.com

Brenda Mueller for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Sunny Drescher Wins National PHA Junior Medal Final during HITS Championship Weekend

September 8, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

©ESI Photography. Sunny Drescher and Sting jump their way to a win in the National PHA Junior Medal Final.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 7, 2013) – Sunny Drescher of Hinesburg, Vermont put on a dominating performance in the National PHA Junior Medal Final at HITS Saugerties this weekend. Piloting her own Sting, a seven-year-old Westfalen gelding, to the top score of 86 in the first round, Drescher led the class from start to finish, mastering the test and clinching the blue ribbon.

The National PHA Junior Medal Final highlighted the Friday of HITS Championship Weekend at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York and welcomed a field of 21 riders to the expansive Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium. Olaf Petersen Jr. of Meunchen, Germany set the course.

“This is definitely the biggest win I have ever had on this horse,” said Drescher at the conclusion of competition. “These courses were so much fun and I just love riding in the grand prix ring.”

Karin Immerman of The Professional Horsemen’s Association presented awards to the top ten and was very pleased with the level of riding the Final produced. “This is a big venue for a lot of these riders. This ring carries a lot of gallop and asks very technical questions, but it works out so well for a Final like this – it should be challenging,” she said. “The footing was perfect and the jumps were gorgeous, which is really helping our organization to advance.”

Not overlooking her top score in the first round, Drescher moved on with the top four to test, which is where she really showed off. The test included a circle on the counter canter and Drescher nailed it. “She landed on the counter canter and completed the circle, which is a very sophisticated movement,” said Immerman. “I judge horse shows and she did it as well as it can possibly be done.”

For Drescher, the win was the product of a team effort and she was quick to give credit to Sting, a horse she has been riding for two years. From here, she said she is eager to jump to more successes with the gelding.

Behind Drescher, Vanessa McCarthy of Sea Girt, New Jersey finished second with a first round score of 81 aboard her own Ralph Lauren. Just one point shy of second, Emily Orchant of New York, New York was third in the irons of her own Woodstock with an 80. Fourth went to Jordynn Shafer of Tinton Falls, New Jersey and Missy Clark’s Dynasty. They rode to the second-highest score in the first round with an 82. Sara McDermott of Rochester, New York capped the top five with Leslie Miller’s For the Record. They earned a 78.5 in round one.

Coming up this evening, the Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final will take to the Outside Course as equitation at HITS Championship Weekend continues. Action will get underway at 4pm. Click here to view an order of go. Twenty are scheduled to compete while Sunny Drescher chases an equitation sweep.

About the Professional Horsemen’s Association
The Professional Horsemen’s Association of America, Inc., otherwise known as the PHA, is a self-contained benevolent organization and consists of 16 Chapters throughout the United States with over 900 Professional members. The PHA gives aid and sustenance to needy horsemen, and has a scholarship fund which provides financial assistance to further educate the children of professional members. The PHA also continues to promote and foster the care and protection of horses through education at the local, state and federal levels. For additional information on the PHA, including the complete qualifying specifications for this year’s National PHA Medal Finals, a list of Chapters, or to become a member, please visit NationalPHA.com.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Competitions, Eventing/H.T.

Jonathan Paget in 1st and 2nd Position after Cross-Country at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

September 7, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

(Burghley, UK, 7 September 2013) Current Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize contender, Jonathan Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise, has maintained his overnight place after cross-country in 1st place at the 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Paget riding his other horse Clifton Lush is also lying in 2nd place, with Andrew Nicholson (NZL) riding Avebury in 3rd place. Seven out of the top 10 placed horses after the cross-country stage are from New Zealand.

Rider Quotes

Jonathan Paget riding Clifton Promise & Clifton Lush

Q. How did the course ride for you for your two horses?

I thought it was hard work all day on both horses and I was on two exceptional horses, but I still found it hard. It started off very intense – you don’t get into much of a rhythm as you are always turning, going up and down.

The fences are big, they’re angled, they’re skinny, ditches, always turning back on yourself – and once you get your horses up to the Dairy Mound your horses are tired – but then you are saying you need to make up some time and it’s hard to make up time on a tired horse! For me the most important thing was to respect the fences but try and make up time at the same time.

Q. Is this one of the strangest days you’ve ever had having been stopped out on course on both horses during your rounds?

Yes, it was weird! It definitely worked in my favour on the first horse (Clifton Lush) – he had a breather and then he got going again and he was much quicker, but it didn’t work in my favour for my second horse (Clifton Promise) – he was a little bit surprised to be going again and it was hard to get his attention on the fences, but luckily he’s a very good horse.

Q. Any sticky moments out on course?

I was a tad nervous when I nearly jumped the Judge at Cottsmore Leap (fence 21), and coming home, on both horses actually, through that last water over the two boats for different reasons, were not as smooth as I would have liked it to be.

Q. Why were you stopped on both horses out on the course?

The first horse (Clifton Lush), I think I had an awkward jump over fence 6 and I think he bumped his nose with his knee and it bleed a little bit – the vet wanted to make sure it wasn’t coming from the lungs and once he could tell that he let me go. And the second horse (Clifton Promise) just bit his tongue.

Andrew Nicholson riding Avebury, Nereo & Calico Joe

Q. Three of your horses in the first 8 – what was it like for you today?

Unlike Jock who it sounded like he had a couple of hairy rides – mine felt very smooth! Calicoe Joe is very, very fast and he has great stamina – he doesn’t have a big jump and he has his own way of doing it. Joe felt like he was enjoying it and when I told him to go – he went quite happily and I knew I was going far too fast at the end, but I didn’t dare slow down in case he’d thought we’d finished.

Avebury felt perfect all the way – it was only up at the road crossing or the verticals – otherwise he felt like he thought it was very easy and he thoroughly enjoyed whizzing around the mounds and turns and all the ducking and diving at the beginning.

For Nereo it’s a very difficult place at Burghley for him with the little mounds and undulations – the times he’s been here before he’s found it hard work. I thought he dealt very well with it and kept very honest – I’m very, very pleased with all three of them.

Copyright Free Audio Post Dressage Day 2 Press Conference

For an audio interview of the post Cross-Country press conference featuring Jonathan Paget, Andrew Nicholson and cross-country Course Designer – Capt Mark Phillips , please click link here: http://po.st/XCBurghley.

Other audio available here:

Jonathan Paget – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/SAT_JockPaget_Presser.mp3

Andrew Nicholson – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/SAT_AndrewNicholson.mp3

William Fox Pitt – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/XC_WFP.mp3

Captain Mark Phillips course designer – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/captain_sat_burghley_xc.MP3

Results after Cross-Country

1 Jonathan Paget/Clifton Promise (NZL) 37.1
2 Jonathan Paget/Clifton Lush (NZL) 42.0
3 Andrew Nicholson/Avebury (NZL) 42.3
4 William Fox-Pitt/Parklane Hawk (GBR) 42.3
5 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 43.3

For more information on the 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and full Results/Leaderboard, please visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

A New Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Contender

Having won the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, Paget is now in the unique position of being able to compete for the US$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Prize – to do so, he will need to repeat his success from Badminton and claim a win at this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. If he can complete this immense challenge, he will go forward to the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, with a win making him only the second person to be a Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Champion, joining Pippa Funnell.

Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
T: +44(0)207 592 1207
E: tim@revolutionsports.co.uk

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T.

Paget Leads the Kiwi Charge at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

September 7, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Jock Paget (NZL) and Clifton Promise clear the HSBC Maltings Branch fence to take the lead after Cross Country at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR). Paget is also second on Clifton Lush. (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 7 September, 2013 – Jock Paget and his fellow New Zealand riders showed the way with their brilliant Cross Country riding at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, final leg of the HSBC FEI Classics, and they now hold seven of the top 10 places.

Paget is in first and second on Clifton Promise and Clifton Lush; last year’s winner Andrew Nicholson is third, fifth and eighth on Avebury, Nereo and Calico Joe; Jonelle Richards is sixth on The Deputy; and five-time Burghley winner Mark Todd gave a master class of horsemanship on his inexperienced new ride Oloa to rise eight places to 10th.

Paget (on Clifton Lush) and Nicholson (on Calico Joe and Avebury) were the only riders to achieve the 11 minute 34 second optimum time; William Fox-Pitt (GBR), riding a New Zealand Thoroughbred, Parklane Hawk, was foot perfect and only two seconds over time. He is now in fourth place, on the same score as Nicholson on Avebury.

Dual Olympic gold medallists Ingrid Klimke (GER) and FRH Butts Abraxxas dropped from second after Dressage to seventh after incurring 9.2 time penalties and Nicola Wilson (GBR) has maintained ninth place on Opposition Buzz.

Paget had a strange day because he was held on the course with both horses while they were checked by officials for minor injuries. Clifton Lush had bumped his nose after pecking at the Elephant Trap [fence 6], which caused it to bleed, and Clifton Promise bit his tongue at some point on the middle of the course and had blood in his mouth. Neither horse was affected by the incidents.

“It was a bit weird,” admitted Paget. “The hold definitely worked in my favour with Lush, but Promise [who finished just one second over the optimum time] was a little bit surprised to find himself going again.

“The course was challenging even though I was riding two exceptional horses. The fences were big, angled and skinny and you were behind time when you got to the Land Rover Dairy Mount [fence 19].”

Course Designer Mark Phillips (GBR) had set a true four-star test, which was acclaimed by riders, and Klimke said she considered her debut performance at Burghley to be one of the great achievements of her career.

“It was as challenging as I expected,” she said. “I had a scary moment at the Trout Hatchery [fence 14] when we sat on the hedge after doing too big a jump over the fence before. But he is only a little horse and he did so many other good things.

“The rest felt wonderful. It’s certainly the hardest course I have done with him. He goes like a little rabbit over the European courses but it’s been my dream to finish a real English course on him!”

Nicholson, whose round on Avebury in the middle of the day was beautiful to watch, said: “The course wasn’t as big as in some years but it was cleverly done. You had to sit on your backside and ride right from the start rather than gliding around, and that is as it should be.”

Describing the performances of his three horses, he said: “Calico Joe is fast and has lots of stamina but he isn’t a very big jump. I thought once that he wouldn’t progress beyond novice, so I’m very pleased with him.

“Avebury felt pretty perfect, but it was a difficult course for Nereo because he tries to jump all the little mounds and undulations. However, he dealt with it very well and kept digging deeper.”

Phillips said he felt his track had achieved the right statistics: there were 39 clear rounds and 46 of the 62 Cross Country starters completed.

Andreas Dibowski (GER), equal fifth after Dressage, was the most high-profile departure from the leader board. He retired FRH Butts Leon after a run-out at an angled hedge at the influential Discovery Valley (fence 8).

Oliver Townend (GBR), 10th after Dressage, was frustrated to have a run-out with Armada at the second triple brush at the Land Rover Dairy Farm (fence 19). “He didn’t clock what I was asking him to do,” said Townend. “There are no excuses. It’s just frustrating because he’s a class horse.”

Another to have a disappointing day was Piggy French (GBR), who tipped off Westwood Mariner when he left a leg in the ditch at fence 8. Tom McEwen (GBR), riding Dry Old Party, clung on valiantly after being unshipped from the saddle at the Olympic Planet fence at 5, but eventually had to let go.

Pascal Leroy (FRA) fell from Minos de Petra at this fence; Buck Davidson, the sole American rider, had a fall from Park Trader at Keeper’s Cottage (fence 20) where William Fox-Pitt retired Neuf des Coeurs because the horse had lost a shoe.

Lucy Jackson was the only New Zealander to have a bad day; she found herself sitting on the hut at the Trout Hatchery when Willy Do stopped abruptly.

Alex Postolowsky (GBR) is currently the highest placed of the candidates for the HSBC Training Bursary for the best CCI4* finisher; she is 39th on Islanmore Ginger after a slow but clear Cross Country round.

Paget, currently third in the HSBC FEI Classics, now has a fence in hand with Clifton Promise over himself on Clifton Lush. He also has a fence in hand over last year’s winners, Nicholson and Avebury.

“Andrew is a hero of mine,” said Paget. “He has been very generous with his advice and without him I wouldn’t be here. Of course I’ll be trying to beat him tomorrow, but I really appreciate all he’s done for me.”

Two of Paget’s compatriots have achieved the Burghley one-two before: Mark Todd on Wilton Fair and Charisma in 1987 and Blyth Tait on Chesterfield and Aspyring in 1998. More recently, William Fox-Pitt was first and second in 2008 on Tamarillo and Ballincoola. We are on the brink of seeing Eventing history made.

Full results on: www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

Listen to audio links: catch up with the leaders after Cross Country:

Jonathan Paget – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/SAT_JockPaget_Presser.mp3

Andrew Nicholson – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/SAT_AndrewNicholson.mp3

William Fox-Pitt – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/XC_WFP.mp3

And with Captain Mark Phillips, course designer – http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/captain_sat_burghley_xc.MP3

View full standings: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics

HSBC’s Training Bursary

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub, you can access the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 series standings, HSBC Rankings and all news relating to the current and past series.

Prize money

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2013 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2013.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

Our signature Twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics #Eventing

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials:

Bridget Burbidge
Press Officer
bridget@jbpromotions.co.uk
+44 7850 822 820

FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Championships, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

Illinois and New Jersey Dominate USHJA Child/Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championships

September 7, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

©ESI Photography. Grace Knox and Rapidash leading Illinois to a Team Championship in the USHJA Child/Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championship.

Individual Championships take the stage Saturday

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 6, 2013) – Illinois and New Jersey were the teams to beat in the Team Championship at the inaugural USHJA Child/Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championships taking place at HITS Saugerties this week. The Children’s team from Illinois was guided by Chef Mary Goldman and included team members Caelinn Leahy, Louisa Brackett, Sarah Scarnechia and Grace Knox. Chef Robin Fairclough led the Adult New Jersey team, which includes Tammy Kelly, Katherine Pontone, Elizabeth Kirby and Wendy Chapot Nunn.

In Wednesday’s Individual Qualifier, Mackenzie Kane of Durham, Connecticut lead the Children with Linda Radigan’s Realist, and Katherine Pontone of Red Bank, New Jersey piloted Kali Jerman’s Belladonna to the top of the Adults. Individual Champions will be determined tomorrow as both Children and Adults take the stage as part of HITS Championship Weekend at HITS Saugerties.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny Wins $30,000 Zoetis Wild Card Grand Prix to Break the Tape on HITS Championship Weekend

September 7, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 6, 2013) – While Friday’s $30,000 Zoetis Wild Card Grand Prix didn’t deliver a true wild card entry for the Zoetis Million, it did give Darragh Kenny of Wellington, Florida some momentum heading into Sunday’s coveted event. Kenny piloted Quiz, owned by Spruce Meadows, to the top spot over a field of 37 as excitement continues to build leading up to HITS Championship Weekend in Saugerties, New York.

After only a month together, Kenny and Quiz recently moved up to the grand prix level after success in 1.30m competition. “He has gained a lot of experience in Saugerties and was good in the grand prix at the Hampton Classic last week, but was super today,” said Darragh. “Today’s course was perfect – tough enough, but not too tough leading up to Sunday.”

Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Meunchen, Germany set Friday’s course and will also build for the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix this weekend. His Wild Card course included 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts, boasting two double combinations – one at the fifth fence of the track and another in the last line.

Under the gorgeous blue skies of the Hudson Valley, ten conquered the first round to move on to the jump-off. It was crowd favorite McLain Ward of Brewster, New York who set the Great American Time to Beat at 40.59 seconds with the first clear round in the second trip of the jump-off. Kenny was soon to answer, however, piloting Quiz to a clear round just shades faster in 40.04 seconds.

Out of the ten who advanced, Ward and Kenny were the only two who posted double clear efforts. Behind them, John Pearce of Bermuda Dunes, California rode Forest View Farm’s Johnny B Good to third. Pearce has been in the grand prix money three times since arriving on the East Coast for the Zoetis Million. He won the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix aboard Son of a Gun last Friday and tuned Chianto up for his fourth-ever $1 Million Grand Prix appearance with a win on Sunday in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix. Quite possibly the West Coast favorite, Pearce is hopeful but practical about Sunday’s Zoetis Million. “You can predict odds in this sport, but can never predict a winner,” he said.

Margie Engle of Wellington, Florida rode to fourth place in the irons of Indigo, owned by Garber, Griese, Hidden Creek & Gladewinds. The pair had a rail down at the second to last fence in the jump-off and posted a time of 42.00 seconds. Capping the top five, Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, New Jersey rode Quointreau Un Prince, owned by herself and Ward, to a four-fault round in 46.08 seconds.

With Sunday’s Zoetis Million quickly approaching, Kenny is putting his leg over a new mount and will ride Wistful, recently purchased from West Coast rider Ashlee Bond. “We have only jumped one class together, but Wistful jumped the Million in California and has the perfect amount of experience at that level,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how lucky we are to be able to ride on this footing for this kind of prize money against this level of competition in this country. It’s really something special.”

As all attention now turns to Sunday, custom jumps will soon arrive at HITS-on-the-Hudson to make their debut in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix and, according to Ward, will be the biggest factor on Sunday. He admits that no one knows exactly what is coming from Petersen. Ward will pilot 2012 Pfizer Million winner Antares F on Sunday.

As the sun sets on regular competition at HITS-on-the-Hudson this weekend, riders, trainers, owners and spectators alike are gearing up for some of the most exciting show jumping in the country and the world this weekend. The Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix takes the stage Sunday at 2pm EST and is available via live webcasts at HRTV.com and iEquine.com.

About Zoetis
Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, with a focus on both farm and companion animals. The company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion in 2012. It has more than 9,300 employees worldwide and a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information on the company, visit www.zoetis.com.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Ben Asselin Wins $205,000 Encana Cup 1.60m at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

September 7, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Martin Fuchs and Conte Della Caccia Clear 1.95m to Win ATCO Electric Six Bar

Calgary, AB, Canada – September 6, 2013 – Speed and power described the two competitions on the schedule today at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. Opening up the evening was the $205,000 Encana Cup 1.60m, and the fastest in the jump-off was Calgary’s own Ben Asselin on Makavoy. The $75,000 ATCO Electric Six Bar featured four rounds of thrilling jumping as Martin Fuchs (SUI) cleared 1.95m for victory on Conte Della Caccia. The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament hosts the best show jumpers in the world through Sunday, September 8. The highlight events of the week are the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup on Saturday and the $1 Million CN International, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, on Sunday.

There were 23 entries in the $205,000 Encana Cup, but only three were able to advance to the jump-off in driving rain. First to return was Christian Ahlmann (GER) on Taloubet Z. They had a rail at fence 15, an oxer off a right-hand rollback, for four faults and finished with a time of 46.73 seconds. Francois Mathy (BEL) and Espadon van de Kranenburg also had four faults, but with a slower time of 55.08 seconds.

Last in, Asselin and Makavoy were efficient through the turns and as they cleared the final oxer, the crowd burst into cheers when the scoreboard flashed #1. They posted a time of 53.94 seconds for the win. “We originally had [planned] a pretty fast track to try to have a clear round, but when I walked up everyone told me that both riders had four faults. I took a bit of a risk going so slow in the jump-off because if I had a rail down, I probably would have been third, but Makavoy was just unbelievable. He didn’t want to touch any rails,” Asselin explained.

Staying cool as the last in the ring was something Asselin had to accomplish. “I really had to work on keeping myself cool around the entire track. Even coming down to number one, my heart was racing. Coming down to the last fence I really had to stay cool. When I landed from that last fence all those emotions just let go,” he revealed.

He said of his partner Makavoy, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Hors La Loi II x Ahorn, “He’s quite a little horse, but he has a huge heart. He has a ton of power and has a lot of motor. He’s quite sensitive to ride. He gives you a lot of confidence on that size track. He really takes you down to the jumps and always wants to get to the other side of the jumps. It’s a really fun horse to ride. He’s really quick and he has his own style over the top of the jumps, but he gets himself over them.”

Asselin is just 19 years old, and this was his first win in the International Ring. “It’s surreal,” he said with a huge grin. “I’ve been dreaming about winning in the International Ring forever, let alone in the ‘Masters’ Tournament. The caliber of horses and riders is spectacular all week. I really came into this division as a true rookie. I haven’t done that many tracks this height. I had no plan on winning anything. I have an incredible horse and he showed me he could do it.”

Martin Fuchs Clears 1.95m to Win ATCO Electric Six Bar

As the only rider to clear 1.95m, 21-year-old Martin Fuchs of Switzerland took the victory in the $75,000 ATCO Electric Six Bar competition with Conte Della Caccia. It was his second Six Bar win in 2013; he has shown three horses in four Six Bar competitions this year. “It’s cool; I like it a lot,” he smiled.

Joining Fuchs in the fourth and final round, but unable to clear the fences remaining, were Eugenie Angot (FRA) and Pirate Adalou, Lars Nieberg (GER) and Galippo 5, and Shane Breen (IRL) with Touch of Chilli. They tied for second place.

Fuchs has ridden Conte Della Caccia, a 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Canturo x Corrado I, for a year and a half, and they have moved up to the 1.60m level. Fuchs will compete for Switzerland in tomorrow’s BMO Nations’ Cup and Sunday’s $1 Million CN International.

He noted, “I took him here to Spruce Meadows to do his first five-star Nations’ Cup and grand prix. I think he’s my future horse. He’s not so experienced yet, but I hope to be good tomorrow.”

Fuchs felt that tonight’s Six Bar was great preparation for the weekend. “I knew after the first round that he was in top form and he likes it. With the crowd that really supported me and him, it really helped and he wanted to go bigger and bigger,” he said. “It was a good exercise for him. He’s a really strong horse and he wants to go to the jump. Here he started waiting and in the last round I could give some pressure for the last jump, which I usually cannot do. I think it’s good for tomorrow; he’s waiting and he did some gymnastics today!”

While Fuchs had a fantastic third place finish in the International two years ago, but this was his first win and experience in a winner’s presentation at Spruce Meadows. He said, “I’m really happy and proud. The people stay for the prize giving and stay to watch you. In Europe, in the prize giving you’re alone and you’re looking for the people and nobody’s there to cheer for you. It’s really special for us to come here and to do an extra round and they keep screaming and clapping. It’s really something special.”

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ continues tomorrow with the $125,000 Suncor Winning Round 1.50m and the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
www.sprucemeadows.com

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Horses in the South – An Equine News Publisher

Tag Archives: featured

Paget Is Supreme at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Germany Triumphs in $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

Jonathan Paget Wins 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Alliy Moyer Hunts to the Win in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby

Sunny Drescher Wins National PHA Junior Medal Final during HITS Championship Weekend

Jonathan Paget in 1st and 2nd Position after Cross-Country at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Paget Leads the Kiwi Charge at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Illinois and New Jersey Dominate USHJA Child/Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championships

Darragh Kenny Wins $30,000 Zoetis Wild Card Grand Prix to Break the Tape on HITS Championship Weekend

Ben Asselin Wins $205,000 Encana Cup 1.60m at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

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