Tag Archives: Gulf Coast Winter Classic

Brennan and Sun Tzu Win the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome at Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Penny Brennan and Sun Tzu [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and her own Sun Tzu kicked off the opening week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic with a blue ribbon in the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome besting a field of fifteen horse and rider teams! “That was such a fun class!” exclaimed Brennan. “It was like a horse race! You had a bunch of double clears and they just kept getting faster and faster,” she said.

Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Helen Gilbert’s C’Havinia were the first to go in the order and turned in a clear first round effort in a time of 71.808 seconds. Although their second round in a time of 33.234 seconds beat the time allowed of 40 seconds, their four jump faults would see them finish in seventh place overall.

Dennis Murphy, Jr. of Vandiver, Alabama and Lila Sessums’ Jet followed in the order with double clear rounds in times of 76.313 seconds and 37.938 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Sydney Luzicka of Albuquerque, New Mexico and her own St. John 10:9 were the next to turn in double clear rounds in times of 68.312 seconds and 32.881 seconds, taking the lead.

Hicks returned to the Grand Prix field, this time in the irons of Helen Gilbert’s Emir D and turned in the next double clear round in times of 72.122 seconds and 33.127 seconds, respectively, and would finish the class in fourth place.

Whitney Boyce-Petrey of New Orleans, Louisiana and Lincoln Case’s Canebrake followed with the next clear round in a time of 77.106 seconds.  However, their second round in a time of 50.062 seconds with fifteen faults would find them finishing in eighth place overall.

Dees returned to the field with the next clear first round in the irons of her own Clearwater S and posted double clear rounds in times of 69.987 seconds and 33.828 seconds, respectively, which would earn them a fifth place ribbon.

Brennan and Sun Tzu were the next to turn in double clear rounds. The pair is a force to reckon with each year at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics and it looks as if 2017 will be no exception. Brennan piloted Sun Tzu through the first round fault free in a time of 72.054 seconds. Their lightning fast, clear second round in a time of 29.950 seconds set the new time to beat and would take the lead.

“It was a really fast class!” said Brennan. “There was jump one and then two, then a roll back over the vertical and then another roll back. After the roll back there was a hedge around the gazebo and I swear I cut it so tight I went right through it! There were leaves all around me – that’s how hard I hit it!” she laughed.

“The Horseflight oxer was narrow and square, set on an angle and set up to have the front rail down,” commented Brennan. “It felt like you were jumping into the VIP tent which took the horse’s focus,” she added.  “The way it was set, it was hard to slice it but Shannon sliced it and went through it,” she said. “The distance I saw was the angle and we took the tight distance which is not what I meant to do. But if I hadn’t, we wouldn’t have won the class and Sun Tzu is just that brilliant,” she added. “We did a flat out run to the last jump. I walked it in 10 and I think we did it in 8!” she said.

Hicks and Helen Gilbert’s Al Pachini challenged Brennan and Sun Tzu’s round, posting double clear trips in times of 71.383 seconds and 30.858 seconds, respectively, which would find them finishing in second place.

Sydney Luzicka and her own St. John: 10:9 finished with third place honors and Hicks returned for a fourth place ribbon with Emir D. Sara Dees and her own Clearwater S finished in fifth and Dennis Murphy, Jr. and Jet took sixth place. Hicks returned for seventh with C’Havinia and Whitney Boyce-Petrey and Lincoln Case’s Canebrake finished in eighth place.

Dees and Rico S placed ninth and Dominique Damico and her own Canoso earned a tenth place ribbon.

“My horses had a little time off and this was a first class for us for the season and I’m so happy how well we did!” commented Brennan. “And it was great winning one with my Dad here who flew in from Birmingham, England,” she added. Added her father, “It was worth every bit of the journey! Penny was absolutely brilliant!”

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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Lucky 7s for the Jumper Riders at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic

Andy Kocher and Cantu 5.

The $50,777 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, closed out the 2016 Gulf Coast Winter Classic and the USHJA Dash for the Cash King, Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida, galloped away with the win in the irons of Evalyn Grace, LLC’s Cantu 5.

Of the twenty-eight that tackled the course designed by Paul Jewel of Lambertville, New Jersey, only eight turned in clear first rounds advancing to the jump off.

Kocher rode Postage Stamp Farm’s Prof De La Roque as the first to go and posted a clear round in a time of 82.486 seconds, well within the 89 seconds time allowed.

Kocher then piloted his own Leconte to a clear first round in a time of 84.603 seconds. He now had two rides in the jump off!

Hester Equestrian, LLC’s Clueless P, ridden by Lauren Hester of Lexington, Kentucky, followed Kocher and posted a clear first round in a time of 79.972 seconds and added themselves to the jump off roster.

Charlie Jayne’s Cupid Shuffle, ridden by Michael Tokaruk of Germantown, Tennessee, added themselves to the jump off round after posting a clear first round in a time of 79.117 seconds.

Kocher returned to the grand prix field, this time in the irons of Cantu 5. The pair posted a clear first round in a time of 82.881 seconds, making it his third horse to qualify for the jump off.

Christopher Schroeder of Wellington, Florida and his own Catungee also turned in a clear first round effort in a time of 87.767 seconds, qualifying for the jump off round. Missy Nolan’s Specialized, ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, joined the jump off roster after posting a clear first round effort in a time of 87.386 seconds.

Schroeder and Marion Head’s Heliante were the last to go and clear they went in a time of 87.532 seconds and sat in the enviable last to go spot in the jump off order.

Paul Jewell set the jump off time allowed at 57 seconds. Kocher and Prof De La Roque were the first to go, but an unintentional dismount would keep the pair out of the winner’s circle and settling for eighth place overall.

Kocher and Leconte were next in the order but four faults in a time of 51.455 seconds would finish them in seventh place overall.

Hester and Clueless P followed Kocher, but four faults in a time of 50.064 seconds would see them finish in fourth place overall. Tokaruk and Cupid Shuffle followed Hester in the order. Four faults in a time of 50.154 seconds would have move them into the lead as the fastest four-faulter, but with four rides left to go, there was still a chance for someone to go clear.

And that’s exactly what happened when Kocher and Cantu 5 followed Tokaruk and turned in the first clear round in a time of 52.745, taking the lead and setting the new time to beat.

Schroeder and Catungee challenged Kocher’s time and although they went clear, their time of 56.569 seconds would put them in second place behind Kocher and Cantu 5.

Maddrix and Specialized followed Schroeder in the jump off order, but four faults in a time of 50.593 seconds would find them finish in sixth place overall. Schroeder and Heliante sat in the enviable last to go position and although they turned in the fastest jump off round in a time of 49.104 seconds, a heartbreak rail at the final fence would have them finish in third place, giving Kocher and Cantu 5 the win.

“This was a great event and congratulations to Andy Kocher and Cantu 5 on their win today,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf and Classic Companies as well as Classic Publications. “This is the first Sidelines Grand Prix since Classic Publications has purchased the magazine and I thank all of those who competed today,” he said. “All of you are part of Sidelines history now,” he added.

Finishing in ninth place with one time fault was GK Performance Horses’ Diamant De Revel, ridden by Christopher Schroeder. Scott Lenkart and Fleur De Lis Farms’ Ziezo earned tenth place after posting the fastest four-fault round, and Sun Tzu, owned and ridden by Penny Brennan, placed eleventh. Brooke Kemper and Classified wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

Holly Shepherd and Bella Clara DKS
Holly Shepherd and Bella Clara DKS

Shepherd Takes the $10,777 Legend Jumper Derby

Twenty-three horse and rider teams tackled the highly anticipated $10,777 Legend Jumper Derby on the world class Grand Prix field Saturday afternoon. The 1.30 m jumper classic, open to all horses not competing in the Grand Prix, had a time allowed of 120 seconds which only saw three go clean.

Christopher Schroeder of Wellington, Florida and Elizabeth Win’s Dubai B were the first to go and posted a clear round in a time of 101.824 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Newtown Jumping Jack, owned and ridden by Thomas Welsh of New York, New York, followed Schroeder and while they beat Schroeder’s time with their own 100.219 seconds, four jump faults would finish in eighth place overall.

Alex Turner’s Vanrock, ridden by Michael Tokaruk of Germantown, Tennessee, posted a clear round and set the new time to beat at 97.926 seconds, taking the lead.

Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables’ Rincoola Black Adder challenged Tokaruk and Vanrock’s time with their own 89.980 seconds. However, eight jump faults would find them out of the ribbons.

Trapp O’Neal of Magnolia, Texas and Carolyn Elsey’s Quilona Z followed Forte and posted an eight fault jump round in 97.953 seconds, which would see them finish in twelfth place overall.

Margaret Camp’s Charmeur, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, tackled the course, but their time of 98.555 seconds with four jump faults would see them finish in seventh place overall.

Eagle Valley Partners’ Coconut, ridden by Andy Kocher, followed Shepherd and turned in an eight fault round in a time of 93.638 seconds, which would find them finish in eleventh place overall.

Kocher returned with his own Red Lady, but with eight jump faults in a time of 89.002, the pair would have them finish in tenth place overall.

Rico S, owned and ridden by Sara Dees of Chatom, Alabama, followed Kocher and Red Lady and posted a four fault round in a time of 96.931 seconds and would finish in sixth place overall.

O’Neal followed Dees in the order, this time in the irons of TKO Partnershjp’s Camero, and turned in a four fault round in a time of 100.990 seconds. They finished in ninth place overall.

Riptide, owned by Christina Van Patten and ridden by Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia, followed O’Neal and turned in a four fault round in a time of 93.509 seconds and placed fourth overall.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Dejan Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS followed Riptide and turned in a lightning fast clear round in 91.474 seconds, taking the lead and moving Tokaruk and Vanrock into second place.

Sitting in the enviable last to go spot was Kocher and Showcase 81, LLC’s Mullentine Imperial. The pair posted a time of 93.751 seconds, but four jump faults would see them finish in fifth place overall.

“The $10,777 Jumper Derby is one of the most popular events at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Classic Company. “We are delighted that Merial and its product Legend sponsored this competition and appreciate their support,” he added.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

King of Dash for the Cash Kocher Wins $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome

Andy Kocher and Ora Del Te Di La San Giorgio.

The Week VI $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome took place Friday and set the stage for big time show jumping action as the Gulf Coast Winter Classic headed into its final weekend for 2016 in Gulfport.

Twenty horse and rider teams tackled the course set on the world class grass grand prix field, considered the best in the United States by Olympic course designers.

The first round was set at 78 seconds and the second round at 47 seconds which saw only nine rides go double clean. Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida and his own Leconte were the first to go in the class and turned in a clean first round in a time of 66.569 seconds. Their second clear round in a time of 38.991 seconds set the new time to beat.

Lauren Hester of Lexington, Kentucky and Hester Equestrian, LLC’s Wender followed Kocher with a clear first round in a time of 66.020 seconds.  Challenging Kocher’s time, their second round was also clean and their time of 35.617 seconds set the new time to beat and pushed Kocher and Leconte into second position.

Kocher returned to the grand prix field, this time in the irons of Eagle Valley Partners’ C’Havinia, and posted a clear first round in a time of 69.364 seconds. Their clear second round in a time of 35.993 would have seen them finish in third place overall.

Christopher Schroeder of Wellington, Florida and Scott Head’s Carjo Z followed with double clear rounds in times of 69.503 seconds and 40.737 seconds which would not beat Hester’s time, and the pair would find themselves finishing in ninth place overall.

Kocher and Eagle Valley Partners’ Coconut followed Schroeder with double clear rounds in times of 69.55 and 36.677 seconds, respectively. They would finish in fourth place overall.

Hester returned to the arena with her second ride of three in the irons of Hester Equestrian, LLC’s Lorstakov. The pair posted double clear rounds in times of 68.668 seconds and 37.705 seconds, which would see them finish in sixth place overall.

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama, winner of last week’s $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome, was up next in the irons of Meco Equestrian, LLC’s Cord 11. Although the pair turned in a clear first round in a time of 70.551, four jump faults at the first fence in their second round in a time of 43.852 seconds would see them finish in eleventh place overall.

Schroeder returned to the grand prix field, this time in the irons of GA Performance Horses, LLC’s Diamant De Revel for the next clear first round in a time of 69.574 seconds. Their second round in a time of 38.116 seconds would see them finish in seventh place overall.

Kocher and his own Red Lady followed Schroeder with a clear first round in a time of 67.031 seconds. However, four jump faults and a time of 35.226 seconds in their second round would see them finish in tenth place overall.

Hester and Hester Equestrian LLC’s Clueless P followed Kocher and turned in a clear first round in a time of 67.639 seconds. Their clear second round in a time of 36.972 seconds would see them finish with a fifth place overall.

Kocher and his own Ora Del Te Di La San Giorgio were the last to go in the class and turned in a clear first round in a time of 72.644 seconds. They needed to beat Hester and Wender’s second round time of 35.617 seconds for the win, and by fractions of a second, they did! The pair posted a clear second round in a time of 35.483 seconds, taking the win and giving the second place to Hester and Wender.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Holly Shepherd and Re Chiste Win National Hunter Derby

Pre-Greens Continue to Show Strong Numbers

The last $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby of the 2016 Gulf Coast Winter Classic took place yesterday and twenty horse and rider teams took to the hunt over a course designed by Allen Rheinheimer, Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Course Designer and Technical Coordinator.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, who Week II earned the top three ribbons in the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit’s $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, proved herself again to be the ‘Derby Queen’ of the Gulf Coast after she led both the Classic and Handy Rounds in the irons of Sabina Holtzman’s Re Chiste. The pair earned a first round score of 88 and a Handy score of 89 for a total of 177 which awarded them a first place ribbon.

Ramble On Farm’s Little Rock, ridden by Kaitlyn Williams of Wayne, Pennsylvania, finished in second place after earning a first round score of 87 and Handy score of 79 for a total of 166. Roland Park, owned by Mount Fair Equine, LLC and ridden by Dudley MacFarlane of Crozet, Virginia, followed in third with a first round score of 80.5 and second round score of 85 for an overall score of 165.5.

Kathleen Caya of Oconomowo, Wisconsin, in the irons of Andy Kocher’s Icali, earned a fourth place ribbon after earning a Classic round score of 83 and a Handy score of 81.5 for a total of 164.5.

Sarah Percy MacMillan’s Space Cadet, ridden by Callie Schott of Versailles, Kentucky, earned a first round score of 78 and a Handy score of 83 for a total of 161 and a fifth place ribbon.  Sixth was awarded to Megan Martin’s Signature, ridden by Caroline Wilson of Germantown, Tennessee, after earning a Classic round score of 79 and Handy score of 83 for a total of 161.

Honor, owned and ridden by Salter Hydinger of Birmingham, Alabama, earned a seventh place ribbon after earning a first round score of 76 and a second round score of 82 for a total of 158. Williams returned for the eighth place ribbon, this time in the irons of Ramble on Farm’s Shaq, after earning a first round score of 77.5 and a Handy score of 77 for a combined total of 154.5.

Cathleen Driscoll of Elk Mills, Maryland rode her own Good Times to a ninth place finish after earning a first round score of 80 and a second round score of 74 for a combined total of 154. Hydinger returned for a tenth place ribbon, this time in the irons of her own Motivation, and Shepherd returned for eleventh place in the irons of Helen Gilbert’s White Lightening. Williams and Ramble On Farm’s Casan wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

The two weekly $1,000.00 Pre-Green Hunter Divisions, offered for only $5.00 per horse, continued to see big numbers Week VI.  Twenty-one horse and rider teams competed for the championship in the 3′ Division which welcomed Miki Moto, owned and ridden by Jennifer Jones of Ocala, Florida, to the winner’s circle. Reserve Champion honors went to Mindy Wurzburg, LLC’s Shipshape, ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama.

The $1,000 3’ Pre-Green Division awarded Rio Vista Farm’s Casswell, ridden by Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas, the Championship, and Reserve Champion honors went to Zorro, owned and ridden by Kathleen Caya of Oconomowo, Wisconsin.  That was a $5.00 Division fee worth spending!

“We are very happy that riders and owners took advantage of this special $5 Division offering at our Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit in Pensacola and here in Gulfport,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. “In view of the popularity of this offering we are delighted to be offering the weekly $1,000 Pre-Green Divisions for only $5.00 per horse at the inaugural Jacksonville Spring Classics this April,” he said.

Next week the Atlanta Spring Classic gallops onto the historic Georgia International Horse Park for two weeks of AA competition and more than $200,000 up for grabs! It’s not too late to reserve a stall. Email Jonathan@classiccompany.com and then enter online for no additional fees at horseshowsonline.com.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

This Bud’s for Brennan and Sun Tzu, Winners of the $35,000 Budweiser Grand Prix

Penny Brennan pilots Sun Tzu to the win.

The sunny, blue skies and warm temperatures returned to the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, just in time for yesterday’s $35,000 Budweiser Grand Prix.

As the 2 pm start time neared, the crowds filed into the bleachers and around the world class grand prix field to catch a good seat to watch 29 horse and rider teams prepared to tackle the course designed by one of the most famous and well-respected course designers in the world, Leopoldo Palacios of Caracas, Venezuela.

“In the beginning I wanted ten to seven to jump off and as far as double cleans, maybe we’d have six or five,” commented Palacios. Palacios was right on the money and eight went clean in the first round.

The most challenging aspect of the first round, according to Palacios was the position of the triple combination. “I designed it so the VIP, sponsors and audience could see it close up. The position of the triple combination and the distance was a normal one to a little bit long and sometimes when you push too much, you get the front pole. Come in too fast and the middle is tight, you’ll drop a back rail. This was the toughest part of this course,” he commented.

Frank Owens of Windcrest, Texas in the irons of DS Holdings, LLC’s Capricello 2 turned in the first clear round in a time of 79.254 seconds, well within the 83 seconds time allowed.

Second to go clear was crowd favorite Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas and his own Lochinvar. The pair turned in clear first round in a time of 76.931 seconds and insured there would be a jump off!

Scott Head’s Carjo Z, ridden by Christoph Schroeder of Wellington, Florida, joined the jump off roster after posting a clear first round in a time of 79.733 seconds.

Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified followed with a clear first round in a time 80.932 seconds and became the fourth to qualify for the jump off round.

Loretta Patterson’s Triompf, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, turned in a clear first round in a time of 78.966 seconds and joined the jump off roster.

Ciana, owned by Eagle Valley Partners, LLC, and ridden by Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida, winners of last week’s $35,000 Apollo Jets Grand Prix, added themselves to the jump off list after posting a clear first round time in 77.331 seconds.

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and her own Sun Tzu posted the next clear round. This was the second ride for Brennan and her first to go clear in a time of 79.411 seconds.

Helen Gilbert’s Emir D, ridden by Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, added themselves to the jump off roster and became eighth to go clear in the first round after posting a time of 80.264 seconds.

Palacios set the jump off round with a time allowed of 60 seconds. Owens and Capricello 2 were first to enter the jump off phase and earned a four fault round in a time of 45.963 seconds.

Cyphert and his own Lochinvar followed fellow Texan Owen and posted the first clear jump off round in a time of 42.450 seconds to the delight of the crowd.

Schroeder and Helianta followed Cyphert and posted a clear second round in a time of 41.697 seconds, setting the new time to beat and temporarily taking the lead.

Kemper and Classified were next to go in the order of go. Their jump off round in a time of 43.329 seconds with eight jump faults would have them finish in eighth place overall.

Shepherd and Triompf followed Kemper and posted a clear second round in a time of 41.762 seconds.

Ciana and Kocher followed Triompf and beat Schroeder’s time in a lightning fast clear second round in a time of 41.596 seconds taking the lead.

The lead wouldn’t last for long. Brennan and Sun Tzu came in for their turn at the jump off and posted the fastest clear round in a time of 39.160 seconds, bringing the cheering crowd to their feet!

Hicks and Emir D sat in the desirable last to go spot, but four faults in a time of 47.796 would see them finish in seventh place and leave Brennan and Sun Tzu in the winner’s circle.

“I didn’t know we had the class until I looked up and saw the scoreboard,” said Brennan. “I knew it was going to be close, but I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the 39,” she said. “Hearing the crowd cheer was just awesome,” she said happily.

“My plan for the jump off was don’t pull on the reins,” she laughed, “That’s all I had,” she said. “TJ has been helping me here and he told me when I walked the course, ‘Don’t walk it faster; walk it shorter,’ and that made a world of difference to me,” she said.

“I gave myself an extra stride back to two which was more than anyone else. But I approached it more straight and everyone else sliced it more,” Brennan commented. “When you slice it, it kind of swings the turn. When you jump it straight, you can just swing right back and that made a huge difference. Taking a stride to two saved me two strides on landing,” Brennan commented. “When I did the liverpool I was super deep and I was nearly at a standstill and he [Sun Tzu] just jumped like a cat. But that made the five stride easy because it rode a little tight and walked three feet short,” she added.

“What a great jump off,” she continued. “It was just a run. I ran flat straight out to that vertical 24′ and Sun Tzu knew exactly what I was doing. We’ve been together a long time,” she said. “He jumped in there and took a tiny little bunny hop and jumped right out. TJ told me to open my right rein on landing and give it all I had for the last jump and that made the difference,” she said. “I can’t thank him enough and I dedicate this win to him,” she added. “This course was a little bit technical and I think it had to be ridden more than people may have given it credit for,” she added. “I absolutely loved it and had a blast. Leopoldo really designed a beautiful course,” she said.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic continues for one more week and there is still time to join us on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at the best winter circuit show! Email jonathan@classiccompany.com and then go to horseshowsonline.com to enter for no additional fees.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Brennan Continues Winning Streak with Japan in Hester Equestrian Lucky 7s Jumper Classic

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama continued her winning streak in the jumpers when she and her own Japan won the $7,770 Hester Equestrian, LLC Jumper Classic yesterday.

World renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela designed the course and set the first round time allowed at 75 seconds. Despite heavy rains on Friday, the KCR all weather footing in Jumper 1 provided a slip free surface and saw five return for the second round.

Trapp O’Neal of Magnolia, Texas, in the irons of Carolyn M. Elsey’s Quilona Z, was the first horse and rider team to turn in a clear first round in a time of 73.500 seconds. Their second round was also clear and beat the time allowed of 52 seconds with their own 39.239 seconds, and set the new time to beat.

Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida and Jodie Cambergh’s Destiny Van De Noordheuvel advanced to a second round after posting a clear first round in a time of 69.709 seconds. Twelve jump faults in their second round in a time of 46.489 seconds would see the pair finish in fifth place overall.

Phoenix, owned and ridden by Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana, followed Kocher with a clear first round in a time of 73.884 seconds. Their second round had four jump faults in a time of 41.292 seconds and would see the pair finish in fourth place overall.

Cathleen Driscoll of Elk Hills, Maryland and her own Forever Blue had the next clear first round in a time of 68.705 seconds. Four faults in their second round in a time of 39.299 seconds would have them finish in third place overall.

Brennan and Japan sat in the desirable last to go spot for their second round after posting a clear first round in a time of 68.647 seconds. All eyes were on the pair as they went in for the final second round and flew around the course turning in a super-fast clear jump off round in a time of 35.922 seconds, taking the win.

“I love Japan!” said a beaming Penny Brennan. “I am so happy and can’t tell you enough how great this footing is,” she said. “The weather was horrible yesterday and it is still so safe to ride on it,” she said. “My horses love it and they are still flying around these courses,” she added.

Final results in the class had Brennan and Japan with the win, followed by O’Neal and Quilona Z. Driscoll and Forever Blue earned a third place ribbon and Zuber and Phoenix received fourth place honors. Kocher and Destiny Van De Noordheuvel earned fifth, and Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania earned sixth with Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder as the fastest four-faulter in a first round time of 73.534 seconds. Kocher and Showcase 81, LLC’s Mullentine Imperial received seventh place after posting a four fault first round in a time of 73.606 seconds. Kocher returned for eighth place with his own Bennenton Van De Bluekhove. Ninth was awarded to Lisa Hankin’s Garbanzo R, ridden by Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York, and tenth went to Zeldenrust Z, owned and ridden by Natalie Hansen of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Eleventh and twelfth went to Amicelli, owned and ridden by Mattie Hatcher of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and Christina Van Patten’s Riptide, respectively.

The usefnetwork will be live streaming top events through March 20 including next week’s $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome, the $10,777 Legend Jumper Derby, and the $50,777 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by Beau Rivage. Don’t miss the excitement – go to usefnetwork.com and watch it live.

Microchipping is now a requirement!

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) now requires horses to be microchipped by December 1, 2017 in order to be eligible for Horse of the Year awards. Get ahead of this requirement at a very reasonable price while showing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. Dr. Patrick Cleveland, the Official Veterinarian of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, is offering those showing in Gulfport a discounted rate of only $28 to microchip your horse. Dr. Cleveland is available to discuss any questions you have about microchipping and Mary Babick, United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Hunter Vice President, is also available for questions about the rule change.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Brennan and Cord 11 Clinch the $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome

It may be a celebration of the Hunters Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, but the jumper action continues to be hot!

International Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela was on hand to design the course and set a first round time allowed of 83 seconds. Despite Friday’s rainy skies, sixteen competed in the $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and saw five return for the jump off round.

Amanda Comley of Waller, Texas and Joshua Tabor’s Cancum 2 were the first to go clear in the first round in a time of 79.931 seconds. Their second round was also clear and set the time to beat at 38.962 seconds, well within the time allowed of 54 seconds. Andrew Kocher of Ocala, Florida in the irons of Postage Stamp Farm’s Prof De La Roque followed with a clear first round in a time of 80.084 seconds and a clear second round in a time of 38.070 seconds, taking the lead.

Comley returned to the ring, this time riding her own Can Do It 16 and posted double clear rounds in times of 76.464 seconds and 36.690 seconds, respectively, which temporarily took the lead from Kocher and set the new time to beat.

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and Meco Equestrian LLC’s Cord 11 followed with the next clear round in a time of 79.753 seconds and a super-fast clear second round in a time of 33.552 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Kocher, winner of last week’s $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and the $35,000 Apollo Jets Grand Prix, followed with Eagle Valley Partners’ Coconut. They turned in a clear first round in a time of 81.813 seconds but their second round had two rails for a total of eight jump faults in a time of 36.047 seconds.

Brennan and her own Japan were last to go in the class, but two time faults in their first round in a time of 84.252 seconds, would see them finish in eighth place overall and leave her in the winner’s circle with Cord 11.

Brennan commented, “Cord 11 was so fast that I couldn’t beat that time with any of my other horses,” she said. “I love Leopoldo’s courses,” Brennan continued. “Given the weather, it was a really fair course,” she said. “This KCR footing is really amazing,” she added. “We didn’t slip at all, my horses went great and Cord 11 must really like it, because he just flew through this course,” she said.

Final placings in the class had Brennan and Cord 11 with the win followed by Comely and Can Do It 16. Andy Kocher won third place with Prof De La Roque and Comley returned for a fourth place ribbon with Cancum 2. Kocher and Coconut earned fifth place, and Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified finished in sixth place with one time fault in their first round in a time of 83.167 seconds. Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables’ HHS Louis took seventh with one time fault in the first round in 83.983 seconds. Brennan returned for an eighth place ribbon in the irons of her own Sun Tzu after earning two time faults in their first round with a time of 84.252 seconds, and she also collected ninth with her own Japan. Tenth and eleventh was awarded to Eagle Valley Partners’ Ciana, ridden by Andy Kocher, and Kocher’s own Red Lady, respectively. Niki Wilcox of Parker, Colorado and her own J.E.S. Quito wrapped up the class with twelfth place.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Hunter Season Continues on the Gulf Coast

Isabella Baxter pilots her own Chief to the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Friday’s weather may not have been sunny, but it was raining hunters as Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic celebrated all levels of hunter horses.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Tucci awarded Isabella Baxter of Wright City, Missouri and her own Chief the blue ribbon after earning a combined first and second round score of 163. Sabina Holtzman’s Top Hat, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, won second place honors after earning a combined score of 157. The yellow ribbon was awarded to James Fisher’s Amara, ridden by Christina Fisher of Alpharetta, Georgia, for their combined score of 155.

Shepherd returned for a fourth place ribbon, this time in the irons of Amy Valiollahi’s Energia. The pair earned a combined score of 153. Fifth place went to Ntec Labros, owned and ridden by Hunter Shedd of Parker, Texas. Sixth was awarded to Eric Lamon of Argyl, Texas and his own Akadian for their combined first and second round score of 134. For complete results, click here.

The $5 Pre-Green Division continues its popularity and Week V saw twenty-six horse and rider teams compete in the 3′ Division. Cecilia Halsey’s Who Dat, ridden by Terry Brown of Canton, Georgia, won the Championship and Joan Alberti’s Hopper Hill, ridden by Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia, won the Reserve Champion honors. Cheryl Rubinstein’s Capisce, ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, was awarded Champion in the 3’3 Pre-Green Division, and Jason Berry rode away with the Reserve ribbon in the irons of Frances Porter’s Pappernich.

“We are thrilled that riders are taking advantage of our $5 Pre-Green Division and using these classes to gain valuable show mileage for their horses,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. “We’re delighted to continue this offering at our inaugural Jacksonville Spring Classic,” he added.

Next week is the final week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and the last opportunity until Jacksonville to compete in the Pre-Green Division for only $5 per horse. That’s right, five dollars! Don’t miss out on this epic offering. A few stalls remain so email jonathan@classiccompany.com and enter online for no additional fees.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Farmer Pilots Baltimore to First Derby Win at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic

Rain or shine, the show must go on! Despite less than ideal weather conditions after four consecutive weeks of sunny skies, the $77,700 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, took place in the Main Hunter Ring and saw 29 entries compete for the second largest international Hunter Derby purse offered in the country this year. The rain delayed the start but riders were able to relax in the Legend Lounge and enjoy a breakfast sponsored by Loretta Patterson and Accolade Farms.

The cutoff score after the Classic Round was 160.5 set by Chances Are, owned by Artillery Lane, LLC and ridden by Gregory Prince of Sherborn, Massachusetts. Their Handy Score of 102 for a combined total of 262.5 would see them finish in twelfth place overall.

Rebecca Patterson’s Vecchia Murano, ridden by Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, followed Prince after earning a first round score of 161. An overall second round score of 115 for a combined total of 276 saw them finish in eleventh place overall.

Julia Curtis of Villa Rica, Georgia and her own Rocoso followed Forte in the Handy Round after earning a first round score of 166. Their second round score of 179 for a total of 345 saw the pair move into eighth place overall.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama in the irons of Barbar Risius’ Longstreet followed Curtis in the Handy Round order after earning a Classic Round score of 167.5. Their second round score of 177.5 for an overall score of 345 would have them finish in ninth place overall.

Kelley Farmer had eight horses in yesterday’s Derby and had four return for the Handy Round. Farmer’s first ride was in the irons of her own Need I Say. “I bought him to be a Derby horse. He won two in Pensacola and was sixth in $100,000 in Ocala,” commented Farmer. “He’s a great pinch horse and can jump no matter what the conditions,” she said. “If I ride him earlier in the class I can always try something different with him that I might be able to use on my later rides,” she continued. “He has a tremendous amount of ability and is so nice to ride,” she added. The pair earned a second round score of 194 and combined with their Classic Round score of 169, their combined total of 363 would find them moving up to finish in sixth place overall.

Farmer followed that round with Amanda Hone’s Publicized after earning a Classic Round score of 170.5. “Publicized is one of my greenest,” commented Farmer. “He’s a very fancy First Year horse and has only shown six times,” she said. “I was proud of him that he jumped the Derby and overcame the weather,” she added. Publicized and Farmer earned a Handy Round score of 132 for a total score of 302.5 and would finish in tenth place overall.

Fleur De Lis Farms’ Bowie, ridden by Courtney Calcagnini of Bartonville, Texas, followed Farmer and Publicized after a first round score of 173. Their Handy Round score of 179 for a total of 352 would see them finish in seventh place overall.

Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama and Alina Dumitrescu’s Shutterbug earned a Classic Round score of 175. Their Handy Round score of 194 for a combined score of 369 saw the pair finish in fifth place overall.

Farmer returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Kensel, LLC’s Mindful. Farmer and Mindful received a first round score of 177 and a Handy Round score of 198 for a combined score of 375. “Mindful is a fantastic horse. He has won fifteen Derbies and he won Ocala a week ago,” said Farmer. “He’s been Horse of the Year twice and there is nothing Mindful cannot do,” commented Farmer. “He’s a great horse and overcomes all situations,” she said. Mindful finished in third place overall.

Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, New York and her own Miramar followed Farmer and Mindful in the Handy Round after earning a Classic Round score of 178. Their second round score of 198 for a combined total of 376 would see them temporarily take the lead.

Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Triompf followed Alfano in the Handy Round after earning a first round score of 180. Their second round score of 190 for a total of 370 would see then finish in fourth place overall.

Farmer and Jane Gaston’s Baltimore were the final ride in the Handy Round. The pair earned a first round score of 182. Their Handy Round score of 205 for a combined total of 387 would earn them the win! “We are so excited about his win,” commented Farmer. “This is his first Derby win and only his second Derby ever. His first Derby had him finish second in Ocala,” she said. “Baltimore is one of my newest additions. I haven’t had him long but he is quickly fitting into our group,” she said.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Bob [Bell] and his show management team,” Farmer continued. “They did their absolute best to put on a lovely class,” she said. “The weather was wet, but no one was slipping in the ring and we had a lot of water here,” she said. “For them to offer this large amount of prize money and invest in the hunters is a trend I hope more horse show managers follow,” she said.

“I had a couple that handled the weather and footing better than others and that’s kind of a given and that’s why we have the amount and depth of horses we bring with us. There’s always one of them that is more suited to the conditions and ring than the others,” she said.

“We were all really excited to ride on the grass grand prix field, but the weather prevented that from happening – there was nothing anyone could do about that,” she said. “We had a lot of rain here and given the conditions, the footing was fine. No one slipped in it. It was more a matter of some horses getting bogged down in the water because some horses are just more comfortable and deal with the different conditions better than others,” she said. “We have shown many places where the weather we had would have prevented us from showing at all. That was not the case here,” she added.

“We haven’t shown on this circuit and are having a great time here,” Farmer continued. “Everyone here has been nothing but accommodating,” she said. “We appreciate the horse show putting up real prize money for the Hunter Derbies because these classes do a lot for the Hunter industry. We will continue to support these shows that invest in the hunters wherever they may be,” she said.

“The only downfall I can see to this circuit is the great food they have around here,” Farmer laughed. “It’s so good I’m going to gain weight here,” she said. “I’ve been to The Half Shell, a barbecue place around the corner and they served us breakfast and lunch here at the show yesterday and pizza today. I’m sure I’m putting on the pounds,” she laughed.

“We are proud to have produced the second largest International Hunter Derby purse in the country this year,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Classic Company. “The weather was less than desired, but our team and the KCR footing we have in our rings allowed us to continue with the much anticipated $77,700 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge Horse Transportation,” he said. “We appreciate KCR and Brook Ledge’s sponsorship of our shows and the great response we have received from the Hunter riders,” he added. “We look forward to continuing to offer large prize money Derbies next year and make the Gulf Coast Winter Classic the choice of top hunter riders around the country,” he added.

For those who didn’t get to see the action live, click here to watch the livestream.

For those looking to reserve stalls for the final week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, email jonathan@classiccompany.com and then go online to horseshowsonline.com and enter for no additional fees. All sponsorship and media inquiries should be directed to lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Kocher and Ciana Fly into the $35,000 Apollo Jets Grand Prix Winner’s Circle

Mid-seventies, sunny skies and bleachers packed with an audience was the backdrop to today’s $35,000 Apollo Jets Grand Prix that welcomed twenty-five horse and rider teams to the world renowned grass grand prix field on a course designed by Assistant Olympic Course Designer, Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico.

Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida and Eagle Valley Partners’ Ciana, winners in Friday’s $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome, returned to the winner’s circle today in the $35,000 Apollo Jets Grand Prix. Kocher also received a $5,000 gift card toward future Apollo Jets Charter Jet Travel, compliments of Brian Hillen, the Official Jet Charter Consultant for the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies.

The first round time allowed was set at 86 seconds which saw ten horse and rider teams advance to the jump off round.

“I loved Manuel’s course,” commented Kocher. “I thought it was going to be a course where a lot were going to be clear, but I think that was the goal. He wanted nine or ten. It was a beautiful day and a great crowd,” he continued. “It really turned out perfectly,” Kocher added.

“The most challenging part of the first round was the Horseflight jump to the Sidelines jump. Those two were toward the end of the course, the horses were getting a little tired, and going away from the gate you really needed to put your leg on. Then, they would be too strong for the Sidelines jump,” commented Kocher.

Kocher was the first to go in the jump off round in the irons of Postage Stamp Farm, LLC’s Prof De La Roque. Although their time of 45.725 seconds beat the time allowed of 62 seconds, they pulled a rail giving them four jump faults. “I was trying to be careful and not go with a lot of speed,” he said.

Amanda Comley of Waller, Texas in the irons of Joshua Tabor’s Cancum 2 followed Kocher in the jump off round. A rail at the second fence in a time allowed of 49.926 seconds would see them finish in tenth place overall.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama was next to go in the irons of Loretta Patterson’s Silverstone. They posted a clear round in a time of 49.996 and moved to second position behind Kocher.

Fleur de Lis Farms’ Ziezo, ridden by Scott Lenkart of Bartonville, Texas, followed up with a four fault jump off round in a time of 45.900 seconds which would put them in eighth place overall.

Kocher returned, this time in the irons of Ciana. “Since I was too careful the first time, I came at it with more speed this time,” commented Kocher. “There was this little girl, maybe 3 or 4 years old, at the end of the arena with her grandparents,” said Kocher. “I walked by before I started my jump off round and she was saying ‘1 2 3 takeoff! 1 2 3 takeoff!’ Her grandparents tried to hush her and I looked at her and said, ‘Okay, 1 2 3 takeoff!’ and I just went,” he said.

Take off they did as they turned in the fastest, fault free jump off round in a time of 44.991 seconds. “After I was awarded my blue ribbon, I rode over and gave it to her,” he said. “She looked really happy,” he added.

Nicki Wilcox of Parker, Colorado, in the irons of her own J.E.S. Quito, followed Kocher and Ciana. Although the pair went clear, their time of 51.671 seconds would have them finish in fifth place overall.

Honorway Farm’s Leander, ridden by Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York, turned in the next clear jump off round in a time of 45.956 seconds which moved them up to a third place finish.

Crowd favorite Lochinvar, owned and ridden by Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas, also turned in a clear round in a time of 45.725 seconds. Not quite fast enough to beat Kocher and Ciana, their time would find them finishing in second place overall.

Shepherd returned to the jump off round, this time in the irons of Patterson’s Triompf. A heartbreak rail at the final fence earned them four faults in a time of 43.688 seconds and a sixth place ribbon overall.

DS Holdings, LLC’s Capricello 2 and Frank Owens of Windcrest, Texas were last to go and also suffered a rail at the final fence in a time of 47.742 seconds which would see them finish in ninth place overall.

“Ciana is a great horse,” said Kocher. “She won the second week in Pensacola and the Welcome this week. She just did her first FEI class and did some of the ranking classes in the Nations Cup,” he added. “This course looked really nice to her,” he said.

“Ciana is nine years old and belongs to Karen Cobb. She owns most of the horses I have ridden over the past year and a half,” Kocher said. “I have about eight showing here right now and some down the road at friend’s farm. We just got four more in and we’ll have more next week,” he added. “I sold a boat load of horses here last year,” said Kocher. “I actually sold more than half a million in horses here last year and no doubt, we will be selling a more for the rest of the circuit,” he added.

“I am very pleased with how the Apollo Jets Grand Prix went today,” commented Brian Hillen of Apollo Jets. “The crowd was amazing, the riders and horses were extremely talented and the grand prix field was beautiful,” he said. “I think Bob and Janet did a super job ordering up the beautiful weather we had and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to sponsor this world class event,” Hillen added.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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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