Mill Spring, NC – May 22, 2018 – Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Glasgow de Muze stole the show in the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Grand Prix on Saturday, May 19, dashing through the short-course timers in 37.968 seconds to claim top honors, besting a field of eighteen entries. Sarah Bagworth of Toronto, ON and her own Malou took second place, navigating the jump-off track in 42.655 seconds, while Torano once again rounded out the podium aboard his own Day Dream, finishing their second round in 36.878 seconds with an added four faults.
The course, set by Catalina Cruz (MEX), saw only five of eighteen pairs return to test the jump-off track. Torano had three mounts entered, and noted that piloting multiple rides had its advantages in the jump-off.
“I knew that there were only five in it and I had a couple behind me. Celso [Ariani] is very fast and I knew I had another ride last in the jump-off, so I thought I’d really take a shot with my first horse [Day Dream]. I got into a little trouble turning back on the double.”
“When Sarah went she played it smart. She went for a slow clear, but forced me to jump clear and be faster than her. I kind of stuck with my original plan. I went for the win and went fast. I figured that in the worst case, I would have one down and come in second, and best case I wanted to make sure that if I went fast enough I’d win the class.”
Of the course and his plan for the three mounts, Torano explained, “I went second in the order and I stuck to my plan. After the double oxers on the far end of the ring, the seven strides got very steady with a few people ending up going six strides. I stuck to my plan with all three horses and it worked out; I was first and third so I can’t complain. It really worked out well for my horses.
“The course rode nicely tonight. I thought the designer did a very nice job for the field she had here. There were only five clear out of 18, and I’m sure it was tough to build when she didn’t really know the group of people she was going to get. I thought she did a really good job,” concluded Torano.
Earlier in the week, Torano also galloped away with both first and second place in the $25,000 Welcome Grand Prix on Thursday, guiding Day Dream to first with a jump-off time of 36.202 seconds and Ilan Ferder’s Glasgow De Muze to second place after finishing the short track in 36.245 seconds. Nicole Bellissimo rode Bellissimo LLC’s Jersey V.D. Hunters to third place honors after crossing the timers in 38.169 seconds, with 17 entries testing the course in total.
Torano has been piloting Day Dream since the horse turned seven, but has only had the ride on Glasgow for a few weeks. Tryon Spring III was the pair’s first time in the competition ring together. He explained, “Oddly enough, that’s a horse [Glasgow] that I do not know at all. The Grand Prix was only the second class I’ve ever ridden him in. He belongs to a very close friend of mine, Ilan Ferder, who called me last week and said, ‘I’m going to send you a horse to ride.’ I owe him a lot, and a huge thank you to Ilan for believing in me and trusting me with that horse. So far, we’ve had great success with him. A good start.”
As Torano rounded out his third successful week at the venue, his original plans have shifted. “My plans were to leave after the conclusion of this week,” he said. “I changed all of my plans and I’m actually staying here for three more weeks. That’s how much we like it and how much our customers like it. I think that’s really the root of it. I love this horse show. I love the facility and the footing. There really is nothing to not like about all of it. I think that’s where success starts, when you’re happy to be in a place.”
Jumper Highlights
Elizabeth Eaton of Bernville, PA and her own Herault championed the NAL/WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Classic after completing their jump-off round in 35.951 seconds to beat the class. Diana Harris of Creedmoor, NC and her own Flair WS collected second place with a time of 40.438 seconds. Lily Bachofen of Raleigh, NC achieved third place aboard her own Seaside Riviera, rounding out the top three with a time of 40.764 seconds.
The $3,000 NAL 1.20m Low Junior Jumper Classic awarded the win to John Angus of Fort Lauderdale, FL and the Stephanie Angus owned Seacrest’s Calvin, with a jump-off time of 37.497 seconds. Jamie Buis of Wellington, FL and Bull Run’s Revelation, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Inc., were presented with second place after completing the track in 38.212 seconds. Faith Davis of Gurley, AL placed third with her own Dekadenz after riding through the fast track timers in 38.994 seconds.
Sarah Meyer of San Antonio, TX rode to victory aboard Cardentos J.W.B., owned by Don Meyer, in the $3,000 NAL 1.20m Low Amateur Jumper Classic after stopping the jump-off timers in 39.249 seconds. Arianna Tucker of Kannapolis, NC and her own Cludy took second place with a time of 40.591 seconds. Courtney Osborne of Marietta, GA and her own TY Boy earned third place after a jump-off round ending in 43.587 seconds.
The $5,000 NAL/WIHS 1.30m Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic was won by Manuel Fernandez Hache of Wellington, FL and Aristides Fernandez Zucco’s Kanisso, after crossing through jump-off timers in 37.742 seconds. Faith Davis of Gurley, AL and her own Cardiff CR earned second place with a time of 38.657 seconds. Judy Sutton of Maggie Valley, NC finished in third place with Win A Date after contesting the course in 40.384 seconds and with eight added faults.
The $10,000 1.40m High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic saw Grace Boston of Owings Mills, MD and Orpen Horses’ Campanula take first place, stopping the jump-off timers in a quick 44.076 seconds. Manuel Fernandez Hache of Wellington, FL also took home second place aboard Aristides Fernandez Zucco’s Al Calypso after finishing the track in 39.523 seconds, but with four added faults. Maria Gabriela Brugal of Santo Dominigo, FL scooped up third place aboard her own Southern Comfort, finishing with a first round time of 78.953 seconds.
Hunter Highlights
The $10,000 USHJA International Derby saw Liza Boyd of Camden, SC guide the Finally Farm Inc.’s Clemens through two rounds in Tryon Stadium at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) Friday night, scoring 383 to take the lead ahead of 20 additional entries chasing behind. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL took second place honors aboard Triompf, owned by Loretta Patterson, with a score of 373, while Boyd also took third, riding Leonardo Aljure’s Easter to a score of 366. The highlight class of the World Champion Hunter Rider week showcased top hunter talent under the lights in the iconic Tryon Stadium, with a course designed by Andres Christiansen.
With 35 entries presented on the Derby Field at TIEC for the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Sara Taylor of Sherborn, MA piloted Eight Oaks’ So Fun, to victory on a two-round score of 184, scoring 90 and 94. Wakefield, RI native Jennifer Hannan rode Cynthia Sulzberger’s Coeur de Leon to second place on a score of 180.5, and Mary Antonini of New Orleans, LA secured third place aboard her own MTM Making Waves, their two round score totaling 178.5.
Liza Boyd of Camden, SC aboard Cassanto, owned by Maggie Hill, secured champion honors in the Performance Hunter 3’6″, ahead of Jennifer Bliss of Wellington, FL aboard Poker Face, owned by Harris Hill Farm, LLC.
Emma Terry of Cartersville, GA and Jackie Sawyer’s Blue Eyed Bandit were champions of the Short Stirrup 2′ Hunter Division. Reserve champion was awarded to Anna Scott Ault of Kennesaw, GA riding Jackie Sawyer’s Dapple Me Grey.
Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Jennifer Smith’s Ocean Mist finished atop the division in the USHJA Hunter 3′ Division. Hannan collected reserve champion with Namaste, owned by Cynthia Sulzberger.
The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Small Junior Hunter 3’6″ Division champion was awarded to Elly Ficca of Charlotte, NC riding her own Cleopatra’s Smile. Reserve champion was awarded to Maggie Hill of Jackson, WY and her own O’Ryan.
Ashley Conkle of Wellford, SC was awarded champion of the USHJA Hunter 2’6″ Division with winning mount Pillow Talk, owned by Chris Brown. Reserve champion was presented to Caroline Foto of Waxhaw, NC and Huckleberry Finn, owned by Sarah Hattaway.
Sadie Parker of Waxhaw, NC and Jump Forest Jump, owned by Parker, finished atop the USHJA Hunter 2’3″ Division ahead of Grace Mangrum of Milton, GA, who collected reserve champion with her own Josiahs Elegant Comet.
The Large Junior Hunter 3’6″ Division was won by Grace Boston of Owings Mills, MD and Major Key, owned by Orpen Horses. Devin Seek of Ocala, FL and Don Stewart’s Addison captured reserve champion honors.
Mill Spring, NC – May 4, 2017 – Jimmy Torano (USA) and Betagravin stole the show in the FEI competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), riding to an impressive win in the $35,000 1.45m Tryon Challenge CSI 2* on the second day of international competition in the George H. Morris Arena. The pair made quick work of the jump-off track to stop the timers in 34.931 seconds. Leslie Howard (USA) and Gentille van Spieveld finished in second place with a time of 36.998 seconds, while Kyle Timm (CAN) and Georgie B earned third place with a time of 37.01 seconds.
Torano piloted both of his mounts, Betagravin, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood mare (Quasimodo Z x Grandeville) owned by North Run & Missy Clark, and Chiara Blue Diamond, owned by Yves Houtackers Spingstal & Missy Clark, into the top ten of the competitive class. Eight entries advanced to the jump-off round, while 46 entries contested the original track set by Richard Jeffery (GBR).
“I thought the course today was very nice. It wasn’t too big, but tough enough for a qualifying class,” said Torano. “I was lucky enough to have two in the jump-off and was fast on my first horse in, but had a rail down. I went last on Betagravin and knew that Leslie went very quick. This horse is just fast. The object for us was to win today.”
The pair has only been partnered together since the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season, when Missy Clark and John Brennan asked Torano to try the mare out in a few classes. Torano elaborated, “She belongs to John and Missy with North Run. One day they asked me to ride her and we just clicked. I won the first class I did with her in Florida and she’s just a winner. She has a huge heart and is just super careful. She’s a real fighter.”
With Torano’s breadth of experience and Betagravin’s will to win, the pair has been formidable in international competition together. While Torano noted that Betagravin had jumped quality classes with previous riders, he feels the mare has truly come into form this year.
“She’s a horse that you can count on every time in the ring. It’s a good horse to have and she tries to win every class we put her in,” he explained. “She had jumped a few 1.50m classes and had some good experience at nice shows before this season. This winter she really got solid and consistent at this height and has been a rock star ever since.”
This week is Torano’s first trip to TIEC to compete and the veteran U.S. rider and renowned trainer has been impressed with not only the performance of his horses, but the experience his team has had so far.
“I love it here. I’m the biggest fan. I’m still trying to find something that I don’t like. We’re in a three-bedroom cabin with Missy and John and it’s just been fantastic,” laughed Torano. “What’s not to like here? There are restaurants and a General Store. It’s all just pretty spectacular. We loved it the first day and winning today’s class always makes the week that much sweeter. This is as good as it gets. It’s the best facility I’ve ever seen and we will absolutely be back in the fall.”
For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.
Laura Kraut and Deauville S Top $25,000 Progressive Nutrition Grand Prix; Jimmy Torano and Day Dream Secure Victory in $10,000 Nutrena® Open Stake
Wellington, FL – April 11, 2017 – Jose Roberto Reynoso of Wellington, FL and Azrael W took top honors in the $35,000 Nutrena® Grand Prix at ESP Spring I, hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) to kick off the post Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season circuit. The duo completed the jump-off track in 35.263 seconds to take first place ahead of Margie Engle of Wellington, FL and Dicas, who crossed the timers in 36.579 seconds. Ailish Cunniffe of South Salem, NY and Baloucento 2 rode to third place, finishing just behind Engle with a time of 36.838 seconds.
Reynoso and Azrael W, a 2005 Dutch Warmblood (Chin Chin x Voltaire) owned by Reynoso, rose to the top of the leaderboard after besting a nine-horse jump-off. Five pairs finished the day securing a double clear effort around both tracks. The pair finished a banner week of competition, after finishing in second place in the $25,000 Progressive Nutrition Grand Prix on Friday, just behind Laura Kraut and Deauville S, before their grand prix win.
“I thought the course was good. He was just amazing, like always. I really like this horse so much. I’ve had him since he was four and we have a very good partnership together,” said Reynoso.
The pair was the last to head into the International Ring during the jump-off for the class and Reynoso understood the challenge ahead. While several other riders had rails, he wanted to keep Azrael W careful, but also quick to ensure that the pair finished with the fastest time.
“I was the last one in the jump-off and I knew that there were both four fault rounds and rounds with zero faults. I wanted to be careful not to have a rail and make sure that he stayed quick so that we could finish well,” he added.
The duo will contest the ESP Spring II classes before heading back to Brazil for their summer and fall seasons, with hopes of returning to Wellington for the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival and ESP Spring Series. He concluded, “We’re going to jump Spring II and then we’ll go back to Brazil, but are already planning on coming back for the 2018 season in November.”
Laura Kraut and Deauville S
Laura Kraut and Deauville S Top $25,000 Progressive Nutrition Grand Prix
U.S. veteran rider Laura Kraut of Wellington, FL and Deauville S, a 2006 Holsteiner gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Lux Z) owned by Old Willow Farms LLC, rose to the top of a competitive first grand prix class during ESP Spring I. The pair dashed through the jump-off track in 38.626 seconds to secure the win. Jose Roberto Reynoso of Wellington, FL and Azrael W finished just behind Kraut with a time of 39.298 seconds for second place. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and Boy IV captured third place with a jump-off time of 39.298 seconds.
Kraut and Deauville S bested the 33-horse class, which featured a small but fast jump-off of five horse and rider combinations. The seasoned pair of Kraut and Deauville S have competed around the globe and finished with one of their top placings this season in the grand prix.
Jimmy Torano and Day Dream Secure Victory in $10,000 Nutrena® Open Stake
Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Day Dream, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zento x Heartbreaker) owned by Jimmy & Danielle Torano, rode to victory in the $10,000 Nutrena® Open Stake to start off major prize money classes at ESP Spring I. The duo narrowly edged Sharn Wordley of Citra, FL and Caiman Des Sequoias, who stopped the timers in 37.69 seconds, while Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL piloted Boy IV to third place, finishing just a tenth of a second behind Wordley in 37.773 seconds.
A total of 41 combinations contested the track, while seven combinations advanced to the jump-off round, including another two of Andrade’s mounts, Belita and Walter 61. Wordley also guided Rye Val de Mai to the jump-off as his second mount to contest the short course.
Jumper Highlights
The $5,000 Omega Alpha 1.35m Stake was championed by Luiz Francisco de Azevedo of Belgium and his own Axel P, rode to an efficient trip around the short course, finishing in 36.29 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Tupac Van De captured second place with a jump-off time of 36.362 seconds. Andrade also picked up third place in the class, piloting his own Jenni’s Chance to a top three finish with a time of 36.599 seconds.
Kelly Bauernschmidt of Bratenahl, OH and her own Belle Blue S rode to victory in the $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic after completing their jump-off trip in 37.376 seconds ahead of Nyah Chernoff of Dewinton, Alberta and Pater Noster, owned by Windemere Stables LTD., who took second with a time of 40.87 seconds. Serena Marron of New York, NY and Abnormaal, owned by Kevin Babington, earned third place after adding four faults to their jump-off time of 41.727 seconds.
Kendra Gierkink of Harpswell, ME and Freestyler, owned by Kadley Holdings LLC, captured first place honors in the $2,500 Gold Coast Feed Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, finishing the class as the only pair to secure a double clear effort. Phoebe Alwine of Delray Beach, FL and Zenith Dance, owned by In The Clover Equestrian, earned second place after dropping a single rail, adding four faults to their time of 40.854 seconds. Michelle Navarro-Grau of Wellington, FL and her own Tibetano finished in third place, after accumulating four faults and crossing through the short course timers in 45.39 seconds.
The $2,500 Equiline High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic saw Kira Kerkorian of Sagaponack, NY and Cassi, owned by Lisa Kerkorian, take first place, stopping the jump-off timers in 40.318 seconds. Kendra Gierkink of Harpswell, ME and Conisha van de Helle, owned by Kadley Holdings LLC, took home second place after finishing the track in 41.04 seconds. Michelle Naarro-Grau of Wellington, FL and her own Yidam finished in third place with a time of 42.02 seconds.
Heather Kuhl of Miami, FL and her own Wasserman rose to the top of the class in the $1,500 Equine Couture/TuffRider Low Children’s Adult Classic after besting the four horse jump-off with the fastest four fault time. The pair finished in 38.665 seconds ahead of Matti Fisher of Westport, CT and Paloma, owned by Lionshare Farm, who lowered a single rail and finished in 42.042 seconds. Sydney Gorall of Wellington, FL and her own Askano, took home third place after completing the jump-off track in 44.851 seconds.
Michelle Stacy of Marstons Mills, MA and her own Enqrique VHV took top honors in the $1,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Classic after completing the short course in 35.237 seconds. Adrian Jay of Knoxville, TN and Bibi Sijgje, owned by Halle Fogel, placed in second after finishing the jump-off in 33.664 seconds and adding four faults to their score. Lia Screnci of Boca Raton, FL and Vichy, owned by Volado Farms, took third after dropping a single rail in the first round and finishing with a time of 72.494 seconds.
Hunter Highlights
Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Gabriel, owned by J T Farm, took top honors in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby during ESP Spring I with a total two round score of 177. Ericka Koscinski of Center Moriches, NY and Emerson Hill, owned by Libby Mewbourne, rode to second place with a final score of 172. Zayna Rizvi of Greenwich, CT and Verdana, owned by Laura Wasserman, finished in third place, only a point behind Koscinski, completing two rounds with a total of 171.
Colvin and Gabriel received an 88 from the panel in round one before securing an 89 in the handy to take the win. The duo’s scores were the highest in both rounds, as they outpaced a class of 14 entries.
Sienna Pilla of Ridgefield, CT and Robin Hill’s Snapshot, owned by Piccolino Farm LLC, championed the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby with a two round score of 167. Hana Bieling of Wellington, FL guided Headlines, owned by Tanna Seltzer, to second place with a total score of 161, ahead of Christina Rogalny of Wellington, FL and More Like It, owned by Megan McCarthy, who took home third place with a score of 160 from the panel.
The Neue Schule Bits USHJA Hunter 3′ Division saw Richard Fancher of Crestwood, KY and Von Dutch, owed by Cara Cheska, take the division championship ahead of Deborah Perkins of Wellington, FL and her own Rise and Shine, who secured reserve champion honors.
Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Canada, owned by Jennifer Smith, championed the Gold Coast Feed Performance Hunter 3’3″ & 3’6″ Combined Division ahead of Katherine Newman of Wellington, FL, who guided Forever Autumn, owned by Christine Richards, to reserve.
Coco Fath of Fairfield, CT and Akinda, owned by Hillside Farm, LLC, secured the divisional championship in the #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’6″ Division, while Taylor St Jacques of Glen Allen, VA and her own Di Samorano were awarded with reserve champion.
For more information on PBIEC and to see a full list of results from ESP Spring I, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Parot Wins Douglas Elliman 1.45m; Jimmy Torano and Pure Imagination Triumph in Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Hunter 3’3″
Wellington, FL – March 30, 2017 – Ireland’s Darragh Kenny triumphed in the $86,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 12 on Thursday, March 30, riding brand new mount Billy Onslow at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.
Olaf Petersen, Jr. (GER) set the course for 70 entries in Thursday’s Challenge Cup and yielded 21 clear rounds. With two entries opting out of the jump-off, 19 continued on, and nine were able to clear the short course without fault. Second to go in the jump-off, Darragh Kenny went full speed with Billy Onslow to put the pressure on the remaining competitors. His time of 33.33 seconds held up for the win.
Margie Engle (USA) and Gladewinds Farm’s Royce finished second in 34.22 seconds. Nicole Walker (CAN) and Falco van Spieveld placed third in 36.23 seconds.
“He is such a cool horse,” Kenny said of the 11-year-old Anglo European gelding (Billy Congo x Iroko) that he purchased from Great Britain’s William Funnell. I just got him three weeks ago when I was in Europe. He did a 1.40m class yesterday, and then this today. Obviously, I do not really know him so well, but he tries so hard and he is super easy to ride.”
Remarking on his jump-off, Kenny stated, “I know he is really brave, really careful, and really scopey, so I just went as fast as I could go. There were 17 people after me, so I knew that if I left the door open at all I would have no chance. He has a massive stride. I did eight strides to the second to last fence and I did eight strides to the last, which nobody else did. I also did an inside turn to the double, which in hindsight probably was not the smartest thing.
“I did the first line, and I knew he had a big stride, but I did not realize just how big,” Kenny detailed. “I did the seven strides really slow and I thought I must have miscounted and done eight, so then I panicked and I thought I had to do something really special to try to win. He was just amazing. He was brilliant. He should not have jumped the double from where I turned back at all. He is so brave and careful. You turn back and you don’t even have to worry. You know he is going to do his best to leave the jumps up.”
Parot Notches Another WEF Win
Beginning competition in the International Arena at PBIEC on Thursday, Chile’s Samuel Parot jumped to victory in the $35,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m speed class riding his 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding Quick du Pottier (Hurlevent De Breka x Cuba).
Fifty-two entries started over Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s first-round course and 15 cleared the track without fault. Parot and Quick du Pottier went fifth in the order, setting an uncatchable time of 59.14 seconds for the win.
Lisa Goldman (USA) and Barbara Disko’s Sovereign finished second in 62.60 seconds. Conor Swail (IRL) crossed the timers in 62.82 seconds to place third riding Vanessa Mannix’s Rubens LS La Silla. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Everlong LLC’s Diamond D took fourth place in 63.64 seconds.
Samuel Parot and Quick du Pottier
Speaking of his winning round, Parot stated, “Yesterday I went really fast and I had one down, so today I did not want to go as fast because the course was very careful. I went in the first five, and I thought I went fast, but not that fast. I thought somebody would catch me, but the course was very careful and it caught people.
“This horse is very fast,” Parot continued. “I thought I would maybe be in the top three with this time, but I was lucky that I ended up winning it.”
Parot has had great success throughout the 2017 circuit, winning week four’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m riding Dazzle White, topping the $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup in week six with Atlantis, winning week seven’s $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic aboard Quick du Pottier, and also taking week eleven’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m riding Couscous van Orti.
Remarking on his winter, Parot smiled, “It has been a really fantastic season. I think this is the best circuit I have had here. I had a really good summer and then the horses came in to the winter really good. They have stayed really sound and they are all in great shape. This horse is done for the circuit. He was really good all winter and it is nice for him to go out with a win. He and the others will all have a nice vacation until we go to Tryon in May.”
Also competing in the International Arena on Thursday, the Spy Coast Farm Six-Year-Old Developing Jumpers completed their Power and Speed class with a win for Andres Soto (COL) and Julia Tedesco’s X-Lady.
Jimmy Torano and Pure Imagination Triumph in Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Hunter 3’3″
Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Pure Imagination, owned by Ponies & Palms Show Stables, LLC, topped a competitive field of 37 horse and rider combinations in the Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Hunter 3’3″ division on Thursday. The pair only showed in two classes, but after winning an over fences round and placing third in the stake, they earned the championship ribbon.
Torano, who had never ridden the coming nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Ars Vivendi before, showed him as a favor to friend Joey Currais, trainer of Hunters Landing.
“We just got Pure Imagination to do the Junior Hunters with one of my clients, Isha Swani,” explained Currais. “Honestly, I have had him for four days. I wanted to put Jimmy on him to get a feel of the horse because the horse is going to do the 3’6″ this weekend. I’m beyond words, the trips were beautiful and having somebody of that caliber like Jimmy Torano, it was just a beautiful picture.”
While Currais has only had Pure Imagination in his barn for a short time, he speaks highly of the gifted gelding.
“This is a horse I picked for my client because of his personality, he is kind and forgiving, he has a great record, and a beautiful and quality jump,” continued Currais. “Working with a talented animal like Pure Imagination is a pure privilege.”
Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, SC and Hide Away, an entry owned by Looking Back Farm, captured the reserve honors, only two points overall behind Torano. Boyd and Hide Away won the handy trip and placed fourth in the stake round.
Competition continues on Friday featuring the $10,000 Gut Einhaus Five-Year-Old Developing Jumper Classic, the $15,000 Spy Coast Farm Six-Year-Old Developing Jumper Classic, and the $20,000 Spy Coast Farm Seven-Year-Old Developing Jumper Classic in the International Arena. The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby will determine a winner in the Derby Field at the Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds). For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.
Jimmy Torano Forms New Partnership to Win Pre-Green Three & Four-Year-Old Hunters
Wellington, FL – March 9, 2017 – Karen Polle (JPN) and veteran partner With Wings earned a big win in Thursday’s $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
Round 9 of the Challenge Cup series saw 51 starters over Alan Wade’s (IRL) first round course. Twelve entries advanced to the jump-off, and six completed double clear rounds. Polle and With Wings took the win in 36.71 seconds. Lillie Keenan (USA) and Chansonette Farm’s Skyhorse finished second in 38.14 seconds. Lauren Hough (USA) aboard Willow Grace Farm’s Cornet 39 placed third in 38.53 seconds, and Lucy Davis (USA) riding Old Oak Farm’s Cassis 54 finished fourth in 38.95 seconds.
“I thought the first round was actually pretty tricky. At the beginning we didn’t see so many clears,” Polle said after her win. “The jump-off was really fun. For Wings, it really suited him well because you could get a gallop and try to cruise through, and just watch the verticals. There were two places where I was able to leave out strides, which I think really helped me.
“I was a little long at the last fence, but I went for it,” Polle continued. “Wings has so much range that he can do that. That is where I have to be a little quicker sometimes because he has a big stride, but he is not a quick, quick horse, so to make up that time I need to do the leave outs.”
Polle began training with Olympic gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa in October, but also had her longtime experience riding With Wings to her advantage.
“Last month was seven years that I have had him,” Polle noted. “I think that is one of the most special things, to have a horse that you start really young. I started in the Low Junior Jumpers with him, and then we worked our way up to the five-star level. I think that makes our partnership even more special because we have known each other for so long. We trust each other a lot because we have been through everything together. It is very rare, so I am really lucky.”
Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and Quintol finished fifth in 39.30 seconds, and Pablo Barrios (VEN) riding A S D Farfala placed sixth in 39.54. Kent Farrington (USA) completed the fastest time in 35.54 seconds with his own and Robin Parksy’s Gazelle, but had a rail at the final fence to place seventh.
Also competing in the International Arena on Thursday, Jonathan McCrea and Candy Tribble’s Special Lux won the $8,000 Douglas Elliman CSI 2* 1.45m speed class. Alexandra Pielet and Helene VE topped the $1,500 Sleepy P Ranch High Junior Jumper speed class.
Jimmy Torano Forms New Partnership to Win Pre-Green Three & Four-Year-Old Hunters
Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL rode More Than Words, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Caristo, for the first time at WEF 9 to win the Pre-Green Three & Four-Year-Old Hunter division championship. The pair won the under saddle, an over fences round, and placed third in another over fences class to secure the title.
Jimmy Torano and More Than Words
“He went great,” said Torano. “He is owned in a partnership with Ralph Caristo, Emil Spadone, and me. We bought him at an auction back in the fall. We were all at the same auction together and we all really liked the horse, so we decided to form a group and buy him.”
More Than Words is a 2012 Holsteiner gelding by Cancara. Earlier in the winter circuit, Heather Caristo-Williams showed the gelding in the USHJA Hunter 2’6″ division, sponsored by Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, LLP.
“I think he’s going to be a really fancy horse,” Torano continued. “He’s just four years old, but this is the first time I’ve ridden him and he went great. He’s really straightforward, a beautiful horse, and a beautiful jumper.”
Heather Hayes of Cumming, GA and Mind’s Eye, an entry owned by River Run Farm, LLC, settled for reserve honors. The pair earned second place ribbons in the under saddle and two over fences classes, as well as placing sixth in another over fences class. Mind’s Eye is a four-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Spartacus.
Competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival continues on Friday featuring the $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m CSI 5* in the International Arena. On the grass derby field at Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds), the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby and $1,000 Small Pony Hunter Classic, sponsored by Visse Wedell & Douglas Elliman, will decide winners. For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.
Consistency Key for Julie Holzberger and Pure Giving
Wellington, FL – January 20, 2017 – Jimmy Torano (USA) rode Missy Clark and North Run’s Betagravin to victory in the $6,000 Illustrated Properties 1.40m FEI speed class on Friday, January 20, at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
Ana Catalina Harris Cruz (MEX) set the track for Friday’s speed round in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), with 42 starters in the 1.40m competition and 11 clear rounds. Torano and Betagravin finished their course in 55.60 seconds. Lauren Hough (USA) and Willow Grace Farm’s Canasta Z placed second in 56.89 seconds, and Laura Chapot (USA) rode her own and Mary Chapot’s Thornhill Kate through the timers in 59.49 seconds to finish third.
Torano just began riding Betagravin, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Quasimodo Z x Grandeville), a few weeks ago for Missy Clark.
“She has been great. I have ridden her in five classes so far, and she has won two and been third in another,” Torano detailed. “She is very fast, very careful, and seems like a really competitive horse.”
Commenting on his round, Torano stated, “Originally today, the plan was just to go smooth and set her up for Sunday’s 1.50m, but right as I was walking in the ring Missy said, ‘What the heck, let’s try to win it.’
“When I walked the course, I only walked half of it because that is all I was going to do for some training,” Torano continued. “I had to change my whole plan before I walked into the ring, but we did it. Her stride is so big that I can save a lot of time. I left strides out everywhere.”
Betagravin will jump her first big class on Sunday, and Torano sees more for her future.
“She’s probably more horse than they think they originally bought, but I think they can attempt some bigger classes with her because she seems to be doing everything we have asked of her,” he noted. “She is nice. She is in your hand. The biggest thing is dealing with her big stride, but you just have to know how to contain that.”
Also competing in the International Arena on Friday, Sarah Bagworth and Goldfinger vd Hengstenpoel won the $2,500 Engel & Völkers High Amateur-Owner Jumper Power and Speed. Claire Schreder and Ceahorse LLC’s Luca Toni 18 topped the $1,500 Sleepy P Ranch High Junior Jumper Power and Speed. The final $6,000 1.40m Illustrated Properties 1.40m speed class saw a win for Laura Chapot (USA) aboard Mary Chapot’s Shooting Star.
Consistency Key for Julie Holzberger and Pure Giving
Julie Holzberger, of Fairfield, OH, and long-time partner Pure Giving triumphed in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 & Older Sec. A. The pair finished first, third, third, and fourth over fences and second under saddle to secure the championship title. Lynn Rogers, of Baypoint, NY, and Blue Point settled for the reserve championship honors with a pair of sixth place ribbons and a pair of first place ribbons, all over fences.
Julie Holzberger and Pure Giving
Pure Giving is a 2002 Swedish Warmblood gelding that Holzberger has owned for six years. She credits much of her success to her trainers of 14 years, David Belford and Christopher Payne, and her focus on consistency.
“He’s so sweet and I adore him,” gushed Holzberger, who had a highlight win with Pure Giving at the 2014 Capital Challenge Horse Show. “He knows me like I know him. We’re in sync together. He loves to go out for grass and I love to graze him.”
Holzberger primarily competes at WEF in the winter and Kentucky in the summer. She balances her veteran mount with a younger horse, Pure Bliss that she shows in the 2’6″ division.
“My goal is just to ride consistently. At the end of the day, that’s the most important thing. For me, I want to ride consistently, whatever the outcome is. I’ve had a really great first two weeks here and I love the experience and the environment,” she said.
The first week of WEF continues on Saturday with the second “Saturday Night Lights” event of the season, the $86,000 Marshall & Sterling Insurance Grand Prix CSI 2*. The Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Over 35 division will award championship honors for week two in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.
Jimmy Torano and Day Dream. Photos copyright Sportfot.
Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K Win U.S. Open FEI Dressage Grand Prix CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson; Alexandra Crown and Basic Take $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.20m Speed Class
September 23, 2016 – New York, NY – USA’s Jimmy Torano jumped to an exciting victory in the $216,000 U.S. Open FEI Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex, on a beautiful Friday night in New York City at the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show (RCPHS). The faster of only two double clear rounds in a ten-horse jump-off with some of the world’s best, Torano and Day Dream took the win in front of the one-of-a-kind backdrop of skyscrapers over Sharn Wordley (NZL), who finished in the number two position for the second year in a row riding Barnetta. Conor Swail (IRL) had the fastest four-fault round to place third riding Cita.
Friday’s competition in Central Park also featured a win for Ireland’s Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K in the U.S. Open FEI Dressage Grand Prix CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson. New York’s own Alexandra Crown and Basic got a win earlier in the evening’s $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.20m Jumper Speed Class.
The Rolex Central Park Horse Show runs through Sunday, September 25, with five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport for Arabians, jumpers, dressage, and hunters. The $216,000 FEI Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex, and Friday night ceremonies will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network on Sunday, September 25, from 9-10:30 p.m. EST.
Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) set the track for the $216,000 FEI Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex, on Friday night for 34 starters in Central Park’s Wollman Rink. Ten horse and rider combinations advanced to the jump-off, and only two were able to complete the short course without fault. Torano set the time to beat in the jump-off, with the first clear round in 37.05 seconds, and held on for victory. Wordley then went for a safer round to finish second on his time of 41.39 seconds riding the Sky Group’s Barnetta.
Swail was blazing fast aboard Ariel and Susan Grange’s Cita in 33.12 seconds, but dropped a rail to finish third. McLain Ward (USA) and Double H Farm’s HH Carlos Z were also extremely fast in 34.89 seconds, but had an unusual rail at the first fence to place fourth. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run Jumper Five LLC’s Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili rounded out the top five with four faults in 35.19 seconds.
Torano’s winning mount Day Dream is just eight years old, but shows exceptional talent that was on display Friday night. Torano and his wife Danielle own the Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zento x Heartbreaker) along with Daryl Portela’s Isalou, Inc., and imported the gelding from Europe two years ago.
“I bought him at the end of his six-year-old year and have been bringing him along,” Torano stated. “From day one I believed in him. I always said he was going to do big things. He jumped some grand prixs at the end of his seven-year-old year, and he won a couple times this summer. I got him from the same guy I get all my horses – Willem Greve in Holland. The horse has a lot of quality, and he is very careful. When I go to the jumps I never think he is going to knock one down. His rideability needs to get better, but he really knows where the poles are, so I have a lot of trust in him.”
The pair competed at the American Gold Cup last week, and Torano took a chance on trying to get a spot to compete in Central Park this week.
“He came out of the Gold Cup pretty well, which is why I called Mark (Bellissimo) and Michael (Stone) to see if there was an extra spot. I really waited until the last second,” Torano detailed. “I brought my horse to the jog even though he wasn’t in, because Michael said to go ahead and do it, and then somebody dropped out at the last second and I was able to come in. It all worked out, and I guess it was one of those things that was just meant to be.”
Torano continued, “He is a very brave horse. I was not worried about the lights. I was not worried about the venue or the atmosphere here. He is careful, but he is brave. Obviously I did not think I was going to come in and win the class. You have a top group of combinations here.”
In 2015, Torano did the commentary for the NBC Sports broadcast of the RCPHS grand prix, and after experiencing the event so closely through that perspective, the rider wanted to compete even more.
“I really can’t say enough about the event,” Torano stated. “What gets better than riding in New York City with the skyline like this? The crowd was unbelievable. I can’t thank Mark, Michael, and the management group in its entirety enough. The footing was spectacular. It is a great event. It is as good as it gets anywhere.”
Wordley was very happy with his second place finish again this year riding Barnetta, a 12-year-old Westphalian gelding (Baloubet du Rouet x Polydor), and complimented his horse’s consistency.
“I am ecstatic. Barnetta is a great horse,” Wordley stated. “He is not the fastest horse, but he is very consistent. He does clear rounds. Last year, there were only two in the jump-off, and my strategy was just to go slow and hope that everybody else had a rail down. I thought my luck had run out with ten in the jump-off this year, but luck went our way.
“This is an amazing event, especially for me, because it is one of those events where every time you do something it turns to gold,” Wordley continued. “I rubbed a bunch of jumps tonight and they stayed up, so it is one of those special places for me.”
Wordley also remarked on the course building for Friday night and praised Guilherme Jorge on a job well done.
“Guilherme always builds fantastic courses, as you saw at the Olympics in Rio a few weeks ago,” Wordley noted. “He really knows how to use the arena. It is a very small space that he has to work with here, but it was very smooth, and he has a knack of being able to make it a hard test without any horses getting injured or scared. I always like his courses; I think they are fantastic. Tonight was a great example of his building.”
Conor Swail and Cita had a fantastic week, also placing second in Thursday’s $40,000 U.S. Open Canadian Pacific FEI Speed Class and carried on to a third place finish Friday night. Swail has had great results with the ten-year-old Holsteiner mare (Casall x Pik Ramiro) all year. While he thought that he took a little too much risk in the jump-off, he remains extremely happy with his mount.
“I thought she was outstanding tonight,” Swail stated. “The first round was a beautiful round. Then in the jump-off – the problem I have with her is that I never think she is going to knock anything down. She is so careful, and she rarely has a jump down in front. I just felt that I needed to be very fast because of a couple of the top guys were after me there with very fast horses. Basically, I made a little bit of a mistake. I cut in very tight, and I probably needed to square up my turn slightly better, but because I am riding so much quality and I felt that it did not matter where I was or what angle I was going at, I took a risk and unfortunately it did not pay off today.
“Congratulations to Jimmy,” Swail added. “He went around on a young horse and did a super job. Third place was good for me. I am so proud of my mare; I thought she jumped amazing.”
In the event’s third year, International Equestrian Group and RCPHS founder Mark Bellissimo has seen his vision to showcase equestrian sport in an iconic venue grow to great heights.
“I want to thank everyone for attending. This really was a special evening,” Bellissimo said of the competition. “When we started this event, the goal was to put together an event that was exciting, with top sport, in a setting that was not matched anywhere in the world. We had ten in the jump-off and some very competitive rounds. I want to thank Jimmy for putting on a show tonight. That was a very impressive performance.”
Bellissimo continued, “I want to thank our sponsors. Rolex has been amazing. They took a bet on doing this event. It is very unusual for them to put their brand on something that is not proven, and we really appreciate their support from the start. We are very thankful to them, Land Rover, Adequan®, Canadian Pacific, and all of the other wonderful sponsors of this event.”
As the RCPHS continues to grow, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has also been a great supporter of the event, and Vicki Lowell spoke to the quality on Friday night as a USEF representative.
“I am a huge fan of this show. This is the first time that I have been to the RCPHS and this is fantastic. I just cannot say enough,” Lowell stated. “The value of being able to put on an event like this, to be where the people are, and to bring the horses to the audience, is great. I think you could feel the enthusiasm from the crowd tonight. They stuck around for the prize giving ceremony, and the seats were filled in the VIP and the general admission. This is the kind of excitement, entertainment, and good sport that we need to bring to the audiences who love horses. I think everybody loves horses and they just don’t have the access to them, so it is fantastic when we can bring the horses to the city like this and expose them to people.”
With a clear round to win Thursday’s $40,000 U.S. Open Canadian Pacific Speed Class and another clear round in Friday night’s $216,000 FEI Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex, McLain Ward (USA) earned the second annual U.S. Open Championship and was presented with a $25,000 rider bonus to conclude jumper competition at the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show.
Friday’s festivities also included a special performance by Frederik the Great: The World’s Most Handsome Horse, and a ceremony honoring the U.S. Dressage Team Olympic Bronze medalists; U.S. Show Jumping Team Olympic Silver medalists; and Phillip Dutton, Olympic Individual Bronze medalist. Competition continues on Saturday with the Pony Hunters, Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunters, and Professional Hunters in the U.S. Open Hunter Duchossois Cup, presented by The Gochman Family.
Judy Reynolds Wins U.S. Open Dressage Grand Prix CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson
The Rolex Central Park Horse Show hosted its first-ever international dressage grand prix CDI4* in Wollman Rink on Friday afternoon with a win for Olympians Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K of Ireland with a high score of 73.80%. Reynolds guided the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Jazz out of Phantastia) through a beautiful test for the first time in Central Park and had a great experience.
Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K
On making the decision to travel to New York after their Olympic appearance, Reynolds stated, “After the Olympics in Rio, I had intended on taking a little bit of a longer break, but I was back home and I got a text message from Thomas Baur asking what I was doing on these dates. I said, ‘Nothing at the moment, what have you got in mind?’ And he asked if I wanted to come to Central Park. I thought it sounded like really great fun. I had seen the pictures from the last couple of years, and it was just one of these competitions that I thought, ‘That’s one I really want to do at some point.’ It is an amazing location, and I think it is definitely one you can’t miss.”
Owned by Joe and Kathleen Reynolds, Vancouver K has come long way with Reynolds and proved his development with a solid performance in the exciting atmosphere of Central Park.
“A little less than two years ago we made the decision to really expose him to atmosphere because he had not been dealing with it that well,” Reynolds detailed. “He is quite a hot horse. We went to the World Equestrian Games in 2014, and it just did not work at all. He just did not deal with the atmosphere and all the attention, so we made the decision to go to big competitions. We did World Cup and things like that last year, which really exposed him to different venues and environments, and that was really important for us.
“We had a busy winter and spring qualifying for Rio because I had to go to (as an) individual. That was quite a tough qualifying process,” Reynolds continued. “Then we took a little bit of a break after qualifying, and we did four competitions leading up to Rio. He is better when he competes often, so we take long breaks and then do more intense periods of competition. That is just what works for him. I am glad we have taken the route of exposing him to different things because otherwise this would not have worked. You are walking through the park and there is just so much going on, so they have to be able to focus on you still through all that. I would not have missed this for the world.”
Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Lovsta Stuteri’s Paridon Magi finished second with a score of 73.14%. Canada’s Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and her own All In placed third with a 71.06%.
Vilhelmson-Silfven was also at the Olympic Games in Rio with her top mount Don Auriello and took the opportunity to rest the stallion while bringing Paridon Magi back to Central Park for his second year at the competition.
The seven-time Olympian was also very happy to have this year’s CDI4* rating and enjoyed her Grand Prix test on Friday.
“I think that is really important of course, and I hope that is going to make more riders come,” Vilhelmson-Silfven stated. “The feeling to ride into this atmosphere with the backdrop is really amazing. It was a bit different this year than last year. Last year, the Pope was here on Friday, so it was very empty in the park. Now there was a lot going on in the park when we walked up to the arena. That was very exciting, but also very good I think that the horses can handle that, and they can. You don’t feel that at all once you get into the arena. It’s almost like they say, ‘Phew, now I’m here, now I can work.’ I had a great feeling in there, and I am happy to be able to have a second horse like him to pull out of my sleeve and show sometimes. I think he is a great horse to do this with.”
Third place finisher Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu of Canada also had a great time competing in Central Park. This was her first time in the busy atmosphere of the Park and her horse All In took it in stride.
“There is really nothing that compares to a show like this and the atmosphere,” Fraser-Beaulieu stated. “I was not sure how he would handle the atmosphere. There were people playing ball and kids were screaming, but he came down to the ring and was totally settled in. I took the summer off from competing and just took time to train, and I think it really made a difference.”
Judge Gary Rockwell commented on the day’s results and acknowledged the top three horses and riders on their efforts.
“I think it is a top-notch competition. The setting is obviously something no one else has in the world,” Rockwell noted. “There is a lot going on here, but I was quite impressed with how obedient the horses were in the arena. No one had any problems with distractions or anything, so it is definitely a setting that can handle a CDI 4* like this. I am very happy with the rides today. Especially these three horses; every time I see them they are better, so I am always happy to see that.”
Dressage competition continues on Saturday evening with the U.S. Open $75,000 FEI Dressage Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson. The evening will also feature a special freestyle demonstration from three-time Olympic gold medalists Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro.
Alexandra Crown and Basic Take $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.20m Speed Class
Kicking off Friday evening at the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show, Alexandra Crown (USA) and her ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Basic (Silverstone x Indoctro) were the winners of the $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.20m Speed Class.
Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) set the track for Friday’s speed competition, with 12 entries and four clear rounds. Last to go, Crown and Basic clocked the winning time of 66.14 seconds. Claudia Villamil (PUR) and her own Infinity placed second in 68.42 seconds. Lisbeth Hazoury (DOM) rode Los Establos Sporthorses Corp.’s Grey van de Castanoschans to third place in 70.09 seconds. Fourth place honors were awarded to Lilli Hymowitz (USA) aboard Rose Hill Farm’s Elatrice in a time of 71.09 seconds.
A New York City resident, 21-year-old Crown rode at the inaugural RCPHS in 2014 and returned this year with two top horses, also finishing second in Thursday night’s $25,000 U.S. Open Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 FEI Grand Prix aboard her own Von Cim. This was her first time to take a win in the world-famous Central Park event and a memorable moment for the young rider.
“It is really exciting. This is my hometown. It is my backyard,” Crown stated. “I grew up ice skating in Wollman Rink, so it is really cool to get to win here in front of my parents and our friends. I am very happy.”
Crown, who trains with U.S. Olympian Kent Farrington, has had many international wins around the world aboard Basic and knew that the mare would try her hardest in the night’s competition.
“She is amazing. She is insanely quick across the ground. She is so naturally fast, and she just wants to win,” Crown described. “She always tries for you. She wants to win as much as I do, so it is a good combination when you have a horse that goes into the ring that is fighting for you.”
Speaking of the challenging track for her winning round, Crown noted, “There were some inside turns in that course, and you had to make some blind turns to the jumps, which kind of suits her. She does not have the biggest stride in the world, so courses with long distances in between jumps aren’t the best for her. We were able to just use her natural speed, and turn tight to the jumps, and keep it neat, so it worked out really well.”
Wrapping up a special night in her young career, Crown acknowledged the incredible atmosphere while competing in Central Park.
“It is so special. You can’t really describe the feeling,” she admitted. “It is very sentimental to be riding here, and where else can you ride in a horse show like Central Park with this New York skyline? It is unbelievable.”
Competition in Central Park’s Wollman Rink continues through Sunday, September 25, with more multi-discipline equestrian sport. For more information and full results, visit www.centralparkhorseshow.com.
About Rolex Central Park Horse Show Launched in September 2014, Rolex Central Park Horse Show is the first-ever outdoor, multi-day equestrian sporting event in New York City, showcasing some of the best show jumpers and dressage riders in the world as they vie for top prizes against a backdrop of skyscrapers in one of the world’s most iconic venues. As the event founder, Mark Bellissimo is the CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and International Equestrian Group LLC; Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEF), Tryon Equestrian Partners and Colorado Equestrian Partners; and Publisher of The Chronicle of The Horse magazine. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, ranging from Arabians and Dressage to Hunters and Show Jumping. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will also host the second annual U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers; Dressage; Hunters; U25 Jumpers; and Arabians. For more information, visit www.centralparkhorseshow.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CPhorseshow and follow @cphorseshow on Twitter and Instagram.
Tori Colvin and Inclusive put in an outstanding round to win Round 1.
Lexington, KY – August 15, 2014 – After an injury months ago that sidelined the 11-year-old Warmblood gelding Inclusive, rider Tori Colvin has the successful mount back in winning shape. She showed him off today during the Classic Round of the USHJA International Hunter Derby, gaining a score of 95 from one judge panel, and two other scores in the 90s, as the two-day competition got underway at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Jimmy Torano, on his seventh mount of the day, produced results with Mindful procuring second place. Last year’s winner, Brunello, claimed third place with rider Liza Boyd just recently returned to riding after maternity leave.
Despite an injury earlier in the season, Colvin said she was not worried about how Inclusive, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, would perform today. “We showed him at Devon and at Junior Hunter Finals, but we wanted to keep him ready for this, and we thought he’d be perfect to go right into Derby Finals,” she explained.
Colvin thought the course was open and beautiful and not too spooky for a first round. Her favorite jump, a high-option oxer with wagon wheels, proved challenging to many other pairs, but Colvin knew Inclusive would love it because the jump was somewhat ramped, a specialty of Inclusive.
Tomorrow’s Handy Round will feature increased difficulty and new challenges but Colvin isn’t feeling the pressure.
“I’m feeling amazing going into tomorrow. I’ve never had a really good round going into the handy, so it’s very different being on top going into tomorrow,” said Colvin. “I’m just going to go in and see how he feels and how it all plays out.”
Jimmy Torano made his last ride count on Mindful
Jimmy Torano, who grabbed second place on Mindful, a Hanoverian gelding owned by Glefke & Kensel, took over all seven of Kelly Farmer’s mounts when she broke her collarbone several weeks ago.
“I’ve never ridden any of these horses; I barely know them. I watched some videos of them last week just to see how they go. Larry called me last week and asked me to do this and I thought he was out of his mind,” said Torano jokingly.
Torano’s other mounts had some bad luck, but everything came together on his last ride of the round and the third to last entry in the class.
“They say to save the best for last and going in I thought that Mindful was the horse that could do it and I thought he was my best mount of the day,” said Torano. “I think there was a lot of pressure riding on me, but because it was Mindful I was very relaxed. That horse could jump the course by itself; he’s that easy to ride. I’ve ridden thousands of horses but he’s the most straightforward, direct and easy horse I’ve ever sat on.”
With a solid mount taking him to the Handy Round, Torano is looking forward to what he thinks will be a more challenging ride tomorrow.
“Today the course wasn’t too imposing and nothing was crazy high, but I’m sure for tomorrow the screws will be turned. I think tomorrow will be more of a rider’s course and we’ll just have to try to ride to the top,” said Torano.
As last year’s Derby Finals winner Brunello, the 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding, went into the ring, anticipation was high. Not only was the mount carrying hopes for a repeat winner, but his rider and partial owner Liza Boyd was only just returning to riding after being on maternity leave. Despite the challenges, Boyd and Brunello displayed their athleticism and claimed third place, positioning themselves well for the rest of the Final.
Boyd and Brunello are in a good position to defend their title
Despite his age (“He has his driver’s license now,” quipped Boyd), Brunello is feeling great, she said.
“He had a nine-month maternity leave as well,” said Boyd. “But he actually feels fitter than ever, even better than last year.”
In order to keep up with Brunello, Boyd was incredibly eager to get back to riding after giving birth and even snuck in a few rides.
“I have tortured myself to get back into shape; I’m not kidding,” she said. “Two weeks after the baby I wasn’t really supposed to be riding, but I did sneak in a little ride while everyone was away at a show. I was cantering around and doing a couple jumps and my mom drove by and yelled at me. My daughter caught me putting on a riding pants one day and called my husband.”
Boyd said the hard work was all worth it because she really wanted to be fit for Brunello. “Who knows how many more years he has; he doesn’t owe me anything, but he feels great,” said Boyd.
Tomorrow the hunters will return to the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Handy Round and the USHJA International Hunter Derby Final during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.
For more information on the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, including this week’s Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Kentucky Summer Series Fast Facts
Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.
What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2014 series includes five weeks of top competition throughout the summer. These premier hunter/jumper competitions host the Hagyard Challenge Series with seven grand prix competitions that culminate with a Leading Rider Award, as well as the Hallway Feeds National Derby Series.
Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. Home to the United States Equestrian Federation.
When:
NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS – July 15-20, 2014
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 23-27, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 29 – August 3, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
2014 USEF PONY FINALS – August 5-10, 2014
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 12-17, 2014
USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event
KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 20-24, 2014
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, GGT Footing, Equestrian Services International, Johnson Horse Transportation, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program, Sleepy P Ranch, and the Official Hotel The Clarion
Hours:
8am – 5pm daily
Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
The Stonelea Ring, Murphy Ring, Walnut Ring, Stonelea/Murphy Schooling Ring, the Alltech Arena and the Rolex Stadium have Otto Sport footing consisting of fine sand and synthetic fiber on pvc mats. The Claiborne, Annex, and Covered Arena (old) rings’ footing consists of a sand cushion on limestone base. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.
CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.
Jimmy Torano and Scott Stewart Ride to the Top of Loddon Stalls Pre-Green Hunters Level 1
Wellington, FL – February 6, 2014 – Week five of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday afternoon with a shared victory for Ben Maher (GBR) aboard Urico and Tiffany Foster (CAN) riding Victor in the $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5. Held in a “California Split” due to the large number of entries, the competition awarded two sets of placings, each with $125,000 distributed.
FTI WEF week five, sponsored by Rolex, runs February 5-9, 2014. The week will feature the $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m on Friday, the $370,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix CSI-W 5* presented by Rolex on Saturday night, and the $84,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.
Great Britain’s Robert Ellis set the course for the $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 on Thursday in the International Arena at PBIEC. The class saw a record total of 116 entries in round one with 30 clear trips to narrow the field down for an impressive tie breaking jump-off. Twelve entries jumped clear over the short course, and Ben Maher had the fastest time of 43.44 seconds overall for the win in Section A of the class riding Jane Clark’s Urico. Tiffany Foster and Victor, owned by Artisan Farms and Torrey Pines, finished in 44.04 seconds for the win in Section B.
The top three finishers in Section A included Maher and Urico, Reed Kessler (USA) and Kessler Show Stables’ Ligist in second with a time of 44.11 seconds, and Eric Lamaze (CAN) with Artisan Farms’ Zigali P S in third in 44.93 seconds.
Section B saw a top finish for Foster and Victor, with Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ in second with a time of 44.79 seconds, and Wilton Porter (USA) and Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Paloubet in third in 44.96 seconds.
Jane Clark’s horses had a fantastic day on Thursday with Urico and Cella both qualifying for the jump-off and having great rounds. Urico got the win and Cella had one rail over the short course and finished seventh in Section B. To add to the success, Clark’s dressage horse, Wellnetta, earned an FEI Grand Prix 3* victory across the street at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival with U.S. rider Katherine Bateson Chandler earlier in the day.
Although Clark could not be in Wellington for the day’s top finishes, Ben Maher was happy to be a part of the winning team. He explained that he has made some adjustments to how he rides and prepares Urico since last year, and the changes seem to be working for the best.
“Urico was fantastic today,” Maher stated. “We spent a long time building him up since this time last year. I had a couple of accidents on him and now we really pinpoint him for certain classes. We don’t use him as much, but if we do it the right way, he is a great horse. It is looking like it pays off. He jumped a good first round, and I was lucky enough to have two in the jump-off. Cella jumped phenomenally in the jump-off and I just sliced the liverpool way too much. I thought she was a machine, not a horse I guess, so it reminded me I have to pay attention a bit more. On Urico, I had to ride a little bit wider there knowing that sometimes he gets a little afraid. He is naturally such a fast horse, so as soon as that was out of the way, I ran him to the end and luckily he was just a lot quicker.”
“Whatever I was doing this time last year, I am doing the opposite now pretty much,” Maher said. “He wanted to run quite close to the jumps and sometimes that caused him to panic a little bit, so I have worked him much differently. He gets a lot more work now in the mornings for preparation for the afternoon so that he is a bit quieter. I also tend to ride him with a little more space to the jumps so he does not have that moment of freezing up at the end. He is a very sensitive horse, so when he is confident, I am confident, and then hopefully the results come. That is the plan.”
Maher commented on the course for Thursday’s class, noting that it was one of the most challenging that he has seen yet at this year’s competition.
“I thought Bob Ellis did an amazing job,” he stated. “Where do you begin to start to build a course for 116 riders? It wasn’t perhaps the biggest we’ve ever seen, but Bob is clever. He places jumps on angles and rollbacks. He catches people out everywhere. That is probably what we haven’t seen yet here this season. There has been a lot of galloping, but not actually many real turnbacks and opportunities to cut across the fences. It was definitely the most testing course we have had here this year.”
In addition to the prize money in Thursday’s class, Maher earned a special $3,000 bonus as part of the SSG ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion for wearing his SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves. Each week of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series, a $3,000 bonus will be awarded to the winning rider if they are wearing SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible.
Tiffany Foster and Victor
Tiffany Foster and Victor continued their successful FTI WEF circuit with their second big win after also topping Section B of the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup during week three. Foster was very happy with her rounds on Thursday and explained that she has gained confidence with their accomplishments.
“He was awesome,” Foster noted. “The course obviously was difficult enough with so many entries in it, and I thought he jumped really well. He is really confident and comfortable here. He is really fast and now it is getting really fun because I can go really fast with him. I have to give all of the credit to Eric (Lamaze) though because since Barcelona last year, I don’t jump Victor at home anymore, only Eric rides him. He does all the work and I get all the credit, but it’s working so I’m going to make him keep doing it!”
In addition to Victor, Foster has many great horses to show this year thanks to the support of Artisan Farms, and she is having a lot of fun with them as well.
“I am always having fun, but I am especially having fun jumping like this when you can go fast,” she stated. “Once you get on a roll it seems like you get some confidence, and then you are really prepared to take some risks. Then when the horses rise to you, it is really awesome. I have a super group of horses, and I have to thank the Zieglers and Artisan Farms because they are unbelievable owners. I am really happy that I am able to now have it all start to pay off.”
Also on Thursday, an $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m jump-off class was held in the morning with a win for Venezuela’s Andres Rodriguez aboard Darlon van Groenhove. Abigail McArdle (USA) and David McArdle’s Cosma 20 won the Engel & Völkers High Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class.
Jimmy Torano and Scott Stewart Ride to the Top of Loddon Stalls Pre-Green Hunters Level 1
The Loddon Stalls Pre-Green Hunter Level 1 division was split into two sections on Thursday afternoon at the FTI WEF to accommodate the division’s large amount of entries. Jimmy Torano piloted Kyle Owen’s Messick to top honors in Section A and also finished as reserve champion with Pearl Street, owned by Jamie Jarvis. In Section B, Scott Stewart was awarded the division champion title with Wish, owned by Stewart’s Rivers Edge Farm and Annette and Leslie Pierce. The reserve champion for Section B was Palani K, ridden by Jeff Gogul and owned by Fred White.
Messick and Jimmy Torano
Torano and Messick won three over fences classes in addition to jumping to a fourth place finish. Stewart and Wish were second, sixth, and first over fences and won the under saddle class.
Torano and his two mounts were matched up at the last minute after their usual rider, Peter Pletcher, had to take the week off following a minor injury. Pletcher of Magnolia, TX, asked Torano to step in and Torano and was pleased with how the seven-year old Westphalian gelding performed in the ring Thursday.
“It’s a horse [owner Kyle Owens] bought off the internet that doesn’t have a lot of experience, but the horse went fantastically this week and won three classes. It really looks like a nice horse for the future,” Torano, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, noted.
Coincidentally, Torano helped Pletcher with Messick a few weeks before temporarily taking the reins over on Messick, so he didn’t have to go into Thursday’s division completely blind.
“I watched [Messick] go a little bit. He’s a typical hunter. He goes without a martingale; he goes in his own frame with nice balance. He’s got a great way of going. Luckily I got to watch him go with Peter and Kyle two weeks ago,” Torano explained.
Torano’s first impression of the horse proved to be true. He described Messick as an even-tempered and simple ride, relatively unaffected by the busy show atmosphere.
“He’s very, very easy-going. He’s not spooky. He’s very careful and has a perfect lead change,” Torano remarked. “A golf cart was coming by the side [of the ring day on day one of competition for the division] and he maybe shied away a little bit, but he was third in that class and he won the other one. Today, he went in there and was solid and won them both.”
Wish and Scott Stewart
While Torano and Messick were freshly matched, Stewart and his champion mount have a much closer history. Stewart and partner Ken Berkley own Wish with Annette Leslie Pierce and bred the four-year-old Warmblood gelding themselves.
“He’s is the first one that’s old enough that we bred. He’s out of a mare we had called Hush and he’s by a stallion I used to show, Be Cool,” Stewart detailed.
When asked what it’s been like to bring along a homebred mount, Stewart replied with a smile, “It’s been fun. He’s a lot like his mother and his father combined. He’s sort of like a 50/50 mix. He’s really brave and easy. He has a really good lead change, and he’s just simple.”
The first time Stewart got on Wish, he fell in love with his natural way of going and admitted he didn’t have to do much on the flat training-wise.
“He’s a beautiful mover and a beautiful horse. The way he canters in between the jumps, he just carries himself like a natural hunter and he wants to carry himself in that frame,” Stewart described.
Wish has also remained cool and collected despite the fifth week of the FTI WEF only being his third show. For that, Stewart credited his incredibly easy-going personality. That doesn’t mean the gelding is immune to any “green” moments, which Stewart simply laughed off.
“Putting the ribbon on his bridle scared him a little bit!” Stewart commented of the pair’s division championship presentation.
While Wish will take the next few weeks off before returning for the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program classes to be held Week 7 of the FTI WEF, hunter competition continues on Friday with the WEF Collegiate Equitation Championships. The $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m will be featured in the International Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.
About FTI Consulting, Inc.
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.
SAUGERTIES, NY (September 9, 2013) – Jimmy Torano of SW Ranches, Florida admits that he and Kathryn Haefner, who owns La Bonita, gambled on the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, entering the five-year-old German-bred Warmblood mare in the highest stakes hunter class in the world. Lady Luck, however, was on their side at HITS Saugerties this week. Or, perhaps, La Bonita is just that good.
“She’s a very special horse and what she did today is unheard of,” said Torano. “This is only her second show, and for her to walk into the Outside Course this week and then the Grand Prix Stadium today and perform the way she did shows just how unbelievable this horse really is.”
Haefner could not contain her excitement when the announcer spoke her mare’s name over the sound system and accepted the $150,000 winner’s check with tears streaming down her face. “I have no words,” said Haefner. “Jimmy is a great rider and she is a special horse. I am still speechless that this has happened.”
La Bonita is by Lupicor and was imported by Stewart Moran for the Haefner family and is impressing not just her owners, but fellow competitors as well.
“She was the horse to watch in this class,” said Patricia Griffith of New York, New York. Griffith won the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix last year with Lexi Maounis’ Sienna. “Everyone noticed her on the first day on the Outside Course and she had us all wondering who this horse was.”
Griffith and Sienna returned this year to finish third, with West Coast rider Hope Glynn of Penngrove, California sliding into second. Glynn has been making the trek from California to New York for this event all three years that it has been offered and says that while the prize money is unprecedented, the class is doing great things for the advancement of the hunter.
“It’s nice to come home with big check, but it’s also such an opportunity to be able to come home and say your horse jumped consistently well over three days and proved itself,” said Glynn who qualified to ride in the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final during the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California. “I believe in the horses that I bring to this class and it really helps to show them off.”
Fourteen-year-old rider Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas piloted Lyons Creek Bellini, owned by Hays Investment Corp. to fourth. Rounding out the top five was California-based Jenny Karazissis and Kelly Straeter’s Undeniable.
For Torano, who also rode in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix, the Hunter Prix, set by Rian Beals of Saugerties, New York was, in some ways, harder. “I didn’t even think that we would make it through the two qualifying rounds, so to ride for this kind of money against these caliber horses and riders was nerve racking!” he said.
Louise Otten bests junior and amateur competition with Revelstoke in the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final
The HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final preceded the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final and offered junior and amateur riders the opportunity to ride for unprecedented prize money. Louise Otten of Wayzata, Minnesota rode Annie Phillips’ Revelstoke to the $75,000 winner’s check.
“I knew going into the final round that I could be no less than fourth, so I knew I could be relaxed, but finding the jumps out there was a little stressful! There’s a lot going on out there,” she said of her two trips in the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium.
Otten, 66, piloted Phillips’ Hanoverian gelding, a former 1.30-meter jumper, during the winter circuit in Florida and put her leg over the ride again this week while Phillips is fast approaching her due date with her first child.
This marks the second year that the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final has been a part of HITS Championship Weekend.
“I was thrilled to come do it, because I haven’t been showing much lately,” she said. Otten spends most of her time staying in riding shape at home. “I felt sort of semi-retired, so this is a huge thing for me to go in and win this class.”
Corinne Milbury of Fairport, New York rode her own Kavalier to second place, cashing in for $45,000 while Kelly Lively of Holliston, Massachusetts piloted Tarzan, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Oare to third. Anna Pavlov of Pound Ridge, New York was fourth aboard her own Adelante and Linda Corvari of Long Valley, New Jersey rounded out the top five on her own Larger Than Life.
About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the-art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.
