Tag Archives: Ky. Spring Classic

Jordan Allen and Carino B Take Ariat Adult National Medal Win at Kentucky Spring Classic

Jordan Allen and Carino B. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – May 20, 2022 – Equitation competitors kicked off a beautiful morning at the Kentucky Spring Classic II in the Claiborne arena Friday with the Ariat Adult National Medal. Adult amateur riders took to the arena to show their style on their partnered mounts in the hopes of claiming the top honors. In the end, it was Jordan Allen piloting Carino B, owned by Ashland Farm, who took the blue ribbon and the highest score.

Spring Storms Can’t Stop Cathleen Driscoll and Arome at $37,000 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*

International show jumping competition at the Kentucky Spring Classic II returned to the picturesque Rolex Arena on a stormy Thursday evening. A field of 56 horse-and-rider pairs planned to enter the stadium to beat the weather and take home the win in the $37,000 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*. After 29 rounds, Kentucky weather had other plans, ultimately leading officials to pause the class and resume at 8am Friday morning. Although the new two-day format wasn’t typical, it didn’t stop Cathleen Driscoll (USA) and Arome from leading the victory gallop at the conclusion of the class.

Chris Payne and Kelley Farmer Take the Victory Gallop Side by Side for Grand Hunter Championship Title

After successful rides in the StoneLea Hunter Ring at Kentucky Spring Classic, two sophisticated riders emerged victorious as they both claimed the Grand Hunter Champion title. Christopher Payne and Axel, owned by Blue Mountain LLC, and Kelley Farmer on Casting Call, owned by David Glefke, took the hunter ring by storm and tied for the Grand Hunter title on Thursday afternoon following their stellar performances.

Charlie Jacobs and La Fille Rouge Reign Supreme in High Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper

The famed Rolex Stadium welcomed junior and amateur show jumping competitors Friday afternoon to contest the High Junior/Amateur 1.40m Jumper. Continuing with the second week of the Kentucky Spring Classic series, a total of 27 talented horse-and-athlete combinations vied for a top spot on the leaderboard in a one-round competition against the clock. In the end, it was Charlie Jacobs aboard CMJ Sporthorse, LLC’s La Fille Rouge who emerged victorious.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Robert Mendoza and Queen B Win 6-Year-Old Jumper at Kentucky Spring Classic

Robert Mendoza and Queen B. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – May 18, 2022 – Show jumping competition kicked off the Kentucky Spring Classic II Wednesday, May 18, at the Kentucky Horse Park. The young show jumping mounts stepped foot into the Walnut Ring Wednesday morning, hoping to claim the victory ribbon in the 6-Year-Old Jumper class. It was Robert Mendoza aboard Coruscant Stables LLC’s, US Bred by Bannockburn Farm, Belgian Warmblood mare Queen B who were the pair to emerge victorious.

Tess Fortune and MVP Lead TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter Division

Hunter competition got underway Wednesday, May 18, to kick off the first day of the Kentucky Spring Classic II. Setting the stage in the Murphy Ring, riders and their thoroughbred mounts took to the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter division to showcase versatility off the racetrack. Starting the first day of competition strong, Tess Fortune leads the way aboard her own MVP, hopeful to close out the division Thursday with the championship.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Caroline Mawhinney Wins U25 Grand Prix CSI3* to Conclude Kentucky Spring Classic

Lexington, KY – May 23, 2021 – The final day of the Kentucky Spring Classic and the conclusion to Kentucky Horse Shows’ spring series saw a day full of exciting show jumping competition Sunday, May 23. A total of 39 rising young talents gathered for the $15,000 U25 Grand Prix CSI3* in the famed Rolex Arena, hopeful to close out competition in Lexington with a win. In the end, it was 15-year-old Caroline Mawhinney and her own Stella Levista who emerged victorious, claiming their first U25 win together.

Christina Kelly and Monique Take Top Honors in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The StoneLea Ring kicked off Sunday morning with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, wrapping up the final day of competition at the Kentucky Spring Classic. A total of 36 junior, amateur, and professional athletes took center stage to showcase their skills in the decorated derby ring. Three talented pairs emerged victorious, with Christina Kelly riding Monique, Libbie Gordon on Ascott, and Campbell Brown aboard Fleetwood laying down two jaw-dropping rounds to make up the podium for the class.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Dominic Gibbs and Delia B Dominate High Jr/A-O 1.40m Jumper at Kentucky Spring Classic

Lexington, KY – May 21, 2021 – The famed Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park was buzzing with excitement Friday, May 21, as junior and amateur-owner competitors took center stage to vie for top honors in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper. In a one-round competition against the clock, 37 hopeful athletes sought victory aboard their mounts, but it was ultimately junior athlete Dominic Gibbs who rose to the occasion riding Mount King Ranch LLC’s Delia B to take first place honors.

Alivia Kohus, Taylor Cawley, and Campbell Brown Emerge Victorious in Equitation

Friday afternoon in the StoneLea Ring, equitation riders took center stage to compete for the top prize in the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Medal, ASPCA Maclay, and the USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal. Showcasing some of the nation’s top junior athletes, the competition was tough in the ASPCA Maclay as 20 horse-and-rider combinations tried their hand at the eight-obstacle course, hoping to acquire points towards the 2021 indoor season. In the end, Alivia Kohus laid down a jaw-dropping course aboard her mount, Cristallo’s Carlchen P, which helped earn her the blue ribbon. Taylor Cawley dominated the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Medal aboard Quax for the second week in a row, while Campbell Brown claimed victory in the USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal aboard SWS Questionnaire.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Shane Sweetnam and Ideal Win $37k 1.45m Spring Classic CSI3* at Kentucky Spring Classic

Lexington, KY – May 20, 2021 – As the sun set on the Kentucky Horse Park Thursday evening to conclude the second day of the Kentucky Spring Classic, international show jumping athletes gathered at the Rolex Arena to contend for top honors in the $37,000 1.45m Spring Classic CSI3*. Out of a whopping field of 86 competitors, just 22 athletes managed clear efforts, and in the end, it was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Ideal to emerge victorious and claim their rightful spot in the winner’s circle.

Christopher Payne Ties for Grand Hunter Champion on Gratitude and Imagine

After successful rounds in the Green 3′ Hunter and Green Conformation Hunter at the Kentucky Spring Classic, professional hunter athlete Christopher Payne emerged victorious to tie for the Grand Hunter Championship, riding Gratitude and Imagine to a total of 50 points in their respective divisions. Awarded to the horse with the most points in the Green 3′ Hunter, Green 3’3″ Hunter, Green 3’6″ Hunter, Green Conformation Hunter, High-Performance Conformation Hunter, or the High-Performance Working Hunter Divisions, Payne showcased his skills on both mounts, earning top honors for the second week in a row in the Green 3’ Hunter and Green Conformation Hunter divisions to claim the Grand Champion title.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Ryan Genn and Dieta Save the Best for Last to Win $35,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix

Photo: Ryan Genn and Dieta.

Lexington, Ky. – May 19, 2019 – The final day of the Kentucky Spring Classic concluded jumper competition in the Rolex Stadium with the $35,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. Thirty horse-and-rider combinations tested Kelvin Bywater’s (GBR) 16-effort first-round track where eight pairs returned to challenge the abridged jump-off phase. Athletes chased a double-clear finish, but Sunday’s finale saved the best for last as Ryan Genn (USA) and Dieta stopped the timers fault-free in 38.234 seconds to clinch the grand prix victory.

Genn’s grand prix lap of honor was followed by the presentation for the Leading Open Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Envisian Products, which he earned in part with Alex Granato (USA). Both athletes tied for points to share the award after Granato rode to first place in Saturday night’s $134,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* with Carlchen W.

Brian Moggre and MTM Los Angeles Claim $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix

Earlier in the day, the sport’s up-and-coming athletes took to the ring in the $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix in the Rolex Stadium. Eighteen horse-and-rider combinations tackled Bywater’s course, which asked pairs to complete 14 efforts under the time allowed of 71 seconds. With five pairs advancing to the jump-off, it was ultimately Brian Moggre and MTM Los Angeles who tackled the course expertly to walk away with the blue ribbon.

Havens Schatt and Happy Thoughts Ride to First Place in $5,000 USHJA National Derby

Hunter competition in the Stonelea Ring began with the highlight of the day, the $5,000 USHJA National Derby, sponsored by the World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows. After taking the win in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby in the previous week at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, Havens Schatt returned to take another impressive win in the hunter ring, this time with Caroline Moran’s Happy Thoughts. The pair claimed their victory after scoring a total of 185 points.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Alex Granato and Carlchen W Can’t Be Caught in $134k Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3*

Photo: Alex Granato and Carlchen W.

Lexington, Ky. – May 18, 2019 – The highlight of the Kentucky Spring Classic took place on Saturday evening with the $134,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3*, honoring the late Mary Rena Murphy. Hosted in the Rolex Stadium, top horse-and-rider combinations took to the ring hoping to walk away with the week’s highest honors and prize money. After 40 athletes tried their hand, it was Alex Granato (USA) and Page Tredennick’s Carlchen W who excelled with clean and quick rounds to take the night’s victory.

Campbell Kahn and Josephine Rose Lead First Day of Small Junior Hunter Competition

Saturday morning saw junior hunter riders take center stage in the Stonelea Ring, competing in their respective divisions to earn points ahead of Sunday’s Junior Hunter Grand Champion crowning, presented by Visse Wedell. Competition kicked off with the Large Junior Hunter division led by Kaitlyn Lovingfoss followed by the Small Junior Hunters where Campbell Kahn and Josephine Rose currently sit tied at the top.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Karl Cook and Caillou 24 Can’t Be Caught in $36,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*

Photo: Karl Cook and Caillou 24.

Lexington, Ky. – May 16, 2019 – Thursday evening at the Kentucky Spring Classic was highlighted by the $36,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*, the second event in the seven-part series, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Hosted in the Rolex Stadium on a picturesque evening, 62 competitors tried their hand in an attempt to capture the win. Ultimately it was Karl Cook (USA) and Caillou 24 who walked away with the lion’s share of prize money after producing the quickest clean and clear jump-off.

Tim Goguen and Style Steal Grand Hunter Champion Title with Perfect Scores

Hunter competition continued on Thursday with the awarding of the Grand Hunter Champion title. Presented by Visse Wedell, the title is awarded to the horse-and-rider combination that accumulated the most points throughout the professional divisions across Wednesday and Thursday. This week’s award was presented to Tim Goguen and Take the High Road LLC’s Style. With a clean sweep of the Green Conformation Hunters, Goguen earned the division championship before ultimately claiming the grand champion title and a perfect score.

Kentucky Spring Classic Features Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tours for 5, 6, and 7-Year-Old Horses

New this year to the Kentucky Horse Park, the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour kicked off its second show of the eight-part series Wednesday at the Kentucky Spring Classic with three divisions offered for 5, 6, and 7-year-old horses. An impressive group of up-and-coming young horses tackled the 5-year-old division in the Walnut Ring on Thursday, with ten combinations earning blue-ribbon rides for their clear efforts, but William Hickey emerged with the fastest time of 67.628 seconds aboard North Star’s Jeronimo.

“This is the most exciting opportunity that we’ve had yet,” said Cynthia Hampton, founder and president of Classic Champions, Inc. “We have the whole series followed by a championship, which is really optimal for showing the development of the young horses. The championship will take place here at the Kentucky [Horse Park] in September.”

Classic Champions, Inc. brings European principles to course design for young jumpers, and helps young horses to become the future stars they can be, offering competition opportunities that are both sporting and educational. With specific classes for 5, 6, and 7-year-old horses, the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour features adapted heights, type of fences, lines and turns, as well as experienced, specifically trained course designers at top-notch show venues.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Brian Moggre Blazes to $36,000 Welcome Speed CSI3* Win with MTM Flutterby

Photo: Brian Moggre and MTM Flutterby.

Lexington, Ky. – May 15, 2019 – Wednesday welcomed the first day of the Kentucky Spring Classic and the start of international show jumping competition with the $36,000 Welcome Speed 1.45m CSI3* in the Rolex Stadium. Thirty-seven horse-and-athlete combinations challenged the 14-effort speed track built by Kelvin Bywater (GBR), but the uncatchable fault-free time of 63.89 seconds set forth by Brian Moggre (USA) and Major Wager LLC’s MTM Flutterby proved worthy of the win by more than one full second.

Jennifer Alfano and Kindred Claim Green Hunter Incentive Stake Win

The first day at the Kentucky Spring Classic kicked off in the Stonelea Ring with the Green Hunter Incentive Stake with top hunter horse-and-rider combinations competing for the prize. Pairs competed in the 3’6” and 3’9” sections of the Green Hunter division, with the second over fences round designated toward the stake’s final results. It was Jennifer Alfano and Kathy Chiaf’s Kindred who put in Wednesday’s most impressive ride that would earn them a score of 86, sending them straight at the top of the leaderboard.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Babington Wins Second National Grand Prix to Close Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Photo: Kevin Babington and Mark Q.

Lexington, Ky. – May 20, 2018 – The final day of the Kentucky Spring Classic concluded jumper competition in the Rolex Stadium with the $35,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, to close out the spring horse show series. Course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) tested 31 athletes across his 16-efforts track, but Ireland’s Kevin Babington (IRL) was the only double-clear pathfinder with Mark Q to claim his second consecutive National Grand Prix victory of the series.

The technical track only saw four clear rounds consisting of just three different riders as Babington directed two mounts to the jump-off. Babington first entered the second round aboard his own Double O Seven 7, but with one rail the pair ended on four faults in a time of 43.260 seconds, to be overtaken and they finished in fourth place.

Next in the ring, Alex Granato (USA) and Moyer Farm LLC’s 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Beorn, followed to better their time in 41.221 seconds, but with one rail down they still left room for improvement. The duo once again claimed the third place prize, repeating their finish in last week’s $35,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix.

Todd Minikus (USA) returned next aboard Amex Z, the 9-year-old Zangersheide mare owned by the Bit By Bit Group, to fly to the speediest time of 39.168 seconds, but also misplaced one unfortunate rail and the 4 fault total placed the pair into the second position.

The last to enter the jump-off round, Babington knew all he needed was a clear, conservative round aboard Mark Q and the duo delivered as the only horse-and-rider combination to produce the long-awaited double-clear effort in a time of 47.272 seconds. He and the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding claimed the win to repeat Babington’s victory in last week’s $35,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix with Super Chilled.

Earlier in the day, the $20,000 Under 25 Grand Prix saw 18 horse-and-rider combinations tackle the 16 effort track created by Guilherme Jorge (BRA). Six athletes jumped clear rounds to qualify for a competitive jump-off that saw each athlete pushing the time limit. Abigail McArdle and Plain Bay Sales LLC’s Fanta Light B were the fastest pair in the jump-off to stop the timers at 35.025 seconds.

The 8-year-old mare recently moved up the ranks during the Florida winter season with McArdle. The pair secured big wins at the Palm Beach Masters and a CSI2* at the Winter Equestrian Festival class. McArdle plans to continue to bring the young mare up the Grand Prix level ranks.

Lacey Gilbertson and her superstar mare, Baloppi, come in close for second at 35.037 seconds. Gabriela Reutter and Juan Reutter’s Atticus Diamant jumped to third with a time of 34.707 seconds.

Jordan Allen and Eclypse Eliminate Competition to Win $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The final day of the Kentucky Spring Classic saw hunter competitors vying for the top prize in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by the World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows. Twenty-five horse-and-rider combinations entered the Stonelea Ring with hopes of capturing the top prize, but no one could catch Jordan Allen and Eclypse, who claimed first place with a total score of 184.

The first round of competition asked athletes to demonstrate their skills over a lengthy course which involved bending lines and multiple combinations. After all 25 horse-and-rider teams completed their course, the top 12 athletes who scored an 80.5 or higher were asked to return for a second handy round. During the handy round riders demonstrated their horses’ handiness by executing tight turns and a trot fence was also added to the course.

Allen and Eclypse dominated both rounds of derby competition by scoring a 92 during round one and again during round two. Their scores could not be caught by any other competitor, which included veteran riders such as Jeff Gogul and David Beisel. Allen utilized all available opportunities for points, including all four high option fences during round one and round two. Allen and Eclypse, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Holly Orlando, teamed up during Week 11 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida where they placed consistently in the Junior Hunters.

Second place was earned by Samantha Cooper and Nandino, a 10-year-old Brandenberg Warmblood owned by Ellen Malson. The pair put in a first round score of 89 and a second handy round score of 93 for a combined total of 182.

Last week’s National Derby winner at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, Jeff Gogul and Quite Ruffy, captured third place with an 86 in round one and a 91 in round two for a 177-point total.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
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