Tag Archives: Lisa Goldman

Lisa Goldman Makes a Clean Sweep at HITS Ocala Week IV

(C) ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Morocco on their way to a $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix win.

Ocala, Florida (February 8, 2015): Lisa Goldman of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois is on a hot streak at HITS Ocala Winter Circuit winning the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome on Wednesday with Rocs to Riches and the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Thursday with Morocco.

Twenty four horse and rider combinations attempted Bernardo Cabral’s course of 15 efforts set at 1.45-1.50 meters for the opportunity to take home their share of the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix prize purse. Twelve riders had clear first round efforts and went on to the jump off.

“Every one of these horses is capable of being the winner. It just depends on whose day it is,” said onlooker Michael McCormick of MTM Farms.

The jump off was a footrace with all twelve taking short turns and gallops at every available opportunity. The abbreviated course included Fences 1 and 2 with an optional inside turn to a vertical across the middle, which caused the lions’ share of faults. The course continued with a left roll back to the newly introduced Adequan jump and another left to the original Number 4 oxer. The finale included a line from 11a to 11b and a strong gallop to Fence 12.

“It’s okay for me that a bunch went clean because my horse is a speedball,” said Goldman. “I‘ve really liked the courses so far this week. They ride really well. I love it here at HITS.”

David Beisel on Call Me Hannes was first to go in the jump off and finished with four faults and a time of 43.424 to finish tenth. Next up was speedster Lisa Goldman on Morocco who took all the inside turns and encouraged her horse the whole way to go as fast as he could, ultimately setting the Great American Time to Beat at 39.474.

Ten more riders unsuccessfully tried to catch Morocco’s time, including Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas. Fenney, fresh off her second place finish in the HITS Ocala Week III $50,000 Grand Prix, came close riding MTM Centano, owned by MTM Farm. She stopped the clock at 41.187 on the big strided bay with a clean round and second place.

Laura Linback of Mundelein, Illinois, on Woodrun’s stallion HH Dauphin, had a clean jump off round with a time of 41.615 to finish third. Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey, riding The Coverboy Group’s Balotan, had a tidy clear on a pretty grey in 42.134 for fourth place.

Jerome Navet, nephew of World Champion Eric Navet, riding OnlyJumpers.com’s Sirius Brown was also clear in a time of 43.866 to finish fifth. Thursday’s SmartPak Grand Prix was Navet’s first time showing in the U.S.

Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas had four faults on each of Hays Investment Corporation’s horses finishing sixth on Any Given Sunday in a class leading time of 38.310 and seventh with I Love Lucy in 40.523.

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

Lisa Goldman already has three horses in the top six vying for the Brook Ledge Leading Rider Award at HITS Ocala, and she continued her reign returning to the winner’s circle again after Wednesday’s $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome. This week she was first on her eight year old chestnut mare Rocs to Riches and third on Zacantos Z.

Twenty-two horses competed over a course of 13 jumping efforts set between 1.4 and 1.45 meters, designed by Bernardo Cabral. Ten horses went clear in the first round with five clear in the jump off.

Goldman had two horses in the jump off and finished third on her own Zacantos Z who was clear in a time of 33.083. Kirk Webby from Whitehouse, New Jersey finished second after holding the lead on Brando Du Rouet in a time of 32.951 until Goldman jumped off last in the order.

Having already jumped clean on Zacantos Z, Goldman was ready to chase the clock with Rocs to Riches. The pair finished with a time of 32.011 for the win.

“The course was great. It let you get in and built up as you went along,” said Goldman.

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

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

Lisa Goldman Wins $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix with Centurion B

(c) ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Morocco go double clear in the Brook Ledge Open Welcome.

Ocala, Florida (January 23, 2015): Lisa Goldman of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois is on a hot streak with her American breds Morocco and Centurion B at HITS Ocala.

Goldman’s time of 29.218 seconds in the Brook Ledge Open Welcome on Wednesday was more than two seconds faster than Hoolie Hoo, owned by C.F. Farms, and ridden by Olympic veteran Ian Millar of Canada, who was second with a time of 31.664. Goldman was also third on her own Zacantos Z with a clear jump off time of 31.961.

“I have had both of these horses since they were very young. Morocco is by Roc USA and bred by Nancy Whitehead. He came up through the young jumper ranks and has won Grand Prix all over the place. I don’t ever think about going fast with him; he’s just a really fast horse. He’s a speedball,” said Goldman.

Seven of the competitors had clear first rounds with five going double clear. Riders praised the Brook Ledge Open Welcome course designed by Manuel Esparza of Mexico, who said, “The Welcome Class sets the bar for a great week of competition to come.”

$25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

The $25,000 Smart Pak Grand Prix, held in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, boasted 33 competitors vying for their share of the prize money. Goldman came out on top again, this time aboard Centurion B whom she has had since he was a 2-year-old.

Eight riders advanced to the jump off over Esparza’s first round course of 15 jumping efforts. Goldman said, “I love Manuel’s courses. He’s a great course designer. It was bigger than I thought it was going to be. I watched Tracy Fenney go first in the jump off and she was really fast. I didn’t think her time could be beaten.”

Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas was aboard last week’s HITS $50,000 Grand Prix winner MTM Centano. In the SmartPak Grand Prix, her time of 36.997 earned her second place and $6,500.

The jump off was exciting to the end. Goldman was last to go and Centurion B crossed the timers in 36.046 for first place and a check for $7,500. She also praised the sponsor, SmartPak, whose products are used by all the horses in her barn. Ian Millar of Canada on Baranus, owned by the Baranus Group, took home a check for $3,250 in third place with a time of 38.270.

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

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

Goldman Is Unstoppable! Atlanta Fall Classic Week II Welcome Results

Lisa Goldman and Centurion B clear the CWD Oxer on their way to the win in yesterday’s $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome. Flashpoint Photography.

Lisa Goldman of Hawthorne Woods, Illinois appears to be unstoppable at the Atlanta Fall Classic. After winning both the Welcome and last Saturday’s $45,000 EMO Grand Prix, she was back again yesterday to win the $10,000 Open Welcome Class, this time in the irons of Mary Goldman’s Centurion B over a course designed by French-Canadian 2015 Pan American Games Course Designer, Michel Vaillancourt.

Vaillancourt not only won a medal at the 1976 Olympic Games with the Canadian team, but also became the head of the Canadian Olympic team as their Chief d’Equipe. He is considered one of the top course designers in the country. “It’s always a pleasure to work with Michel,” commented Allen Rheinheimer, Classic Company’s Technical Coordinator. “We’re very excited that he will be the course designer for the 2015 Pan American Games in Canada and it’s simply an honor to have him here,” he added.

Goldman commented, “It was a difficult course and the triple combo rode really big,” she said, “but even though it was challenging, it was a really good course,” she added.

Twenty-three horse and rider teams took to the Olympic Arena but only nine advanced to the jump off. “Morocco had a rail earlier, but it was fine because he was so good last week,” she added. “He can share with his brothers,” she laughed.

Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida was first to go riding 2Vr Showjumpers’ Zippo Ii. The pair went clean in a first round time of 72.367 seconds, but four faults in the second round in a time of 38.645 seconds would see the pair finish in fifth place overall. Louise Graves of Nashville, Tennessee and her own Zavira turned in a clean first round in a time of 72.908 seconds followed by a clean second round in a time of 41.677 seconds which set the time to beat. Seven horses later, all with jump faults, followed Graves. Vale was next to go, this time aboard Troy Glaus’ Quidam’s Good Luck, and after a clean first round in a time of 72.367 seconds, his second round yielded no faults and a time of 38.645 seconds, pushing Graves out of that leading spot. Liz Atkins of Hampshire, Illinois was the next to go clean aboard Benchmark Stables LLC’s Esconial in a first round time of 76.426 seconds. However, four jump faults in her second round in a time of 41.208 seconds would see the pair finish in seventh place overall.

Goldman was next to go aboard Centurion B and the pair turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 71.748 seconds and clean second round in 37.713 seconds taking the lead and pushing Vale to second place.

David Jennings of Lenoir City, Tennessee followed Goldman in the irons of Westwind Training Center’s Werner 61 and turned in a clean first round effort in 74.835 seconds. However, a rail in their second round in a time of 40.436 seconds would see them finish in sixth place overall.

Ian Silitch of Ocala, Florida turned in the next clear first round effort in the irons of Gaston Family Investments’ Cordova in a time of 76.679 seconds, but eight faults and a time of 40.696 seconds in their jump-off round would see the pair finish in ninth place overall.

Jared Peterson of Archer, Florida rode his father Derek’s Titus 2:11 clean in the first round in a time of 73.450 seconds, but a heartbreak rail at the final fence in their second round with a time of 37.841 seconds would see the pair finish in fourth place overall.

Liz Atkins of Hampshire, Illinois and Benchmark Stables LLC’s Undine were the last horse and rider team to turn in a clean first-round effort in a time of 74.530 seconds. However, eight jump faults and a time of 39.464 seconds in their second round would see the pair finish in eighth place overall.

The final results had Goldman and Centurion B with the win, Vale and Quidam’s Good Luck in second and Graves and Zavira in third.

“I always hope to do this well,” commented Goldman. “It’s been really great!” she added.

“Leo [Centurion B] is in a corner stall. We heard from night watch that the deer were getting really close to his stall at night and he was pretty excited about that,” she said. “So we went to TJ Max and bought some shower curtains so he could get some rest at night,” she said. “That seemed to work since he has been resting well at night and is ready to show in the morning,” she said.

Has the drop in temperature affected Goldman’s riding and her horses? “I’m from Chicago, so I’m used to it. You just have to prepare for it,” she said.

Next up for Goldman is Saturday night’s $45,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix, presented by EMO. “Next for me is my three in the prix,” said Goldman. Considering the remarkable field of high performance jumpers and riders, this event will be one to watch!

On Deck:

The $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes to the Olympic Arena at 6pm tonight so don’t forget to buy your VIP table in the show office. Included in your VIP table purchase are two complimentary bottles of wine and a delicious buffet dinner. Tonight’s dinner menu includes: International Hunter Derby Chef’s Carving Station: * Roasted Turkey Breast * Jack Daniels Top Round of Beef * Smashed Garlic Potatoes, Creamy Sweet Potato Mash, Green Bean Almondine Desserts: Pumpkin Pie Mousse, Chocolate Pecan Pie and Martinis. The temperature has dropped, so come in from the cold and enjoy the class!

Last Call for the 2014 Classic Experience!

This is the last weekend to enjoy the Classic Company’s 2014 show season at the Georgia International Horse Park! Tonight the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes to the Olympic Arena and the $45,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix, presented by EMO takes place Saturday night. Sunday the celebrated EMO Circuit Champions are crowned.

Home to the 1996 Olympics, riders have the opportunity to compete in the Olympic arena and ride for some of the top prize money offered this fall. With more than 300,000 in prize money offered, world-class stabling and arenas, top show management staff and a division for everyone in your barn, there is no better place to be in November.   From the jumper ring to the short stirrup arena, each competition ring is highly decorated and staffed with top-notch, friendly professional show staff.

Pssst… Pensacola starts in 54 days! What are you doing this winter? The Classic Company is going to the beach! Join them on the Gulf of Mexico for the best in show jumping action! This circuit has received rave reviews and equestrians travel from around the country to get their “leg up” on the competition.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

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

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Lisa Goldman and Centurion B Cash In with $20,000 Open Welcome Stake Win at Showplace Spring Spectacular I

Lisa Goldman and Centurion B.

Wayne, IL – June 5, 2014 – The applause resounded throughout the Lamplight Equestrian Center as 13 horse and rider combinations faced off in the Showplace Spring Spectacular $20,000 Open Welcome Stake. It came down to a battle of speed as Lisa Goldman and Tracy Fenney went neck and neck, but Goldman and Centurion B came away the victors. Fenney laid down two impressive double-clear efforts for the second and third place positions with MTM Timon and MTM Centano, respectively.

Twenty-seven riders were tested over a 12-obstacle track, including rollbacks, a liverpool, triple bar, a tricky in-and-out, and two double combinations. The course, although technical, proved welcoming for the riders on the second day of the Showplace Spring Spectacular I. For the jump-off, riders had to navigate the opening oxer and then make a right rollback over a single vertical; a quick left turn took them to the Animo oxer where they then entered into the technical in-and-out. Upon landing they had to think fast to shave the seconds and make a sharp left rollback to a newly introduced oxer that led to a narrow oxer that allowed riders to choose and inside turn to the final black vertical set on the outside. Many of the riders opted to stick to the outside track, but with speed as the name of the game, the inside turn proved crucial.

Theo Genn and Aniviero Z, owned by Amy Lefferdink of Cleveland, OH, were the pathfinders as the first horse and rider combination to take on the course. Choosing to stay in the ring, in accordance to the Table A format, they posted a double-clear effort in 41.378 seconds. Although their time was commendable, it would prove too conservative with several speed demons waiting in the wings.

Lisa Goldman was the next rider to clear the opening track, riding Centurion B, owned by Mary Goldman of Hawthorn Woods, IL, to an effortless round. Although she is normally a strong proponent of staying in the ring for the jump-off, she opted to return later. She made the same decision with her second mount, Morocco.

Laura Linback laid down an impressive double-clear in 39.355 seconds with HH Dauphin, owned by Woodrun of Mundelein, IL, but her time was shortly shattered when Tracy Fenney entered the ring with MTM Centano, owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound, TX.

Fenney flew around the ring in a breezy 35.545 seconds, taking over the lead with MTM Centano. She later duplicated her effort aboard MTM Timon, producing a second clean and clear effort in 35.497 seconds to slightly beat out her previous time.

Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon
Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon

“They are both veterans, and are good at doing what they do,” Fenney described. “We are trying to get them back up and recuperated before Sunday’s class. I was very happy with how they went today. Lisa and I went back and forth in Ocala quite a bit, so I knew that she was going to be a hard one to beat.”

Fenney elaborated, “I probably should have made the inside cut with Lisa on my heels, but I was hoping that staying nice and tidy would be enough to win today – anything can happen out there.”

Linback and Whittaker MVNZ, owned by Woodrun of Mundelein, IL, came back to the Grand Prix Ring in an attempt to close in on Fenney; however, their time of 38.409 seconds was not enough to take over the lead. Linback would eventually earn the fifth and sixth place ribbons.

Goldman returned to the ring as the final rider to jump-off with her two mounts. She had produced clear efforts early in the class with Centurion B and Morocco, but had opted to return at the end in an effort to save her mounts’ energy after the long opening track.

It was clear that she had her eyes set on the win as she took the opening oxer. She utilized Centurion B’s large stride, eating up the ground and shaving the seconds with tight turns. She made an impressive turn from the in-and-out to the oxer with Centurion B turning on a dime and leaving change as he spun to the obstacle. She then completed the inside track to the final vertical, breaking the beam in 34.609 seconds to take the lead.

“He was phenomenal; I wasn’t quite sure if I would get the turn to the last jump, but he is so good that he got it for me,” Goldman laughed. “He is so good at the spin-back, and as soon as I saw this course, I knew that my horses could do this. I know I can land and stay on the inside track. Centurion B (Leo) and Morocco (Cowboy) are both so good at turns and they love jump offs.”

She nearly beat her own time with Morocco, but when she landed from the penultimate obstacle she doubted her inside turn. Morocco was ready take it, and the miscommunication caused her to ride into the standard of the fence that had caused many of the other riders to negate the inside track. She recovered quickly, but the misstep cost her the time she was after. She tripped the timers in 37.798 seconds for the fourth place finish.

“Morocco is my boy!” Goldman exclaimed. “I have had him since he was a 4-year-old, so almost as long as I have had Leo. He has won all over the country with me. He got hurt last year in the winter, and he had the whole year off, so this was his first big class back. I am so excited about how great he was out there. He has so much fun out there, and I could feel how happy he was to be back.”

“There is a lot of compromising with Cowboy,” Goldman reminisced. “I went clean in Ocala one time and got bucked off after the timers. He, more than any other horse, has bucked me off, but I love him. He can turn like a Quarter Horse, and the mishap on the turn was totally my fault. It was his first big class in a year, and I was worried, but he had the turn. I should have known that he would have done it for me, but he picked right back up and jumped the last fence beautifully.”

It was an emotional win for Goldman today, dedicating her tricolor to Fletcher McCracken, who passed away earlier in the week. Fletcher was married to Centurion B’s breeder, Allyn McCracken. Goldman was thrilled to have the opportunity to win the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake in his honor.

Earlier in the day the Young Jumper Championships got underway, with Goldman riding to the top slot in the $1,000 Young Jumper 7/8 Year Old Championship with her own Rocs to Riches. Haylie Rolfe and Lithium, owned by Alex Jayne of Engle, IL, took the second place, while Roderick Kyle Dewar and Chalco, owned by Jennifer Sprenger of Milwaukee, WI, finished third. Rolfe and Lithium were awarded the division championship, while MTM Cravitz and Tracy Fenney captured the reserve championship.

“It was really nice to be able to come here for the Young Jumper divisions. The fact that Pat [Boyle] was able to offer the division without entry fees allowed for us to bring horses that would have normally sat at home,” Fenney said. “Because of the lack of entry fee we were able to bring them with, which is great experience for them.”

The $5,000 1.30m Open Jumpers will take center stage tomorrow afternoon in the Grand Prix Ring at the Spring Spectacular I as riders from across the nation vie for the top honors. The High and Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers will also have the opportunity to prepare for the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Saturday, and the $10,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Sunday. For more information, please visit: http://www.showplaceproductions.com.

Make Your Way Back to Spring Spectacular Now with New Third Week and USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby

Showplace Productions’ Spring Spectacular is bigger and better than ever. Showplace has added another week to its popular Spring Spectacular event from June 17-22. This new week will allow competitors to attend their regular summer circuits and have a taste of what Showplace and Chicago have to offer on a week when they might be off or traveling. Showplace Productions has added new classes and over-the-top hospitality to make your showing experience even more enjoyable at beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center.

During Week III, Showplace Productions will hold a USHJA $10,000 National Hunter Derby and a USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby in the Grand Prix Ring, plus compete to earn WCHR points. More prize monies have been added to the Open Jumpers, Welcomes and Junior/Amateurs Owners. A new and exciting Accumulator class has been added to the Junior/Amateur Owner division. For professionals, Showplace is offering the opportunity to show young jumpers in some classes at no cost. There will also be some no cost Tuesday schooling opportunities for the pros. For Juniors, an all-new Equitation Championship will be held on Sunday of Week III. Juniors will be asked to demonstrate their horsemanship skills without the help of their trainers in this challenging class. There is something for everyone and a good reason to make your way back to Chicago for Spring Spectacular.

Showplace Spring Spectacular Fast Facts:

What: Three-week, USEF AA rated, Five Star, NAL, WIHS, M&S points eligible Showplace Productions signature event.

Website:
www.ShowplaceProductions.com

When:
Showplace Spring Spectacular I June 3-8, 2014
Showplace Spring Spectacular II June 10-15, 2014
Showplace Spring Spectacular III June17-22, 2014

Where: Lamplight Equestrian Center
6N940 Dunham Road
Wayne, IL 60184

Highlights:
More than $500,000 in Prizes

Showplace Spring Spectacular I:
$5,000 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic
$5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic
$5,000 Open Jumper 1.30m
$10,000 High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
$10,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 Open Welcome Stake
$30,000 Barrington Saddlery Grand Prix Benefiting Assistance in Healthcare

Showplace Spring Spectacular II:
$2,500 Low Amateur Owner Accumulator class
$2,500 High Junior/Amateur Jumper Accumulator Class
$2,500 Low Junior Jumper Accumulator Class
$5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic
$5,000 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic
$10,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
$20,000 Open Welcome Stake
$30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix

Showplace Spring Spectacular III:
$5,000 Pony Hunter Classic
$2,500 Children’s Adult Hunter Derby
$5,000 Low Junior Amateur Owner Gamblers Choice
$5,000 High Junior Amateur Owner Gamblers Choice
$7,500 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic
$7,500 NAL Adult Jumper Classic
$10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$10,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
$20,000 Open Welcome Stake
$40,000 Weathertech Grand Prix
$75,000 in Hunter Classic Prize Money
Showplace Equitation Championships

Over-the-Top Spring Spectacular Hospitality Includes:
Sushi Yama lunch on Thursdays
Exhibitors dinner party with music from 4-8 p.m. every Friday
Exhibitors dinner party with music from 4-8 p.m. every Saturday
Exhibitors Jersey Mikes Lunch driven around and passed out at 2 p.m. every Saturday
Exhibitors Ice Cream Party every Saturday around 3 p.m.
VIP Tables at the Grand Prix Ring Luncheon every Saturday at 1 p.m.
VIP Tables at the Grand Prix Ring Luncheon every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Contacts:
Manager: Patrick Boyle (847) 274-6834, Fax (847) 717-6653 ShowsNo1@aol.com
Secretary: Nicole Boyle  nicole@showplaceproductions.com

Directions:
FROM CHICAGO: I-90 (Kennedy Expressway) West to Route 59 (Barrington, IL).
Route 59 South (Left Turn) to Stearns Road (West Bartlett, IL)
Stearns Road West (Right Turn) to end. (Dunham Road)
Left turn on Dunham Road.
1/8 mile-Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Right.

FROM DOWNTOWN ST. CHARLES: Route 64 East to Dunham Road.
North (Left Turn) on Dunham Road.
Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Left approximately 1.5 miles after Army Trail Road.

FROM ST. CHARLES HOTELS: Route 64 to Kirk Road North.
Kirk Road runs into Dunham Road. Continue North.
Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Left approximately 1.5 miles after Army Trail Road

Hotels:
Horse Show Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott (2 miles) (800-321-2211) Official Hotel
Best Western Inn of St. Charles (2 miles) (800-528-1234)
Fairfield Inn & Suites (2 miles) (800-228-2800)
Hilton Garden Inn (2 miles) (800-445-8667)
Quality Inn (2 miles) (800-424-6423)
Holiday Inn Express (2 miles) (800-465-4329)
Super 8 Motel (2 miles) (800-800-8000)
Country Inn and Suites of St. Charles (3 miles) (800-456-4000)
Hotel Baker (3 miles) (800-284-0110)
Pheasant Run Resort, located three (3) miles south of Lamplight is a large resort complex offering golf, tennis, swimming and dining facilities. (800-474-3272)
Comfort Inn of Geneva (5 miles) (630-208-8811)
The Herrington Inn (5 miles) (800-216-2466)
The Oscar Swan Inn of Geneva (7 miles) (630-232-0173

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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Lisa Goldman and Centurion B Make It Win Number Three in $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

©ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Centurion B are dominating the grand prix scene at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit with three wins already pocketed.

OCALA, F.L. (January 31, 2014) – ‘This girl is on fire’, aptly describes Lisa Goldman and Centurion B as they beat a contentious field and jumped to the blue for their third grand prix win at HITS Ocala, in Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis.

With 76 seconds, the allowed first-round time, course designer Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida challenged competitors by offering 12 obstacles with 14 jumping efforts. The competitors faced a combination of straight-forward verticals, oxers and tight turns, with a difficult left turn between fence seven, onward to eight. But, it was the triple combination at fence 10 a, b and c – a vertical-oxer-vertical that proved the trickiest part of the course. This combination produced the most faults with downed rails.

Five clean would return in the jump-off, taking on the clock and five fences, including a triple bar at number five with the jump-off time allowed set at 50 seconds.

MTM Timon, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding and a seasoned champion trained by Michael McCormick, owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound, Texas and ridden by veteran two-time 2014 HITS Ocala grand prix winner, Tracy Fenney were the first to jump-off. They answered the call with a Great American Time to Beat of 39.56 seconds. Ultimately, their time proved good enough for the red ribbon.

Third place rider/trainer was hometown hero, Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida aboard Bromance, owned by his Thinkslikeahorse. Fourth place went to Moet Walk, owned by Harlow Investment Enterprises, with trainer/rider David Beisel of Goshen, Ohio in the irons. Rounding out the field of five was Leviticus, owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound, Texas, also trained by McCormick and ridden by Fenney.

Make no mistake, this day belonged to the American-bred Belgian Warmblood Centurion B, bred by the ever-proud Allyn McCracken and partnered for ten years with the now, three-time HITS Ocala 2014 winning grand prix rider Lisa Goldman. Goldman is trained by her mother Mary Goldman, both of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois.

When asked about the course and the horse, Lisa beamed. “He is just the best. He was a little feisty with the weather, which is out of character for him – usually he shows with a laid-back attitude,” she said. “The course wasn’t set too big for today’s conditions and the footing was very good, considering the rain. My horse jumped well and dug in after the combination. I was really watching the clock at 33 seconds.”

Acknowledging the class sponsor, Goldman admits that her 85-horse farm in Illinois is fueled by SmartPak. “After winning a lot of product during last year’s winter circuit, we started using it on our horses and couldn’t be happier with the results,” she said.

There will be more great grand prix action on Sunday as HITS III, the Ocala Premiere continues with the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. The excitement is starting to build for the first-ever Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. The Great American Million will debut as the second jewel in the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping Monday, March 24 in the new Ocala Horse Properties Stadium.

About SmartPak
SmartPak powers healthy horses and happy riders. The patented SmartPak Supplement Feeding System makes it easy for riders across the country to take the best care of their horses. Founded in 1999, with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses, the system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly.

About Zoetis
Building on 60 years of experience as Pfizer Animal Health, Zoetis delivers quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostics products and genetics tests and supported by a range of services. They work every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant. Zoetis produces a comprehensive range of safe and effective products, including equine vaccines, dewormers and sedative analgesics, to help professionals and individual horse owners keep their animals healthy. Both veterinarians and horse owners know and trust the Zoetis will help their horses live longer, healthier lives.

©ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Gems Bond win the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome.
©ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Gems Bond win the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome.

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida put in an impressive performance aboard Gems Bond, owned by Thinkslikeahorse, taking the blue in the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome on Wednesday. Vale was also sixth on Thinkslikeahorse’s Bromance.

Lisa Goldman and Zacantos Z finished second for trainer/owner Mary Goldman of Hawthorn Woods Illinois, while rider/trainer Silvio Mazzoni of Leesburg, Virginia in the irons of Terra Hornero finished third for owner Jessie Mazzoni of Reddick, Florida. Goldman also finished fourth on Aslan, owned by Charity Judge of Arborvitae. Rounding out the field in fifth place was trainer/rider Derek Peterson, of Archer, Florida and Eddy Money for owner Jenny Booth of Magnolia, Texas.

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation will continue to present a weekly jumper class throughout the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Aside from the winner’s purse, Brook Ledge Open Welcome riders also compete for the Brook Ledge Rider Bonus, which includes a $1,500 shipping credit for the rider who accumulates the most points in those classes throughout the HITS Ocala circuit.

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

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

Two in a Row for Lisa Goldman at HITS Ocala

©ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Centurion B on course in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix.

OCALA, F.L. (January 20, 2014) – Lisa Goldman proved that warm weather suits her this week at HITS Ocala. Just two days before bringing her horses to Florida, the temperatures at her home in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois plummeted to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Today, however, Goldman and her family-owned Centurion B basked in the southern sunshine while jumping to a win in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis.

Goldman and the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding warmed up earlier in the week with a win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, before making it two in a row today.

Representing her family’s Red Coat Farm, Goldman was the first to best the first-round course, designed by Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida, which included 13 fences and a technical triple combination at the end. Eight more would later join her for a nine-horse jump-off. “Even though there were several clear, this course was a challenge – it was very technical and it fit the increase in money well,” said Goldman.

Before heading south, Centurion B jumped his last class in October before “being a horse for two months,” as Goldman explained. “The time off has brought him here really fresh and I am very pleased with how he and all my horses are performing,” she added.

First to return in the jump-off, Goldman preceded the likes of Ocala grand prix veteran Tracy Fenney, 2013 star Jared Petersen and Zoetis Million top-three finisher Sharn Wordley, to name a few. “I think you’re always worried with people like that behind you,” admitted Goldman. “Honestly, all I wanted was a solid double clean round – I really wasn’t expecting to win this one.”

She posted an immediate Great American Time to Beat at 38.75 seconds. Three trips later, Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas rode MTM Farm’s MTM Centano clear in 39.14 seconds to sit just behind Goldman.

Another clear wouldn’t be jumped and the two remained at the top of the money. Petersen of Archer, Florida was the fastest of three four-fault round in the jump-off. He and Derek Petersen’s Titus 2:11 had a rail at the beginning of the shortened track to hand them third. Wordley of Ocala, Florida was fourth aboard Ashland Stables’ Axel and Australian native Scott Keach capped the top five in the irons of Viriato, owned by Southern Cross.

Goldman will look to expand her streak to three in a row on Thursday as grand prix competition continues at HITS Ocala with the $25,000 Smartpak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, to kick off the second week of winter competition at HITS Post Time Farm.

About Zoetis
Building on 60 years of experience as Pfizer Animal Health, Zoetis delivers quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostics products and genetics tests and supported by a range of services. They work every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant. Zoetis produces a comprehensive range of safe and effective products, including equine vaccines, dewormers and sedative analgesics, to help professionals and individual horse owners keep their animals healthy. Both veterinarians and horse owners know and trust the Zoetis will help their horses live longer, healthier lives.

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

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

Lisa Goldman Retraces Familiar Steps at HITS Ocala, Wins $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

©ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Centurion B returned to familiar territory this week at HITS Ocala.

OCALA, F.L. (January 17, 2014) – Lisa Goldman won three grand prix during her first appearance at the Ocala Winter Circuit last year, and hasn’t skipped a beat since. She returned with a bang this week, winning the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, to kick off grand prix competition at this year’s circuit.

Riding for her family-owned Red Coat Farm in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, Goldman piloted Centurion B to the win. Last year, Goldman and the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding had a break-out season at HITS Ocala, which carried them to HITS-on-the-Hudson where they competed in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix. “It was a lot of pressure – that was the biggest track I have ever jumped – and I survived,” joked Goldman about her million-dollar debut. “The Million was probably the biggest thrill since my first grand prix as an 11-year-old.”

Goldman and her trusted mount topped a field of 33 competitors over a course designed by Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida this week. “I haven’t seen a lot of big tracks since October, so everything seemed huge to me,” said Goldman. “My horses were outstanding – I thought they would be tired with a triple combination at the end of the course, but they held up beautifully.”

Russell set a course with 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts, including a double combination at the eighth fence and triple at the second-to-last fence.

Evident not only by their wins together, but also by their relationship, Goldman admits that Centurion B is special. “We have owned him since he was about two, and I jumped his first cross rail with him,” said Goldman of the horse her mother purchased from Bannockburn Farm in Indiana a decade ago.

Goldman and Centurion B were first in the order and set an early time of 83.30 seconds, well under a time allowed of 85 seconds. Eleven trips later, she did it again, this time aboard her own Zacantos Z, hinting at a one-woman jump-off. Goldman purchased Zacantos Z during the 2013 winter circuit from Tammy McConnell and the big, gray gelding is one of 19 horses representing Red Coast Farm at HITS Ocala this year. “We are really starting to click, said Goldman of the horse who stands about 17.2 hands tall. “We have won some top ribbons together, but this winter should be really exciting.”

Scott Keach was quick to respond to Goldman’s two clean trips with a clear round in the next go aboard Southern Cross Equestrian, LLC’s Coco. Jenna Friedman of Alpharetta, Georgia was clear next on her own Zidoctro to set the stage for a four-horse jump-off.

Returning first again, Goldman and Centurion B posted the only double-clear effort of the day with an early Great American Time to Beat at 41.805 seconds. Keach and Friedman both picked up four faults apiece at the fourth fence of the jump-off, settling them in second and third, respectively. Goldman finished fourth with Zacantos Z with eight faults, while Jordan Coyne of New Port Richey, Florida piloted her own Lazaro to cap the top five with the fastest four-fault ride of the first round.

With a nod to the class sponsor, Goldman admits that her 85-horse farm in Illinois is fueled by SmartPak. “After winning a lot of product during last year’s winter circuit, we started using it on our horses and couldn’t be happier with the results,” she said.

Grand Prix competition continues at HITS Ocala this Sunday with the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, as excitement already begins to build for the first-ever Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. The Great American Million will debut as the second jewel in the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping Monday, March 24 in the new Ocala Horse Properties Stadium.

©ESI Photography. Derek Petersen and Eddy Money kicked the 2014 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit off in style with a win in the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome.
©ESI Photography. Derek Petersen and Eddy Money kicked the 2014 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit off in style with a win in the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome.

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome
Derek Petersen of Archer, Florida started the 2013 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit off on a high note when he piloted Eddy Money, owned by Jenny Booth, to the blue in the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome on Wednesday. Petersen was also sixth with his own Catchafire. Friedman and Zidoctro finished second, while David Beisel of Goshen, Ohio finished third in the irons of Call me Hannes, owned by Harlow Investment Enterprises, LLC. Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey and The Cover Boy Group’s Superbad were fourth, and Christina Kelly of Keene, Kentucky rounded out the top five with her own Ushuaia van de Wolfsakker.

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation will continue to present a weekly jumper class throughout the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Aside from the winner’s purse, Brook Ledge Open Welcome riders also compete for the Brook Ledge Rider Bonus, which includes a $1,500 shipping credit for the rider who accumulates the most points in those classes throughout the HITS Ocala circuit.

About SmartPak
SmartPak powers healthy horses and happy riders. The patented SmartPak Supplement Feeding System makes it easy for riders across the country to take the best care of their horses. Founded in 1999, with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses, the system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly.

About Zoetis
Building on 60 years of experience as Pfizer Animal Health, Zoetis delivers quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostics products and genetics tests and supported by a range of services. They work every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant. Zoetis produces a comprehensive range of safe and effective products, including equine vaccines, dewormers and sedative analgesics, to help professionals and individual horse owners keep their animals healthy. Both veterinarians and horse owners know and trust the Zoetis will help their horses live longer, healthier lives.

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

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

Lisa Goldman Is Back on Top at HITS Ocala, Capturing the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix

©ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Centurion B cruise their way to their third grand prix win of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix.

OCALA, FL (March 11, 2013) – The weather was ideal and all conditions were in Lisa Goldman’s favor as she piloted Mary Goldman’s Centurion B to a win in the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, Sunday at HITS Ocala. After pocketing two grand prix wins earlier in the season, Goldman of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois and Centurion B conquered the jump-off and were the only pair to ride double-clear.

Sunday’s course was designed by Bernardo Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal. At the end of the first round, six advanced to the jump-off. “It was really challenging today,” said Goldman of the 13-obstacle, 16-jumping effort track in the first round. “I enjoyed the course though; it was big enough and there were enough that made it to the jump-off.”

First to return for the jump-off was Lauren Patava of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Bonaventure Farms’ Sly. She was clear until the last fence – a tall plank – came down and finished with four faults in a time of 53.88 seconds, good enough for fifth.

The plank at the ninth and final effort off the jump-off was a tough code to crack for almost all of the jump-off contenders. Four of the six were clear until they approached it, and Goldman was the only rider to clear it.

Patty Stovel of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania and her own Carigor Z returned second in the jump-off and had a much faster pace, however, four faults in 51.00 seconds placed them third overall.

Goldman and Centurion B were next to show and as the crowd expected her to blaze around the course with characteristic speed, she instead chose the conservative route and focused on a clear round. She conquered the plank and crossed the finished line in 52.11 seconds with no faults and setting the Great American Time to Beat.

“I really like having a plank at the end,” said Goldman. “It’s a tough jump to keep up and always makes for an exciting jump-off.”

Adrienne Iverson of Redfield Farm in Califon, New Jersey and her own Sweetheart stepped up their game this season and found themselves in the ribbons yet again. The duo posted an eight-fault round in the fastest time of the day, 49.21 seconds, to finish in sixth place.

David Beisel of Goshen, Ohio and Equine Holdings, LLC’s Ammeretto made it to the jump-off for the fourth consecutive time this season. They crossed the finish line fractions of a second faster than Goldman, in 52.10, but the plank hit the ground for the fourth time, giving them four faults and a fourth place finish.

Last to show was Jordan Coyne of New Port Richey, Florida and her own Lazaro. Coyne, who trains with Derek Petersen, hoped to bring home another win for Legacy Farm. She had the win her crosshairs with seconds to spare as she approached the last fence, but the plank tumbled to the ground for the fifth time. Her time of 49.67 was good enough for second place.

The honors came in abundance for Goldman, who not only took home the first-place check for Sunday’s main event, but also received one ton of free feed from Purina Animal Nutrition for her efforts, as well as the Arenus All-Around Athlete Award. With three grand prix victories so far, Goldman’s circuit has been nothing short of spectacular.

“You always come into a circuit hoping for the best,” she said. “I’ve been very successful back home but this is my first time at a circuit in Florida and we’ve just had an amazing winter here. Today’s win was exceptionally special for me since my college equestrian coach, Stacey Sanderson, was here to watch.” Goldman rode in National Collegiate Equestrian Association competitions at Baylor University.

After her newfound success at HITS this winter, Goldman has the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix on her radar. “We weren’t planning on making it to Championship Weekend in Saugerties initially, but now we are definitely planning on being there. I’m really excited to go to Saugerties for the first time. We also have a couple of children’s jumpers that will show in the USHJA [Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper] Regional Championships that weekend.”

As the final week of HITS Ocala approaches, excited competition awaits. The $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge will pit top hunter riders from Ocala against the top hunter riders from HITS Thermal in California for the biggest hunter purse of the season. On Sunday, the big-ticket season finale will give high-performance riders their last shot at show jumping glory in the horse capital of the world when the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, highlights another season at HITS Ocala. Veterans have moved aside this year for a crop of young, up-and-coming stars in the grand prix ring and they have now set the stage for the most exciting duel of the season.

©ESI Photography. Vanessa McCarthy and Halladay on course in the M&S $5,000 Junior Jumper Classic Low
©ESI Photography. Vanessa McCarthy and Halladay on course in the M&S $5,000 Junior Jumper Classic Low

Marshall & Sterling Insurance $5,000 Junior Jumper Low Classic
The Marshall & Sterling Insurance $5,000 Junior Jumper Low Classic got Sunday morning started as junior riders competed over another Cabral-designed course. Vanessa McCarthy took home top honors aboard Olivia Dorey’s Halladay. Second-place awards went to MacKenzie McGehee and Sweet Oak Farm’s Dexter, while Paige Mawson and Under Pressure, owned by Mawson Sport Horses took home the third-place ribbon.

Marshall & Sterling Insurance $5,000 Amateur Jumper Low Classic
Also on Sunday, the Marshall & Sterling Insurance $5,000 Amateur Jumper Low Classic welcomed Leigh Anne Hartrampf and Action Sport Horse Sales, LLC’s Callao to the winner’s circle. Emma Scudder and her own Flying Colors chased down second, while Juri Ito and Shangri La Stables’ Geppetto finished third.

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

Lisa Goldman on a Roll with Back-to-Back Grand Prix Wins during Week III at HITS Ocala

©ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Centurion B on course in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix

OCALA, FL (February 4, 2013) – The HITS Ocala grand prix ring has seen many new faces over the last several years with the heightened excitement of qualifying for the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix, formerly the Pfizer Million. However, few have had the impact that Lisa Goldman has. The young professional from Hawthorn Woods, Illinois captured her fifth grand prix ribbon in two weeks, was first and second in last Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, and avenged her second-place finish during Week II with the blue ribbon in yesterday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, aboard Mary Goldman’s Centurion B.

Goldman and Centurion B have created a unique bond that many never find and it seems to be working to their advantage. “I’ve had him since he was two years old,” she proudly recalled. “He’s an American bred Belgium Warmblood and I jumped his first jump ever with him.”

It was another perfect day as course designer Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida prepared one of the most exciting tracks of the season. Twenty-seven horse and rider combinations started the class and the contenders soon rose to the top as a five trip jump-off emerged after the first round.

Continue reading Lisa Goldman on a Roll with Back-to-Back Grand Prix Wins during Week III at HITS Ocala

HITS Ocala’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix Belongs to Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon

©ESI Photography. Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon have their sights set firmly on this year’s Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix

OCALA, FL (January 24, 2013) – Tracy Fenney admits to having big plans for 2013, not the least of which include the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. She and MTM Farm’s MTM Timon got those plans underway today with a win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, during Week II at HITS Ocala.

Fenney and her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding bested eight in the jump-off after a field of 30 rode a 13-obstacle course designed by Ken Krome of Westminster, Maryland. “I thought the course was certainly fair for $25,000, but was not without a few challenges,” said Fenney.

The track included three double combinations – a vertical to an oxer at five, an oxer to a vertical at nine and the final vertical to vertical at 12. It was the last combination – a tight one stride – that dished out the most trouble, according to Fenney.

Continue reading HITS Ocala’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix Belongs to Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon