Daniel Bluman and Colestina H (Photo courtesy of Romeo Ghete Photography)
Wellington, FL (March 11, 2019) – Friday and Saturday at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center showcased two of jumping sport’s most prestigious classes: the Grand Prix and the Hunter Derby. As the ninth weekly Turf Tour Grand Prix of 2019 and the final Hunter Derby Day of the year, the past week’s Turf Tour at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center marked the beginning of the end of The Ridge’s 2019 Florida season, with just three weeks left to go.
Bluman Takes the Blue: A frequent victor and competitor on the Turf Tour, Daniel Bluman and Blue Star Investment’s Colestina H put in an athletic performance in the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix to win the class on a jump-off time of 24.312. Picking up where his student, Samantha Wight left off as the winner of Wednesday’s 1.30m Rising Star Classic, Bluman and Colestina bested a field of more than 20 Grand Prix competitors who ranged from young riders to veteran international show jumpers. Sarah Scheiring finished second and third aboard Dontez and S&L Cocodrille. With just three weeks to go, the cumulative points leader in the 1.40m Grand Prix, 1.30m Rising Star, and 1.20-1.25m Turf Tour divisions will win a new custom golf cart presented by Iron Horse Transit, the official horse carrier.
Spectacular, Enchanted, Unbelievable: The final Hunter Derby Days of 2019 proved to be a battle of titans. Peter Pletcher, Kelley Farmer, and Havens Schatt, along with their talented mounts, demonstrated the talent, athletic ability, and grace that has made them some of the hunter ring’s most decorated names.
Havens Schatt and the bay stallion Spectacular ultimately clinched the top prize. Edging out Kelley Farmer and Enchanted by just a half a point, both riders’ flawless rounds were a testament to the beauty and power of the sport. Not to be discounted, Peter Pletcher and Unbelievable’s elegant rounds earned him 3rd behind the two ladies. Earlier in the day, Amy Foster and Jasper secured the final $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, with Quintus P. J. and Miranda Scott finishing second and Legolas and Stephanie Clark in third. A special treat for all of the riders, owners, grooms, staff, and spectators, The RV Advisor hosted a gourmet lunch between the National and International Derbies. Their roadside assistance, which provides towing as well as transport for horses and humans, is the ultimate peace of mind for equestrians on the road.
As part of the Turf Tour, Hunter Derby Days is a reflection of its mission and goals to provide a wonderful atmosphere, exceptional footing, and unique destinations to the hunter fanbase. “The hunters are such a unique and important aspect of our sport,” said The Ridge founder and US Olympic show jumper Nona Garson. “We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to develop their riding at various venues, compete for generous prizes and prize money, and jump on all natural surfaces. The Hunter Derbies are a perfect curtail to the Turf Tour, and it was thrilling to watch such highly decorated and influential riders jump our courses at our venues.”
To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.
For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.
Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992