HITS Arizona Winter Circuit: begins February 1 with qualifying opportunities for world’s richest show jumping weekend

Source: News Release

2012 HITS Arizona Winter Circuit begins February 1 with qualifying opportunities for the world’s richest weekend in show jumping

TUCSON, AZ — The prize list for the six-week 2012 HITS Arizona Winter Circuit in Tucson, Arizona is now available online. This year’s circuit will be highlighted by a host of qualifying opportunities for the three richest hunter/jumper classes in the nation.

“We’re looking forward to another great series with beautiful weather,” said Joe Dotoli, HITS Arizona Technical Coordinator. “We’ve been working closely with the Fairgrounds Commission, and exhibitors will be pleased to see the many updates to the property, including updated footing in all the rings as well as a new exhibitor’s lounge with TV and Wi-Fi. I’m sure that the difference will be notable and much appreciated.”
The third-annual $1 Million Grand Prix is set to return to HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York September 9, 2012, and with six qualifying $25,000 Grand Prix, HITS Arizona is sure to be an important stop on the road to next year’s $1 Million Grand Prix.

The 2012 HITS Arizona Winter Circuit will also host crucial qualifiers for the second-annual Diamond Mills $500,000 3’3” Hunter Prix and the all-new $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix. The schedule boasts a weekly $2,500 Devoucoux 3’3” Hunter Prix on Saturdays during the first five weeks, while the purse increases to $5,000 for the sixth and final week of the circuit. The $1,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix will also be offered each week as a qualifier for the new $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Final.

“The circuit in Tucson is a great place to show,” said trainer and Grand Prix rider Michelle Parker, who plans to show at HITS Arizona and HITS Thermal this season. “It’s a very laid back atmosphere in Tucson and the exhibitors are very friendly. It has a family feel to it since everyone knows each other and we all seem to make sure we have a good time when we’re there.”

As always, HITS Arizona will offer the very best opportunities in show jumping, including Marshall & Sterling League classes. Marshall & Sterling riders can earn points all year long in order to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, which will take place September 12-16 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. Junior equitation riders will have an exceptional opportunity this year as the Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final will take place during the Million Weekend from September 8-9 in an indoor arena.

For more information, make sure to check out the 2012 HITS Arizona prize list for a complete listing of classes and information. Don’t forget to take advantage of using the HITS Premier Lodging Partners, for your best accommodations throughout the circuit.