THERMAL, CA – A battle broke out among the top hunter riders on the West Coast this weekend as the top five slots in the $25,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Thermal only boasted three names. John French sat atop that list after riding to victory on Iwasaki & Reilly’s Small Affair. Both prize money and qualifying reached their peaks last week as HITS Thermal went out with a bang.
Course designer Rian Beals set the track in the main hunter ring and welcomed both horse and rider to take aim at the richest hunter purse of the circuit. French of Woodside, California piloted five mounts amidst a total field of 38 horses. Three of those mounts earned ribbons, but it was Small Affair who found a home in the top spot.
"Olivia Esse shows Small Affair in the Junior Hunters and I bring him out on special occasions,” said French. “He is an extremely careful horse and that's why he is perfect for these classes.”
French earned a top score of 89 in the first round only to steal the lead from himself after posting an 88 in the irons of Jessica Singer’s Cruise. He coupled his first round score with a second round score of 88 to win the class. Fourteen competitors joined French in the second round – all vying for pivotal qualifying points as September’s $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final begins to near.
Coming off two Devoucoux Hunter Prix wins this season at HITS Thermal, Nick Haness of San Clemente, California rode Carolyn Mittler’s Cristiano to second place in this week’s offering. Cristiano was one of three horses that Haness entered in Sunday’s Devoucoux. The highlight for the young rider, however, was an impressive score of 92 in the second round on Cristiano, which combined with an 81.5 to give the duo a total of 173.5 for the red ribbon.
"I just wanted to say that I am feeling very blessed and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way,” said Haness. “Today was a great class and finishing in second place to one of the best riders in the world is such an honor. I can't wait to see the HITS crew in Saugerties."
Hope Glynn of Penngrove, California gained some qualifying leverage and rode Helen Mc Evoy’s Chance of Flurries to third place with an overall score of 173.25. Glynn and Chance of Flurries have been regulars on the HITS Desert Circuit and it’s obvious that the horse is a cherished part of her riding roster.
"Chance of Flurries is a once-in-a-lifetime horse and I look forward to many great years together," said Glynn.
Glynn also piloted Shelly Gambardella’s SVS Caremunde Z to fourth place with an overall score of 173. Rounding out the top five was French and Cruise after earning a total score of 172.
“I loved that it was in main hunter ring,” said French of the last Devoucoux class of the season. “The course designer did a wonderful job dressing up the ring and making sure it was special. I didn't show last week to make sure horses were on and fresh for this week."
French’s plan worked as most of his horses found themselves near the top of the finishing order. French will be able to take his pick this fall and return for the second Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final. He, as well as both Glynn and Haness, were top contenders last year for historic prize money and all plan on returning to Saugerties September 7-9, 2012 for HITS Championship Weekend.
©Flying Horse Photography
John French capped a successful winter circuit at HITS Thermal with a win in Sunday’s $25,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix Final. He and Iwasaki & Reilly’s Small Affair stole the blue as hunters ended their season on the West Coast.
©Flying Horse Photography
HITS’ Tony Hitchcock presents first place honors to John French and Small Affair after their win in the $25,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Thermal.
Emily Winkler and Landmark earn a win in the $5,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix
On Sunday, Emily Winkler of Long Beach, California won her third HITS 3’ Hunter Prix aboard her own Landmark after a successful winter circuit at HITS Thermal. They are on target to be one of the pairs to beat in the $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final this fall in Saugerties, New York.
“Emily is a contender to win it all because she is consistent,” said trainer Tracy Baer. “You can always count on her for consistency.”
Consistent she was as Winkler and Landmark posted an 85 in the first round to sit third. They returned with another 85 in the second round to combine for a total score of 170 and capture the win.
Lily Blavin of Scottsdale, Arizona rode her own Opportunity to second place behind Winkler and Isabelle Collins of Manhattan Beach, California was third in the irons of her own Littlewood. Rounding out the top five was Rachel Boggus of Denver, Colorado in fourth aboard her own Lotario X and Blavin in fifth on Ashley Pryde’s Kendjira.
For a complete list of results from the $5,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix, click here.
©Flying Horse Photography
Emily Winkler and Landmark on their way to their third HITS 3’ Hunter Prix victory of the season.
©Flying Horse Photography
HITS Tony Hitchcock and Tracy Baer present Emily Winkler and Landmark with the blue after their win in the $5,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix at HITS Thermal.
About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the second-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 8-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
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 WorldTM, 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.
© Michael Nelson Photography.
The Tavern at the all-new Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern located in Saugerties, New York.
|
