The first full week of the six-week Great American Summer Series, presented by Alliant Private Client, is a wrap. Following the HITS Saugerties Monday show on July 6, HITS jumped into a full schedule of USEF-Rated Hunter and Jumper competition with permission from the State of New York to legally operate. Week II of the Great American Summer Series featured the $100,000 HITS Grand Prix, as well as the first of three $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies.
Jonathan McCrea kicked off the week with a one-two finish and the only two double-clear rounds in the $5,000 HITS Open Welcome. McCrea rode Jasmijn to victory as he crossed the timers in 35.318, beating himself by nearly three full seconds. He took second place with D Carolus [37.907]. In third place rode Laura Chapot and Thornhill Kate [4-Faults, 34.324].
Chapot moved up in the standings on Thursday’s featured class to take home the blue and red ribbons in the $10,000 HITS 1.40m Jumper Classic with Out of Ireland and Calafornia, respectively. Chapot’s winning time was 35.546. Her second place time with Calafornia was 36.482. Third place went to Mclain Ward and Franka Trichta [36.888].
Joining the Winner’s Circle on Friday, July 10 for victory in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix was Jordan Coyle for his ride aboard Picador in a time of 37.563. Ward and Heavenly W took second place [40.099], and third place went to Rodrigo Pessoa and Carlito’s Way [40.454].
Saturday, July 11 featured the $10,000 Saugerties Steamboat Co. Jumper Classic, where Chapot claimed another top placing, this time for her ride aboard Shooting Star in a time of 34.030. Close behind in second place were Pessoa and Farrero [34.468]. Adrienne Sternlicht and Quidam MB took third [34.842].
Jordan Coyle on Ariso. Photo by ESI.
To wrap up Week II of the Great American Summer Series, Coyle landed a one-two finish in the $100,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon, July 12. Eight riders made it to the jump-off, and all but one jumped double-clear over the shortened course, so time was of the essence. Coyle returned halfway through the jump-off aboard Ariso and had seen some take to the course prior, but also knew there were several top riders that would follow him. A time of 36.987 was quick enough to secure the win this week. Coyle was the final rider to challenge the jump-off and already in the lead as he entered the ring aboard Picador. Less than a second would come between his first and second place times as he crossed the timers in 37.540 aboard his second place mount. Third place went to Devin Ryan and Caspar’s Lasino [39.955]
After winning the USHJA National Hunter Derby on Monday, July 6, Michael Desiderio repeated that win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday afternoon. Desiderio rode Cromwell to a first place finish with scores of 82.5 in the Hunter Classic round and a 90 in the Handy Hunter round for a 172.5 total. Katarina Mulhauser and Adele rode to second place [167], and Caroline Cole and Galway Blazer took third [166].
On Saturday afternoon, July 11, the Grand Prix Stadium was transformed into a Hunter Derby Field for the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix and the first of three $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies.
Junior and Amateur riders were first to show on Saturday afternoon and winning the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix was Christian Dominguez and MTM On Point. Dominguez scored an 81 in the first round and an 83 in the second round for an overall score of 164. In second place were Jacqueline Lampert and Centre Stage [161]. Daphne Garrett and Lordanos rode to a third place finish [155].
Hannah Isop on Crem Brecourt. Photo by ESI.
Next up, were riders competing for the top prize in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. It was exceptional riding by Hannah Isop that secured both top spots in the class, claiming victory aboard Crem Brecourt with a scores of 177 and 194, respectively, for a 371 cumulative score. Isop also took second place aboard Red Ryder [360], while David Oliynyk rode to a third place finish on For Love [330].
Additional Jumper Highlights:
- $2,500 M&S Children’s High Jumper Classic: Mica Rose Frank and Despina
- $2,500 M&S Adult High Jumper Classic: Kimberly Corts and Fidel Cavaro
- $1,000 Harcour M&S Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic – Low: Judah Singer and Coutras
- $250 M&S Children’s & Adult Modified Jumper Classic: Bentley Bassick and Billyboy
- $2,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.25m Jumper Classic: Baylee McKeever and Cylana
- $5,000 Pyranha Jr/A-O/Am 1.35m Jumper Classic: Abigail Stark and Wanted
Additional Hunter Highlights:
- $1,000 Eastern Hay Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic: Kristina Claffee and Guru
- $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic: Sofia Moskowitz and Hollywood
- $1,000 Perfect Products Pony Hunter Classic: Eleanor Pieters and Rumple Minze
- $500 M&S SmartPak Adult Hunter Classic: Anne Byers and Quantonius
- $500 M&S Child Hunter Classic – Horse: Lindsay Juge and Skyfall
- $500 M&S Child Hunter Classic – Pony: Isabelle Grutkowski and Simon Says Smooth Move
- $250 M&S Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic: Sarah Gleason and Cathano
- M&S Novice Child Hunter Classic: Bassick and Playing the Star
- Short Stirrup Hunter Classic: Rylee McGuire and Above the Waves
For a complete listing of class results, click here. As the season at HITS Saugerties continues, management’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable for everyone. To do so, please review the HITS Quick Tips and HITS Horse Show Protocol online here prior to your arrival to the horse show.