The Equifest Series at the beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center, the new home of the HITS Chicago Show Series, continued this week with a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and $50,000 HITS Grand Prix.
Equifest II featured classes began with the $2,500 Open Welcome on Wednesday, July 29 where Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Rarity took home first place in a time of 34.661. In second place were Dorothy Douglas and MTM Fiona 621 [37.237], and in third place were Julia Curtis and Kennedy VD Rechri [38.323].
Christian Heineking and NKH Mr. Darcy won the $5,000 Jumper Classic on Thursday, July 30 as they crossed the timers in 30.821 to take the lead. Graciela Robert and Casanova B took second place [33.180], and Kasey Ament and Gaia were close behind to claim third [33.879].
Dorothy Douglas on MTM Chelsea 98. Photo by ESI.
Douglas moved up in the standings to take the win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Friday afternoon, July 31. Douglas had two in the jump off with a clear round aboard her first ride, MTM Through the Looking Glass. As the last to return for the jump-off aboard MTM Chelsea 98, Douglas was quick and clean to capture the win she wanted with a time of 37.394. Holly Shepherd took second place with CHS Krooze [37.798], and Douglas took third with her other mount, MTM Through the Looking Glass [38.803].
The $10,000 Open Jumper Prix took place on Saturday, August 1 where Robert took home the blue ribbon aboard Casanova B for the second week in a row. Robert crossed the timers in 31.099 to secure first place. Goldman-Smolen took second and third places with Bengtsson VDL [32.858] and Rarity, respectively.
Sharn Wordley on Casper in their presentation ceremony. Photo by ESI.
Sharn Wordley joined the Winner’s Circle on Sunday, August 2 to claim the victory in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix aboard Casper. This duo went second to last in the jump-off and had a clean time of 38.426 for the win. The jump-off was particularly nail-biting, as each subsequent competitor galloped a round faster than the one before them. Heineking and NKH Cento Blue galloped to second place [39.195], and Caelinn Leahy and Dymendy rounded out the podium to take third [40.409].
Lauren Underhill rode to first place in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby aboard Abudabi. It was scores of 89 and 94, totaling 183 that would bring victory. In second place were Marisa Metzger and Caville [179.5]. Metzger also piloted her second mount, Jordan, to third place [179].
Augusta Iwasaki on Rolo. Photo by ESI.
Dominating the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and taking home both first and second place was Augusta Iwasaki. Iwasaki secured first place aboard Rolo with scores of 177 in the Hunter Classic round and 192 in the Handy Hunter for a total of 369. She won second place with Small Kingdon, as well [351]. Natalie Jayne piloted Eretto to a third place finish [352].
Additional Jumper Highlights:
- $1,000 M&S/WIHS Children’s High Jumper Classic: Madison O’Meara and Replique
- $1,000 M&S/WIHS Adult High Jumper Classic: Taylor Horace and Gorki VD Wezelse Heihoeve
- $1,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic: Colby Kelly and Antor Z
- $1,000 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic: Leigh Nanda and El Casper
- $1,000 M&S Modified Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic: Tessa Harper and Aarhus
- $1,000 Dever M&S Children’s & Adult Low Jumper Classic: Alexa Curry and Zanziboy
- $2,500 Chicago Equine Jr/A-O/Am 1.20m Jumper Classic: Madison Papariello and Hill Top Van Het Gavershof
- $5,000 Pyranha Jr/A-O/Am 1.35m Jumper Classic: Nicole Bellissimo and Galanthos B
- $7,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.40m Jumper Classic: Leahy and P&F Cordillo Z
Additional Hunter Highlights:
- $750 USHJA Green Hunter Challenge: Katana Kennedy O’Brien and Ipanema
- $1,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive: Jennifer Alfano and Jefferson
- $1,000 AIG Junior Hunter Classic: Ella Witt and Gavalla
- $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic: Silas Jaramillo and Copernicus K
- $500 SmartPak M&S Adult Hunter Classic: Brooke Kimmons and Northern Lights
- $500 M&S Children’s Hunter Classic: Jennifer Antonacci and Danieli
For full class results, click here. The Equifest Series features weekly National Hunter Derbies and bi-weekly Grand Prix.
As the HITS Chicago Series continues, HITS thanks exhibitors for continuing to comply with the health and safety measures being implemented. HITS asks that all trainers, exhibitors and staff comply with social distancing, wearing of masks, and other protocols outlined in the HITS Horse Show Protocol. If you are on your way to HITS Chicago, please be sure to review the HITS Horse Show Protocol prior to your arrival at the show grounds.