The Equifest Series at the beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center, the new home of the HITS Chicago Show Series, is a wrap. The final week of Equifest wrapped up an exciting summer series that featured USHJA National and International Hunter Derbies, $25,000 and $50,000 Grand Prix each week, and classes a classics for all levels. HITS Chicago will return September 9-13 for the Showplace Fall Classic, which will host the USHJA Zone 5 HOTY Finals, Marshall & Sterling Insurance League Midwest Finals, NCEA Hunt Seat Medal Finals – Midwest, and the IHJA Medal Finals.
Equifest III began with a “hat trick” by Jonathon Millar in the $2,500 Open Welcome on Wednesday afternoon, August 5. Millar took home the three top spots in the class, with his leading time being 33.467 aboard Favoriet U. His second place ride was with Blossom Z [33.912], and he took third place aboard Alter Ego [35.728].
Caelinn Leahy and P&F Cordillo Z took home the blue ribbon in the $5,000 Jumper Classic on Thursday, August 6 with their quick time of 27.735, claiming the lead by nearly two full seconds. In second place were Roberto Teran Tafur and Bink-A 29.653], and Johan Kachelhoffer and Gabrovo took third [4-Faults, 29.394].
Christian Heinkeing on NKH Mr. Darcy. Photo by ESI.
Topping the field in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix was Christian Heineking with NKH Mr. Darcy. Seven riders advanced to the jump-off, but none would top Heineking’s time of 38.167. Santiago Lambre and Dingeman took second place [38.773], while Tracy Fenney took third with Igor Van De Heibos [39.323].
Hannah Hoch took the lead in the $10,000 Open Jumper Prix aboard Shariva as she crossed the timers in 39.708. Sharn Wordley and Helios took second place [42.076], and Steven Bluman piloted Estoril to third place [44.468].
Sunday, August 9 featured the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix where seven riders jumped clear in the first round and prepared for the jump-off. Just three riders that returned for the jump-off would jump double clear.
Charlie Jayne on Amice Z. Photo by ESI.
Already with several top placings at the HITS Chicago Series, it was Charlie Jayne and Amice Z that took home top honors in Sunday’s featured competition. From winning the $50,000 Grand Prix during Week II of the Spring Spectacular Series to several other top placings in featured jumper competition, this team has been one to look out for. Jayne finished in a time of 44.137 to secure the top placing in the Grand Prix. In second place were Erin Davis-Heineking and Leonie [46.369]. Lambre and Easy Girl rounded out the podium to take third [47.149].
Isabel Harbour on Fitz. Photo by ESI.
Victory in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby was awarded to Isabel Harbour who piloted Fitz to a score of 90 in the Hunter Classic round and a 90 in the Handy Hunter round. A cumulative score of 180 secured the lion’s share of prize money and the blue ribbon in the Main Hunter Ring on Friday. In second place were Elizabeth Nestor and Covert COVERT [172], and Abigail Dvorak-Peat took third with Fortune Favors [171].
Other Jumper Highlights:
- $1,000 M&S/WIHS Children’s & Adult High Jumper Classic: Leigh Nanda and El Casper
- $1,000 NAL Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic: Gabriella Curry and Chaviana
- $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: Harper and Aarhus
- $2,500 Chicago Equine Jr/A-O/Am 1.20m Jumper Classic: Grace Klein and Clear Carisma
- $5,000 Pyranha Jr/A-O/Am 1.35m Jumper Classic: Alexandra Elkins and Cashmere 33
- $7,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.40m Jumper Classic: Leahy and P&F Cordillo Z
Other Hunter Highlights:
- $750 USHJA Green Hunter Challenge: Ryan Sassmannshausen and Rosalita
- $1,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive: Sara Rhodes and Fierra
- $1,000 AIG Junior Hunter Classic: Nestor and Covert
- $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic: Harbour and Fitz
- $500 SmartPak M&S Adult Hunter Classic: Kristin Rylko and Colorado 222
- $500 M&S Children’s Hunter Classic: Elise Stephens and Dress Balou
For full class results, click here. The final week of the HITS Chicago Series at Lamplight Equestrian Center is set to take place September 9-13. HITS thanks exhibitors complying with health and safety measures implemented this summer and look forward to the Fall Classic in September. 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 planning on joining us for the Fall Classic at HITS Chicago, please be sure to review the HITS Horse Show Protocol prior to your arrival at the show grounds. If you have not already done so, please be sure to finalize your stall count with the Stabling Manager for the Fall Classic.