The two-week HITS Saugerties Fall Series began last week with HITS-on-the-Hudson VII, the prelude to the HITS Championship, the Richest Weekend in Show Jumping. HITS VII featured the final Devoucoux and Platinum Performance Hutner Prix qualifiers of the season, as well as Marshall & Sterling League classes and classics and two Grand Prix. With fall in the air, riders put the their best foot forward in preparation for next week’s Championship classes which include the $500,000 AIG Grand Prix, $250,000 Diamond Mills and $100,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Finals, $15,000 Green Hunter Prix, and $25,000 Black Barn Jr/A-O/Am Jumper Prix.
Featured competition in the Grand Prix Stadium began Wednesday, August 26 with Kevin Mealiff winning the $5,000 HITS Open Welcome aboard All Gold Des Isles. Mealiff crossed the timers in 43.247 to take the top honors. In second place were Heather Caristo-Williams and Marciano MVF [45.030], and in third were Mattias Tromp and Gangsterlinus [43.247].
Charlie Jayne joined the Winner’s Circle aboard Ever Blue with their jump-off time of 43.478 to take the blue ribbon in the second featured jumper class of the week, the $10,000 HITS 1.40m Jumper Classic. Laura Chapot took the red ribbon with Shooting Star [44.404], and Callan Solem and Flash took the yellow ribbon [45.955].
Amanda Derbyshire on Oasis Spirit. Photo by ESI.
Amanda Derbyshire led the way in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix aboard Oasis Spirit. This pair were the first to return for the jump-off, and their time of 40.815 was unbeatable as they claimed the victory in Friday’s Grand Prix. Chapot piloted Thornhill Kate to a second place finish [41.422], and Mimi Gochman took third with Celina BH [43.062].
Cassandra Kahle and Wallstreet claimed the blue ribbon in the $10,000 Saugerties Steamboat Co. Jumper Classic. As the last to compete, Kahle laid down a slick jump-off round in a time of 34.924 to secure the win. Todd Minikus secured second place on Napoleon of Picobello [36.097], and Ella Bikoff and Fuego were close behind to take third [36.738].
Jenni McAllister on Escada V S. Photo by ESI.
The field was stacked with top riders and horses for Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix. Six riders cleared the first round with no jumping faults, but only 4 finished within the time allowed, setting the stage for a fast and furious jump-off. Taking home first place and the lion’s share of prize money was Jenni McAllister and Escada V S. McAllister flew through the timers in 40.172, beating the field by just over a half of a second, to be awarded the winner’s trophy. In addition, Hylofit presents one of their cutting-edge Heart Monitoring Systems to the Grand Prix winner every Sunday at HITS Saugerties. Gochman and Celina BH took second place [40.855], and Derbyshire and Cornwall BH took third [48.571].
HITS-on-the-Hudson VII was the last week for hunter riders to earn points for the two prestigious hunter Prix Finals featured in next week’s HITS Championship. While qualifying requirements were waived for the 2020 Finals, points are still being tracked to determine which riders are eligible to show two horses in the Finals, as well as the official order-of-go.
The Outside Course hosted both the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix on Sunday, August 30 giving horses and riders the perfect opportunity to prepare for the Hunter Prix Finals at the HITS Championship coming up this week.
Brian Feigus on Camelot BF. Photo by ESI.
The $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix welcomed top hunters to the ring Sunday morning, with Brian Feigus taking the blue ribbon for his ride aboard Camelot BF. Feigus scored an 84 in the first round and a 87 in the second round, for an overall score of 171. Kahle piloted Maxlight to a second place finish [169.25], and Minkus was close behind with Rissoa D’Ag Bois Margot [169].
Following the Devoucoux Hunter Prix was the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix where the spotlight was on Junior and Amateur riders. Melissa Lee piloted Chiparoe Z to first place with scores of 84.5 and 86. A two-round total of 170.5 secured the top spot in the class. Meredith Lipke took second place with For Love [168], and Meghan Knapic took third place aboard Celtic Blue [167].
Additional Jumper Highlights:
- $2,500 M&S Children’s Jumper Classic – High: Spencer Walsh and Virtuoso de Talma
- $2,500 M&S Adult Jumper Classic – High: Britta Stoeckel and Everest De Muze
- $1,000 Harcour M&S Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic – Low: Serena Morgan and Zeven Blue MBF
- $250 M&S Modified Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic: Tessa Kohr and Horse Feathers
- $2,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.20m Jumper Classic: Catherine Kubiak and Cantique D’Hyrencourt
- $5,000 Pyranha Jr/A-O/Am 1.30m Jumper Classic: Nicole Bellissimo and Gelzarina
- $7,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.45m Jumper Classic: Madison Rauschenbach and Gillette B
Additional Hunter Highlights:
- $1,000 Jr/A-O 3’3″/3’6″ Hunter Classic: Grace Parker Gara and King Power
- $1,000 Perfect Products Pony Hunter Classic: Emi Richard and Game Plan
- $500 M&S SmartPak Adult Hunter Classic: Kate Ellis and Condor
- $500 M&S Child Hunter Classic – Horse: Ryley Kurau and Rablo
- $500 M&S Child Hunter Classic – Pony: Kaitlyn Linck and Beaverwood’s Thumblina
- $250 M&S Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic: Amy Tullett and Corazon
- Short Stirrup Hunter Classic: Leah Cobb and Woodlands Gardenia
For full class results, click here. As the season at HITS Saugerties nears the end, management’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable show for everyone. To do so, please review the HITS Quick Tips and HITS Horse Show Protocol online prior to your arrival at the show grounds.