The $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic proved to be a challenge for almost everyone except Ireland’s Lorcan Gallagher, who produced two of the only four clear rounds out of a starting field of 53 horse-and-athlete combinations on Thursday evening. Gallagher, who was ninth in the original order-of-go, produced the first clear round of the night on Hunters Conlypso II.
Lorcan Gallagher and Hunters Conlypso II with representatives from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Photo by Phelps Sports
There was not another clear round until he returned to the ring on Charlie. Facing off against veterans Todd Minikus and Alison Robitaille, Lorcan produced the fastest double-clear round on Hunters Conlypso II, stopping the clock in 42.139 seconds. Robitaille and Ace were hot on his heels with a double-clear ride that finished in 42.465 seconds. Gallagher was third on his second mount, while Minikus placed fourth with two unlucky rails over the short course.
“The Dacantos Group purchased Hunter last June for us, just after the winter circuit, to produce him on to be my No. 1 horse, which he has,” shared Gallagher on his winning mount. “I think if you look through his record, he’s clear in so many big classes — he’s just been super consistent. I had to give him a break because I’ve done so much with him. I gave him a month off before last week and he was a little fresh. We plan to go to Chicago next.”
Lorcan Gallagher and Hunters Conlypso II. Photo by Phelps Sports
The 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion masterfully maneuvered through all of the challenges that were presented by Brazilian course designer Anderson Lima. Gallagher drew heavily on some of their past grand prix performances to produce the early clear in the first round, which held fast until Gallagher returned on Charlie. The crowd in the stands of the Rolex Stadium cheered as Gallagher and Charlie crossed the timers fault-free next in an unlikely but exciting turn of events.
Show jumping veteran, Minikus, used the second of his two rides, Excel, owned by Autumn View Farm, to help ensure the crowd a jump-off. Another American favorite, Robitaille piloted her own Ace to make it not only an incredibly competitive jump-off but also a battle of men versus women.
Alison Robitaille and Ace. Photo by Phelps Sports
Gallagher returned to the jump-off with an intent to secure the lead with a competitive pace, which he did in spades. Although horses and riders are supposed to return to the ring for the jump-off in the order in which they competed in the first round, Gallagher was lucky that Robitaille stepped up to go second in the jump-off, allowing the Irishman time to prepare Charlie after his lightening fast round on Hunters Conlypso II.
Although Ace gave it his all, the pair finished in a close second place. Charlie, who Gallagher has only recently started riding, secured third place and Minikus, who is always up for a good jump-off, had two unlucky rails to finish in fourth place.
Lorcan Gallagher on Charlie. Photo by Phelps Sports
“Charlie is owned by Southern Arches and Patty Taylor. I’ve tried to purchase Charlie a couple of times. He’s been ridden in the past by Winn Alden to great success. I just started riding him a few weeks ago and had a placing in Michigan with him in a welcome. I’m still getting to know him, but I think he’s got a very bright future. I think by the time the Winter Equestrian Festival comes around, he could be really challenging some of those bigger classes.”
Thursday’s first and third place finishes will comfortably seat Gallagher atop the leaderboard in the Hagyard Challenge Series with 550 points, ahead of fellow Irishman Darragh Kenny who has 470 points. The series consists of seven grand prix classes, where, following the final event, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to the athlete who accumulates the most points throughout the summer competition. With series leading riders spread out across the country, the race for the bonus is still incredibly close.
In addition, Thursday’s athletes were also competing for the title of Leading Open Jumper Rider at the Kentucky Summer Classic. Presented by Envisian Products to the open jumper competitor who accumulates the most points over the week-long schedule, the Leading Open Jumper Rider award is another reason many riders choose to compete multiple horses in the bigger classes.