Ashley Hallock Claims Back to Back World's Titles On Monday
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Monday Morning
The morning began with 23 classes on the schedule. The 15-Year-Old Equitation class was first through the gate and eight talented young riders competed. Betty Cox put together the winning ride for the world’s championship title and first unanimous blue ribbon of the day. Joel Dorignac added the reserve title to his impressive list this season and proven competitor Ashley Alden claimed the yellow ribbon for third.
A big group of country pleasure driving horses competed in the 45 and under age group and each worked hard to put themselves in prime position for the judges. When the cards were turned in it was another unanimous decision from the panel and Sweet Intention and Ashley Hallock took the victory pass on the green shavings. Somersby and James Rosburg were crowned the reserve world’s champions.
Winning a ribbon at Louisville is always an impressive feat and when it’s a blue ribbon it’s especially impressive. Add to that winning a second blue ribbon in an incredibly deep class of 22 entries and it’s even more impressive. Winning two world’s titles in one day, back to back, puts you on the short list of multi-titled Louisville champions. Ashley Hallock did just that. After winning her country pleasure driving blue ribbon, she turned right around and topped the competition for the 18-29 Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure World’s Championship with Green Top. Hallock rode for owners Carol and Jim Graf. She was followed in the ribbons by Radiant Event and Jennifer Whittington for the reserve title in the big class. Kendra Fisher and Broadway Tune were able to put it together for the yellow ribbon and the opportunity to compete again on the green shavings later in the week.
Undulata’s Perfect Gift and Aaron Stump turned in an elegant performance to add yet another win this season. They were named the 11 and Under Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited World’s Champions amidst a strong group of 16 entries. Callaway’s Maverick was the reserve champion for Terry Honaker and Nelson Gaker claimed the third place tie with his brand new mount Mikhail.
The 30-40 Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure class featured a strong group of 10 teams and the panel made it another unanimous decision. CH Blackberry Delight and Ericka Nelson took the victory pass and the world’s champion title. Last year’s winner, Absolutely Exquisite, was the reserve world’s champion with Paula Frenette up for Elsa Hackett. Dr. Owen Weaver was third with Corporate Focus.
The three-gaited ponies were split by age group with the 14-17 riders competing first in a formidable group of 11. Lauren Stone went to the winner’s circle for the presentation of the blue ribbon with Royalty In Black. Deja Vu’s Delight was reserve with Renee Zubrod up for Pamela Boyers. Lost Token claimed the third place finish with Yasmin Wazir up.
The Roadster To Wagon horses put on an exciting show in their seven-entry class. Ashland and Mike Barlow had the winning drive for Howard and Bobbye Six. Power Ranger and Raymond Shively claimed the reserve world’s title and Pres Oder and Bar None were third for Glenn Werry, Jr.
Ten five-gaited ponies came through the gate for their 13 and under age group class and all ten rode like veterans despite their young age. Cydni Simmons and CH Sammyshine were right on the money to defend their title from last year and take the victory pass. Champagne In Winter and Ali Judah turned in a strong effort for the reserve world’s championship title and Strike The Gold finished in third after a powerful performance with Kelly Hill.
The junior road ponies were next on the schedule and six youngsters came through the gate to be judged by the panel. Fresh from the Illinois State Fair Horse Show where he turned in a blue ribbon performance last week, Calvin Hobbs went to the winner’s circle to claim the Four-Year-Old Roadster Pony World’s Championship title with Chris Gantley driving for Steve and Leanne Golden. The win was a unanimous decision by the panel. Captain Proud earned the second place finish with Junior Schut on the lines and Seamair Sensation was third with Andy Freseth for Gene and Ann Gallmeier.
The Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure 41 and Over class was enormous and was therefore split. The first section of 13 featured a strong group and Vicki Reed was the last to leave the ring after she took the victory pass with Harlem’s Moving Man. Peggy Whitley rode her mount, Peter Fredrickson, to the second place ribbon and last year’s winner, I’m Simply Radiant, was third with Judy Werner up.
With no gate holds allowed, Vicki Reed raced up the ramp and got on board her second mount for the next split. Another very strong group of 13 competed for the panel in hopes of winning a ribbon and the chance to come back for a shot at the world’s grand championship title later in the week. When the cards were turned in it was a unanimous decision for The Bess Yet and Carol Hillenbrand. Mary Jane Gralton was thrilled when she rode up to accept her second place ribbon with A Magic Spell and Dr. Mary Lou Koran with Top This topped the remaining entries for the top three finish in the big class.
The junior exhibitors and their five-gaited ponies didn’t have to compete with such a big group for their 14-17 class but they all faced strong competition in their division from eight powerful entries. Jewels For A Lady turned in an explosive performance for the win with Dani Dunn riding for Steve and Charlotte Birge. Kaitlyn Grom and Diamond Flight were able to take the reserve ribbon and Little Lord Huntley was third with Maguire Hall.
The Roadster To Bike Mare Stake got the crowd going and pitted a veteran group of drivers against one another on the green shavings. Steve Crabtree put together the winning drive with Wildwood Flower to edge out nine other mares and was followed in the ribbons by Meadow Demon and Lana Gilpin. Lady Hawke and Danette Musselman were able to take the yellow ribbon for Dr. Scott Bennett.
After the break, the schedule resumed with the 46 and Over Country Pleasure Driving class. Callaway’s Pretty Penny and Nancy Anderson not only topped a strong group of 10 entries but they also defended their 2002 title with a unanimous decision. Hometown Commander was reserve with Donna Beck.
The 12 and 13-year-old junior exhibitors put on quite a show with their walk-trot horses in both sections of the Junior Exhibitor 12-13 Three-Gaited Stake. The blue ribbon and world’s title in the first section went to CH Heart Of Blue and Brittany Kale. Kyle Gagnon put Callaway’s Sunday Edit in place for the red ribbon and Alexandra Flynn rode CH Evening Dazzle to the third place finish.
Allison Combs topped the deep field of 11 in section two with French Silk Stockings. CH Radiant Success and Ali Judah turned in the reserve championship ride and Alexandra Flynn scored her back to back top three finish with Spool’s Top Star.
The amateur drivers put their junior pleasure driving ponies in front of the panel for the next class. Heartland Special Special turned in the winning drive with Jackie Stred and earned a unanimous decision from the panel. Rodney Root drove Lovelyanna to the reserve and 2002 winner Heartland Celebrate Celebrate took the yellow ribbon with Angela Utecht.
Sixteen talented five-gaited pleasure horses carried their juvenile riders in front of the panel for a very good class. CH My Korbel and Victoria Woodruff continued their successful partnership and took the victory pass and world’s championship. CH The Bodega Bay and Tasha Rose Sandler turned in the reserve world’s championship effort and Ridgefield’s Excessive and Mandy Martin claimed the top three finish.
The Roadster Pony Mare Stake was also a competitive class with 10 sporty ponies vying for top honors. Material Girl was not to be denied and she turned in her world’s championship performance for the second year in a row with Jeff McClean and received a unanimous decision for the win. Anna Marie Knipp and Special Impression put together a team effort for the reserve world’s championship title.
The 17-year-old equitation riders were poised and polished in their class and faced a strong group of eight. Dakota Willimon, with a string of equitation wins already this season, took the victory pass to add the world’s title to her list. Devon Garone added the reserve world’s title to her already impressive resume. Clinton Jury, recipient of Shelbyville’s Sportsmanship Award, scored the top three finish with a polished ride.
The Three-Gaited Pony 13 and Under class was huge, with 18 entries, and the young riders put on quite a show for the crowd. Simbara’s Audacity has been a major force in the division for years and she turned in the winning performance with Brittany McGinnis on board. Sarah Katherine, another proven campaigner in the division, was reserve with Melissa Milligan. Shelby Gregory and her multi-titled Highpoint’s Fantasia were right there for the third place finish.
The amateur drivers faced a tough group of 14 with their roadster ponies but according to the panel none could top Heartland Production. Mary McClean scored the second roadster pony win of the day for Golden Creek Farm. Seamair Strutter and Josh Greer took the reserve ribbon from the great class and Laurel Nelson had Lamborghini in top form for third.
The Three-Gaited Park Stallion and Gelding class was also a very deep class with a long list of proven contenders competing for the world’s championship title. John Biggins piloted Another Bay to the win for Brennan Baumer to add another win to their list this season. The Big Dance put together the reserve effort with Jannie Giles up for Rick Daigle. Impressive Man and Scott Matton were third for Tillman Stables.
Nine 16-year-old equitation riders closed out the morning session in fine fashion as they competed for their world’s title. The panel named Sarah Taylor the champion after a strong performance. Jordan Underwood rode well to take the reserve title and Jessica Saft was in top form for third.
Monday morning’s session often sets the tone for how the rest of the week will progress at Louisville. Despite several time outs and some thrown shoes, the schedule progressed pretty well and wasn’t the marathon that many people anticipate. Trainers and exhibitors had several hours to regroup before the evening session.
Monday Evening
A beautiful group of standout yearlings came through the gate for the ASHA Kentucky Yearling Futurity. The big class of 30 got the evening off to a good start and showcased gorgeous young Saddlebreds that will no doubt continue to be gorgeous campaigners for years to come. Fort Chiswell’s Premier gave Smith Lilly his second blue ribbon in as many days when he presented the Attache’s Royal Assets-sired yearling for Bent Tree Farm. Freedom Hall’s big crowd voiced their support with lots of applause. Performing Nightly, sired by CF First Night Out, took the reserve title for Pidgeon Roost Farm with Danny Troutman handling. Majestic Worries finished in the third spot for Brian and Susan Reimer. Brian Reimer presented the Don’t Worry-sired entry. Castle Bravo sired the fourth place entry Castledream. Kenny Wheeler presented the youngster.
She’s Good To Go, sired by Radiant Sultan; Brookhill’s King Of Kool, sired by CH Harlem Town; Grande Gil, sired by I’m The Prince; and MacDonald Dixon, sired by Gypsy Santana, completed the ribbon count.
The Amateur Ladies Fine Harness class featured a talented group of 12 in their quest for a world’s title. Katherine Wheeler, granddaughter of Kenneth and the late Sallie Wheeler and close friend of three-time winner Susan Phillips who recently passed away, presented the Susan Phillips Memorial Challenge Trophy to unanimous winner Metro Heirea. Eleanor Pedersen was in the buggy for the winning drive. Lexington winner Cary’s Moonraker turned in the reserve performance with Margo Baird and Kathy Capsuto was third with Dancing Up A Storm.
The Junior Five-Gaited Stallion and Gelding class will, no doubt, keep people talking for weeks to come. It was unbelievable. Unbelievable for the incredible group of 21 gorgeous entries and unbelievable for the amount of time it took to get the class tied. Two time outs were called for thrown shoes and after working and lining up all 21 entries, the panel called for a workout.
Twelve horses went back out on the rail and were on their way to a truly exciting workout when they had to stop twice more for thrown shoes. The stopping and starting proved to be difficult for some entries to overcome but it wasn’t a problem for eventual class winner Memories Paragon. Virgil Helm left the ring to the roar of the crowd. Walterway’s Remember Me turned in a memorable performance with Nelson Green for Ceil and Kenny Wheeler to claim the reserve title.
From a great gaited class to a great walk-trot class. The Amateur Ladies Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class was filled with talent and 16 teams. The list of contenders included numerous multi-titled campaigners and when the cards were turned in it was In My Heart and Carol Hillenbrand taking the top prize. Hillenbrand topped the big class for her second world’s championship title of the day. CH Americana’s Jazz Man also left the ring to a huge ovation after being selected the reserve champion with Phillipa Sledge. Deborah Visser and New York’s Royal Flush were right on and scored the top three finish.
Ballet and Karen Frickey successfully defended their 2002 win in the Harness Pony Mare Stake and topped a group of six for the victory. Mark Of Elegance and Rodney Hicks put together the reserve drive for Copper Beech Farm. Conqueror’s Colleen and Mary Ellen Golich finished with the yellow ribbon fresh from their success at Illinois State Fair.
The Junior Three-Gaited Over 15.2 Stake had eight elegant entries for their class and the panel was in complete agreement that recent winner at Shelbyville, Manila Thrilla was the one to beat. Mark Utoft rode for Teresa Vonderschmidt. Lynda Freseth guided The Perfect Blind Date to the reserve finish for new owner Travis Van Zetten.
Just About Perfect was just about perfect to take the title unanimously in the Ladies Fine Harness Stake with Lisa Strickland driving for Ellyn Dorsey. Lesley Anne turned in a stellar performance with Jenny Taylor to claim the reserve for Mr. and Mrs. Alan Robson. Ah! What A Night finished in third with Dena Lopez driving for Dr. W.M. Sorenson.
My Party Manners swept the division last week at Illinois State Fair and added the world’s championship victory in the Amateur Roadster Pony 51 and Over class to a long list of titles with owner and driver Jane Mueller. Late Nite’s Magic Moment was second in the 10-entry class with Kathryn Nichols driving. Dun Haven Awesome Image rounded out the top three with Georgia Blevins.
The Junior Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class was huge, with 17 entries, and the crowd loved every minute of the performance. Reigning Three-Gaited World’s Grand Champion An Heir About Her left the ring to a big ovation from the crowd as the unanimous winner with Chris Reiser up for Hanes Chevrolet. Todd Miles had Callaway’s Thomas C. Reynolds cranked and ready for the reserve ribbon and Martin Teater was on board Noksus Devosia for third place for Kathleen and Syndi Zimmerman.
Great class followed great class all evening long. Seventeen horses came through the gate for the Ladies Amateur Five-Gaited Gelding Stake and they put on a terrific show. The top two ribbon winners were both bred by Callaway Hills. CH Callaway’s Arbitrator and Ashley Birdsong added another world’s championship title to their win list when they were named the winners by the panel. Callaway’s Independence Day and Misdee Wrigley finished in the second place slot and Vicki Reed rode SA Olympic Fire to third.
The amateur gentlemen took their turn with their fine harness horses and presented a talented group of six to vie for the blue ribbon. Kalarama’s New Sensation claimed the win with Guy Smith driving for Guy and Karen Smith and had the audience cheering. CH A Sweet Treat had her share of applause when she was named the reserve world’s champion with John Scheidt. Call Me Ringo and William Shatner, always popular with the crowd, exited with the yellow ribbon.
The Junior Five-Gaited Mare Stake showcased a beautiful group of 15 entries and like the stallion and gelding class, numerous time outs for thrown shoes. Despite the delays, the great class got the audience going and was a hotly contested battle. The panel named Along Came A Spider the champion for Georgia Baker with George Knight in the irons. Ya-Ya and Melissa Moore were able to claim the reserve title for Beth Clifton and Callaway’s Betty Hearnes was third with John Biggins up for Carol Hillenbrand.
The Ladies Amateur Three-Gaited Over 15.2 Stake had seven proven contenders and a veteran group of ladies showcasing their talents for the panel. City Lady and Melody Adler took the top prize and were followed by Harlem’s Town Scandal with Kelly Mount.
There may have been only five ponies competing for the title in the Harness Pony Stallion and Gelding class, but they turned it on for the crowd for an entertaining class. Par Excellence took the title for the second year in a row with Karen Waldron driving for Bent Tree Farm. Gib Marcucci drove Impress My Daddy to reserve for Mr. and Mrs. Alan Robson.
The amateur ladies brought 15 gorgeous mares in the ring for their stake class and Summer Sweet carried an elated Ceil Wheeler to the winner’s circle after a powerful performance. Barbara Manilow and Boo! turned in a crowd pleasing performance for their reserve title and L.A. Boca Raton scored the top three finish in the deep class with Ann Gallmeier up.
The Five-Gaited Stallion Stake is always a highly anticipated class and the session finale did not disappoint. Every one of the six competitors had their fan clubs cheering and CH Superior’s Successor took the title with last year’s five-gaited world’s grand champion trainer Merrill Murray up for Joan Hammond. John T. Jones rode the South African stud S.A. Dorian Wild Temper to the reserve finish for Fox Grape Farm. Desert’s Supreme Memories and Virgil Helm left the ring with the third place ribbon for Roberta Rassieur.
All in all, it was a great day of competition. The world class performances kept people on the edge of their seat and showcased great horses and talented exhibitors. Performances that proved there's a great week of competition ahead.
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