Competition at MGN Heats Up On Tuesday
Thursday, October 9, 2003
Tuesday – Show Arena 6
The second day of performance competition featured a switch of venues for the morning session with the park and pleasure classes moving to Show Arena 6 and the Western and hunter events taking center stage in the main coliseum. A nice selection of classes brought out another day of intense competition.
The trend of small park classes started in the first class of the morning with two entries in the Four-Year-Old Park Harness Stallion class. As they have done many times before, the Rick Stevens/Stonecroft Farm team presented the Grand National champion. This time it was the much-heralded Stonecroft Masquerade son, Stonecroft Trilogy in the winner’s circle. Their only competition was the DreamMaster Morgan Farm entry The Real Deal, driven by Gerry Rushton.
Yvonne Sekrya was the winning trainer in the second class of the morning, Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallion/Gelding 15.1 h and Over. Tammy Mucklestone made the winning ride aboard the multi-titled Mallory Square. Second among the seven teams remaining went to Barbara Plattner with a bright performance on the upfronted Cabot Manifest Destiny.
Tara Farm was on top in the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 11 & Under class for the second consecutive year. A unanimous decision went the way of Carl Johnson and the grand gelding HVK Primary Light. The reserve ribbon went back to The River’s Edge tack room with Alexandra Meyer and the ground covering Cedar Creek Ungaro.
Classic pleasure competition featured large classes time and time again and there were 14 on hand for the mare saddle class. It was smooth sailing from start to finish for Maximum Effort and Terry Jones Brennan in their second winning performance of the show. Elizabeth Young Fina also had a strong ride while taking Rumor Has It to the reserve title for Barbara Irvine.
For the fourth consecutive year Stephanie Connor found the winner’s circle in the Ladies Park Harness Gelding class and all four came under the direction of Arcuri Stables. In 2000 Connor won it with RWF Victorious and now for three consecutive years HVK Constantinoble has been at the top of the class. No stranger to the winner’s circle, Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize was a worthy reserve champion for Holly Johnson and Tara Farm.
Sixteen entries started the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallion/Gelding Under 15.1 h class but there were a few unruly entries who were asked to take the gate, thus cutting the final class to 14. Surviving the long was multi-titled New England entry of Riverside Buckingham ridden to victory by Robin Vergato. Cape Cop Farm sent Anne Morgan and Hy Court Of Appeal to the reserve placing for the Morgan Horse Farm.
Junior exhibitors picked the park division up and provided a Grand National type class with 10 teams battling for the 15 & under title. Tug Hill Gunns And Roses has been a fierce competitor his entire Grand National career and this morning was no exception as Catherine Hendrickson rode the champion for the second year in a row under the direction of Cathy Grimes. Sarah Lee and En Possession NKS represented Arcuri Stables with the reserve streamers with a stellar showing, placing just ahead of Marathons Electrafire and Shelley Stevenson.
The scoreboard had three ones next to the number for Fleeting Heart in the Pleasure Driving Amateur Mare competition. Bold moving and never putting an ear back, Fleeting Heart was the unanimous champion for Kurt Rumens and Fire Run Farm. The Bill Grundmeyer trained team’s closest competition was Ryan’s Pure Silk Lady, driven by Toni Maunder for Morgans Of Briar Oaks.
Mike Goebig and Cindy Nord have teamed up to produce numerous Grand National and World Champion performers and on this morning another Grand National Champion was added to the list as Turning PT Simply Divine received a unanimous decision in the English Pleasure Mare class in which Ralph Stuart II and CEN Go French received a good round of applause for their reserve tie.
It was celebration time for the Marcelonis family as Stephanie Marcelonis and Paparazzi were announced the winners of a competitive Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor 12-13 Year Old class. Andy Marlett greeted Sara Tesler and Walk This Way at the outgate with the reserve streamers.
The professionals turned out with regional champions from across the country on a quest for the English Pleasure Gelding class. Among the 14 entries all three first place votes went to the heavily decorated Silversides Toy Soldier. The expressive performer was again ridden by Krista Dent for Mary Fisher. Larry Bolen and Monnington’s Titian stepped up to accept reserve honors for Susan and Barbara Silverman.
Bolen jumped off in time to watch Tolstoy and Jack Gatewood turn in a winning performance among the five entries in the Grand National Amateur Pleasure Driving Stallion competition for DanTree Farm. They were pressed by reserve champions FCF Capestranno and Bill Crawford, who topped the class a year ago for Boston Morgan Farm.
There were several nervous parents, instructors, and riders as two sections of the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal Preliminary competed for a right to return for the final round on Thursday. Twelve riders made the cut and in numerical order they were Katie Doncilovic, Cressi Bryant, Nelson Gaker, Sarah Taylor, Eric Antman, Lindsey Gama, Stephanie Taylor, Susie Sessink, Lindsay Wood, Brittany Davis, Morgan Glenn, and Sara McKay.
A whopping 14 entries filled Show Arena 6 for the Carriage Driving Single Reinsmanship class. The best of this group turned out to be Acadiana Jacque Pierre, driven by Sherri Robinson. Cece Green and Greentree Brigadier were a strong reserve.
Bill Lower had the winning team in the Carriage Driving Reinsmanship Multiple class, which had one other team, that being driven by Anita Meinert.
Tuesday – Show Arena 9
While the performance exhibitors were going head to head all morning, in the coliseum and show arena 6, the reining enthusiasts settled into show arena 9 to determine the World Champion in the Reining Snaffle Bit/Hackamore section. Trainer Mark Wilcher finished third in this event last year, however, with a new mount, Heartquest Erin, he rode to the top of the world in ’03. Ben Balow and Rough Diamond DragNFly repeated their 2002 finish with Reserve World Champion honors.
The World Champion was also crowned for the Reining division on Tuesday afternoon. Karen Myers slid up to take world champion honors aboard More Apples Please. This spinning and sliding sensation owned by Myers Performance Morgans had earned the non-pro world title a day earlier. Leroy and Sandra Stockton added the reserve world championship with Heartquest Erin.
Jennifer Ott and Wintergreen Treasure were on top in the Grand National Amateur Western Trail competition while Joyce Loewen and JMF Sanssouci strolled away with reserve. In the junior exhibitor trail competition Shamrock Foxie Joy and Aimee Lanter were the best of the bunch. Alyssa Franke rode up for reserve with Ruetama Lady Ryanne.
Reining competition again took to Arena 9 with Tuesday evening’s session. Travis Filipek and W’s Ready To Rumble had the winning moves for the Free Style Non-Pro Finals in which Meredith Rosier-Cooke and LSI Hollywood Helkat galloped away with the reserve title.
The Free Style Open Finals also went to Filipek and W’s Ready To Rumble. This time Phillip Meredith and Rough Diamond DragNFly claimed reserve honors.
Tuesday – Coliseum
Hunter and Western enthusiasts gathered in the coliseum to open a long day of competition for those two divisions. Entries in the Hunter Pleasure Ladies Amateur Mare class which placed second and third last year moved up to first and second in 2003. Making the move to the top was Cabot Top Attraction, being crowned Grand National Champion ridden by Amy Gatewood Buckle under the Cedar Creek Farm banner. Right behind them last year as well, Liberation Daddy’s Girl commanded the reserve title with Susan Brown providing the consistent ride.
Baccarat Farms had already been called to the winner’s circle a few times during the first two days of classes and day three started with another blue. Futurity’s Such A Twist was the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure Mare Champion with Dan Ramsour in the saddle for Kathy and William Papola’s Baccarat Farm. Another star of the Western ranks, Garn Walker, had the reserve winner in Virginia Adams’ lovely black Star Of Midnight.
In the very next class it was Melissa Walker making the victory pass. Garn jumped off his Western horse in time to direct Melissa and GPM Genesis B to their second blue prize of the week in the Ladies Amateur Gelding Hunter Pleasure. Having already won the ladies amateur mare qualifier, Amy Gatewood Buckle was back for the reserve ride in the gelding division aboard Highover Narcotic in this division for DanTree Farm.
It was smooth sailing for Heather Hale and Dextrous Super Supreme in the Youth Western Pleasure Finals. They were the best of a group, which included reserve champions Northern Exposure and Angela Padgham.
Next it was time for the professionals to don the hard hats and repeating their 2002 performance, Dan Ramsour and WH Zimbabwe turned back all challengers for Valencia Creek Morgans. The reserve tie went to smooth striding Indian Creek Final
T ouch and Kathleen Peeples for the Brown/Klein Family. This class set the stage for part of the deep and talented field, which would return, for world honors later in the week.
The first qualifier for the Amateur Western Pleasure World Championship went to Delaware’s Night Life, shown to the Grand National mare title by Stephanie Shearer directed by Jeff Bessey. PJM Sho-Bree-O landed the red prize in the deep class with Allyson Hughes aboard for Sandra Rill.
Michigan was home for the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14 & 15 Year Old Grand National Champion. Ashley Wright and FVA Rolls Royce. This Crystal Farms team would not be denied in the large class. Kalyn Bechle and Tru Lee Bills Boy were the next names called out for a ribbon representing Bellewether.
The Western Pleasure Four-Year-Old Stallions/Geldings took over the ring with Ryan Arcuri guiding the spectacular Grand Cru Beaujolais to the presentation ceremony for the champion. This was another Western star for Debra Woolley Lee and Arcuri Stables. Reserve to the champions was the famed Eitan Beth-Halachmy representing Fire Run Farm while riding last year’s three-year-old champion Temptation’s Answer to the title.
The floodgates opened for the Junior Exhibitor 16 & 17 Year Old Hunter Pleasure class so it was divided into two sections. New England claimed the winning ribbon in the first section as Allie Rowbottom and Cabot Courage Command were right on the money with their performance. The reserve ribbon went to the opposite coast with Katie Klooster and Nanton’s Bossanova directed by Earl and Jennifer McFall.
Section two was just as competitive and that Grand National title returned to Minnesota with Kate Dietz Mako and Tug Hill Alibi. Versatile Susie Sessink and BG Jazz Fest rode away with reserve honors to close out the morning session.
Sired by Nobility, Indian Creek Quantico opened the Tuesday afternoon session with a winning performance in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Gelding class. Kurt Hufferd presented the Grand National Champion for Indian Creek Farm. Mark Bodnar and Nothing But The Truth drove off with reserve honors for Dennis Fancsali.
Kelly Kraegel-Bates received a warm welcome back to Oklahoma as VQM Speaker Of The House jogged to the presentation area to receive the blue for the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure Stallion/Gelding competition. Kathleen Peeples and the handsome Mirabel’s Loyal Romeo jogged up for the reserve ribbon for Colleen Baptist.
Coming off their World Champion In Hand title, Long Acres Broadway and Robert Hughes took on four others for the Park Harness Four-Year-Old Mare and Gelding honors. Their performance was worthy of all three first place votes for proud owners Robert and Jeannine Armada. Bert Earehart and Whispering About Me turned in a bold showing to command the reserve ribbon for Jane Steffenhagen.
The judging panel continued their agreement, as Shannon Connor and her fabulous new partner Matrix were unanimous for the top honors in the Ladies English Pleasure Gelding competition. Krista Dent and the always-entertaining AKM Manhattan emerged from the pack with the reserve honors for Sally Lawing.
Cheri Barber and Grand Cru Black Pearl put their stamp on the Two-Year-0ld Pleasure Driving Mare class with a performance worthy of a blue Grand National for Lee Alexander. Gerry Rushton and Lorraine Bumb’s GLB Perfect Harmony gave a strong effort on their way to a reserve finish.
There was a huge turnout for the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Mare class and from the large field all three judges selected RTS Miss Belle Pepper and Kathleen Peeples. The Taylor Severino entry made her first of what would be two trips down victory lane with a helping hand on the victory pass from Kendra Peeples. The strong competition included former world champion Carmen Miranda ridden by Tristanne Weber for Jamie Fiocco.
A pair of full brothers topped the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding class. Embryo transfer sons of Futurity French Command and AFF Beulah, Total Request and MEM Bailamos were champion and reserve champion respectively. Tim Arcuri had the winning drive for Chehalem Morgans, while Rick Lane was reserve for George Schott.
Just like last year, the Western Pleasure Amateur Gelding class had to be split and another blue ribbon was hung on the Waterford Farm tack room following the winning performance given by CRS Executive and Nikki Csaszar. Victoria Clayton and veteran champion Iron Forge Be Blue picked up the reserve ribbon. In the second round a unanimous decision went the way of He’s Simply Marvelous and Virginia Adams, while Joyce Thoma and Bears Braveheart exited with a Reserve Grand National title.
Judges were in agreement right down the line for the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mare event. Across the board were the sensational champions GLB Bell Of The Ball and Gerry Rushton, followed by reserve champions Robert Hughes and LIV Calla Lily, and third place finishers BLFM Best Evidence and Stan Bodnar.
It seemed like the English Pleasure Youth Finals would never end but when it did, Elizabeth Sue and Nikki Rae Woodworth stood in the winner’s circle representing elated owner Sharon Bryant. Reserve to the champions were FCF Immortal Affair and Stephanie Jones prepared by Phil Fountain.
In the next class Phil Fountain was back in the winner’s circle with Freddie Mercury. The impressive son of Cedar Creek Harlequin and Arboria LaBelle was called to the winner’s circle to accept the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion title for Mary Gaziano. Tim Arcuri and the highly acclaimed French Kristoph had their share of fans in reserve for Tom and Stephanie Connor.
A picture of ladies perfection, Missy Hanover and UVM Farrah would not be denied in the Ladies English Pleasure Mare class for owner Linda Sheridan and trainer David Young. Kelley Sogoloff and Heyday Molly Stark were a good choice for reserve honors with a stellar performance for owner Polly Quinn.
The afternoon closed with a small but talented group of Park Harness Mares and Geldings. Again it was a battle of east coast versus west coast and in the end, the West won out. Robert Hughes and World Champion Kim’s Bellegante were crowned the champions with a magnificent performance for Hubert Kim. The always-bold Grandemeanor was a talented reserve champion for Annie Anderson and Jan-Marie Bruno.
Open Hunter Pleasure Mare competition opened the evening competition in the coliseum. Kathleen Peeples and RTS Miss Belle Pepper glided down the rail to command their second impressive blue prize of the day for Taylor Severino. This class finished with first and second just like the ladies mare class in which Tristanne Weber and Carmen Miranda were reserve.
It was hard to tell who was happier, Natalie Nelsen or her father Keith Nelsen when Natalie was called out the champion of the Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 12 & 13 Year Old class with QVM Collector's Edition. Sarah Partridge and HVK Field Rennaisance held down the reserve placing with a smooth ride guided by Rick Davis.
The adults loved their amateur pleasure driving horses, especially geldings. That class was split with the world titled team of Lisa Howa and Aristocraticallee bringing home the loot in section A once again this year. Hers was a unanimous decision as was Wendell Williams’ reserve tie with Oak Creek Chief Of Staff. Bill Grundmeyer sent Mantic Flairboyant and Bonnie Blair-Trimble to the winner’s circle in section B to add their names to the list of first time Oklahoma victors. The team of Cabot French Pepper and Nan Cecchettini claimed the reserve streamers among the many contenders.
With a good number of wins and reserves already in the bank, Jennifer McFall did it again with Uppercase Beaudacious making a winning statement in the Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding Under 15.1 h competition. Diane Dietz Mako and Tug Hill Alibi came home with another reserve finish.
It’s hard to beat the team of Helen Crawford and HVK Ancient Cry and in the Ladies Park Harness Mare class no one did as they received the unanimous decision for the second year in a row to the delight of their cheering section. Anne Benson and KD Hot To Trot turned some heads as they stepped up for the unanimous reserve for Kimberly Dunn under the training of Rick Stevens.
Lynn and Kathleen Peeples could do no wrong as they presented champion after champion. Their next Waterford champion was Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle 16 & 17 Year Old winner King Lehr’s Bob A Loo. Longtime Waterford student Lauren Cojocar rode him to victory in her final show in the junior exhibitor division. Kristen LaCava turned in the reserve ride with the many times champion Moreover hailing from Stonegate Farm.
In a hard-fought English Pleasure Stallion class Missy Hanover represented DanTree Farm with the winning ride aboard their famed new entry Nicoria. Tim Roesink and the tried and true Liberation Instant Replay followed them in the ribbons for JME Morgans.
It was like going home for Kathy Papola and Cabot French Lieutenant in the Amateur Western Pleasure Stallion class as they repeated their 2002 title under the direction of Dan Ramsour. The stunning black Gulfwind Sir William jogged up for the reserve title with Margaret McKnight Karrh in the saddle for Paul and Evelyn McKnight.
Truly for the first time during the week a class put a high volt of electricity in the coliseum as the Park Harness Stallions went at it as seven powerful entries answered the call of the class. Although several tried, none could knock Tom Caisse and World Champion HVK Vibrance off the throne. They were again the unanimous champions for Phil and Gloria Blevins. Rick Stevens and East Coast Champion CN The Commanding Touch were called out as the reserve champions for Brenda Varney. The crowd then showed its appreciation for third place finishers Man In Motion and Lynn Peeples. A few ribbons later the audience again erupted with great applause for Brian Stewart and Minion Millenium. This group along with their mare and gelding counterparts from earlier in the day would set the stage for an exciting showdown for Saturday night’s Park Harness World Championship.
|