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Day Two – UPHA American Royal National Championship




by Susan F. Harris

Day Two of the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show opened to sunny but bone-chilling temperatures – cold even by Kansas City standards. The Royal is known for its parade of luxurious furs. Not that anyone needed an excuse to break out the furs, but the weather made them functional as well as a fashion statement.

 

In the show ring, the top level action continued. There were predictable outcomes, but also a number of upsets. New teams have formed since Louisville and the Royal gave some of them a chance to give spectators a preview for next year.

 

A highlight of Wednesday’s show was the UPHA Junior Challenge Cup National Championship preliminary competition in the morning with the finals on the evening program. Riders competed in the morning preliminary with twelve chosen to show back Wednesday night. It was announced that the McGinnis Foundation is generously underwriting scholarships for the top two finishers - $1,000 for the champion and $500 for the reserve champion. Last year’s Junior Champion, Brittany McGinnis, and her sister Courtney assisted with the presentations. 

 

The tension mounted as each of the ten finalists was presented one by one in the ring along with her instructor. Once they were all gathered, announcer Peter Fenton called out the reserve champion, Ellen Medley Wright, riding CH Timeless Drifter and instructed by Lillian Shively.

 

Rachel Machamer joyously wrapped her arms around A Touch of Pizzazz’s neck upon hearing her named the 2005 UPHA Junior Challenge Cup champion. Lynda Freseth proudly posed with them for the presentation photo. 

 

The remaining finalists were: Angela Darrow, Deanna Lanigan , Jennifer Roberts, Chelsea Jo Roby, Jourdan Schaye, Caroline Skinner, Ashley Stine, and Eleanor Watkins.

 

A photographic view of the second day’s action follows. Be sure to check out complete show results by clicking here.

 
     Gib Marcucci, Jane Mueller, Brad Bacon                     Connie Clouse & Whitney Bennett

                              
Catherine Benson, Spencer Mains, Peter Cowart                               Toni Knight

                
     In Your Honor & Autumn Hunt                                               Maquire Hall

             
         Art Zubrod & Fred Sarver                              CH Kalarama's A New Sensation

                        
         Ellen Medley Wright                                        Rachel Machamer

                           
     Callaway's Sunday Edit                                        Carolina Cat

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