Lexington 2003
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
by Bob Funkhouser
Show Coverage by Bob Funkhouser, Sadie Killian and Leeann Mione
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Transforming the famed Red Mile into a comfortable, workable and enjoyable horse show setting is an annual challenge for the volunteer ladies of the Lexington Junior League and the management team which puts on the largest and most prestigious outdoor show for American Saddlebreds. Headed by show chairperson Paige Kikuchi and 15 year Lexington manager Jim LaHood, it proved to be an even bigger challenge this year though most of the challenge came from outside influences instead of the physical constraints of a race track and the forces of Mother Nature.
A week prior to Lexington, which was held July 7-12, word spread of the attacks on five horses, including World’s Grand Champion Wild Eyed and Wicked, at the Double D Ranch in nearby Versailles. At show time the series of events which seriously put the five horses out of action indefinitely, remained a mystery and authorities were working the case.
Also, before the bugle would sound for the first class the industry lost some notable individuals. Lawrence Carss and Susan Phillips should have had lots of life left, while Katherine Sinclair and A.E. Knowlton both enjoyed long, full lives and the Saddlebred and Pony worlds were better off because of these four individuals.
“It sure put this horse show in perspective,” said Pat McConnell the day before the sixty-seventh junior league show got underway. “I like to win a blue ribbon as much as anybody, but the sudden loss of these people and what happened to those horses makes you think about what’s important.”
LaHood and assistant manager Lenard Davenport, along with Kent Moeller, had the grounds up and running by Monday night’s opening session and other than the usual, but extremely inconvenient, dose of thrown shoes starting with the very first class, this edition of Lexington Junior League looked to be a good one. As Lexingtons go the week proved to be cooler and drier than normal and for the most part classes were large and competitive. People came to show their horses in one of the most unique settings in the country.
“We sold 1,175 stalls and were up 75 horses for our largest show,” said LaHood. “Our crew was just phenomenal keeping everything running and in order. We know we have to address the sound system. Next year we are bringing in a new system just for the show. The only thing that will be used with the existing system will be the barn calls. We are also working on several different ways to better use the big screen.”
No matter how many times you hold an event there’s always something creeping up that needs attention and this year it was the tabulating of classes. As the week went on far too often it took nearly as long to tabulate and announce the winner as it did to actually run the class. The dead spots in the program were terribly boring for exhibitors and trainers and I can only imagine what it must of been like for the general spectator (and there were many) sitting upstairs. On Saturday night the championship classes did move along at a much better pace, but prior to that the process was taking the show out of horse show.
“We had some technical problems early in the week that got us,” commented LaHood. “It did get better as the week went on and we feel we know what to do to correct it for next year.”
One of the greatest things for the industry to come out of Lexington ‘03 was the parity. Ten years ago nearly all of the major championships were won by veteran Kentucky barns. This year the wealth was spread around with younger trainers and those who aren’t quite yet household names, taking a much bigger piece of the pie. Martha Thompson-Hoyt, Adam and Desiree Clauson, Robert Gardiner, Gene van der Walt, Kevin Tomasko, Kendra and Shelley Fisher all had the thrill of training and/or presenting a Lexington champion for the first time.
“We still think we’re dreaming,” said Adam Clauson, trainer of Amateur Three-Gaited Grand Champion Harlem’s Town Scandal, who also earned her CH status with the win. “That mare is very special to us since we started her from the ground up. We’ve been knocking at the door the last few years and this year we finally got it open. It meant even more to us as this will be her last year of showing. She will retire at the end of the season.”
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” echoed MBA Equestrian trainer Robert Gardiner, who directed Margo Baird and Cary’s Moonraker to the Amateur Fine Harness Championship and qualifying win. “The neatest thing is to be this young and have such a nice horse and beat the caliber of horses that we did. In this business you’re only as good as your last horse show so we’re going to try and go out and do it again.”
The door was opened for trainers from across the country to compete and prosper at Lexington, however, it’s still a task to be beat the veterans on the Red Mile. Although it wasn’t her first Lexington championship it was the first Lexington Five-Gaited Championship for Debbie Foley. She had two unanimous performances with Rock Creek’s Five-Gaited Grand Champion Undulata’s Georgie Girl.
Giving the ladies the upper hand in many Saturday night championships, Melissa Moore topped off an incredible week with her Sunrise Stables entries by winning the Three-Gaited Championship aboard Royal Messenger. That was her third championship of the evening.
Marilyn Macfarlane kept “Ladies Night” alive as she won the Roadster To Bike Championship with the Walnut Way entry, Braveheart.
The one newcomer to the open championships was Singing Hills Stables. The Oregon based facility was led by Gene van der Walt, who won the Fine Harness Championship with Dorian Warrior’s Song.
Lexington ‘03 turned out to be a three-peat for one of Simpsonville, Kentucky’s most popular riders. Dakota Willimon finished her junior exhibitor equitation career at Junior League by winning the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship for the third consecutive year. It was quite a feat for the Premier Stables rider considering the level of competition.
It was a repeat for pert Callie Smith. The little girl with all smiles from Paducah, Ky., was crowned the Walk and Trot Equitation Grand Champion for the second consecutive year while under the direction of Cryst-A-Kell Farm.
The junior equitation riders were out in full force, but it was Fairfield South’s Kyle Gagnon delivering the goods which meant a tricolor trip down Lexington’s famed victory lane.
Thank goodness pony exhibitors rallied for a good turnout at Lexington. Outside of the Midwest Charity, numbers have been frightfully low at the majority of shows this year. They came to Lexington with quality and quantity, but none was stronger than Darrel and Sandy Kolkman’s Heartland Hackney Farm. With trainer Rich Campbell, the Heartland Hackney string went 10 for 10 with seven different ponies.
“After a tough winter it was a dream come true,” said Campbell of the ponies’ success. “We were fortunate that everyone showed well.”
It was also good to see Bent Tree Farm out in force as Karen Waldron won both the Harness Pony (Par Excellence) and Amateur Harness Pony (Vindicator) Championships. Golden Creek Farms was there with a championship string including a couple of new faces, while Frickey Farm, the Jimmy Miller Stables and Reedannland had their top strings adding to the quality and depth of Lexington’s Hackney world.
Speaking of Hackneys, the carriage and driving classes which have been added over the past few years continue to gain in popularity. Where at first there was solely Friesian participation, the emergence of the Hackney Horse on the Red Mile straightaway has been a delight to many.
“We had a rough stay with some of the weather, but we greatly enjoyed getting our Hackneys out in front of the public,” said Wisconsin trainer Ed Murray, who had both Hackney horses and ponies under his direction. “We are raising some nice Hackneys and it helps to have a place to show them.”
The general public greatly enjoyed the beautiful carriages and gigs as well as the reinmanship of the participating drivers. Those classes also proved to be a nice break in the schedule for Saddle Horse trainers.
Jim Koller, Jack Nevitt and Dick Obenauf were charged with crowning the 2003 performance champions while Lynn Harvey McNamara was invited to preside over the equitation division which again featured the country’s best riders. Time after time this group of officials had waves of topnotch horses and riders coming at them and they were assisted by ringmaster William Venditta. Howie Schatzberg was also in center ring looking at the newly crowned champions through the lens of his camera, while Peter Doubleday was the voice of the show. With entries well into the 900s it takes a taskmaster in the office and that’s exactly what Lexington has in Beth Snider, who was again assisted by Sandy Backer.
It takes a team effort to pull off a show the size of Lexington and to keep mid-summer exhibitors happy. This year was another remarkable job by the ladies in green and red and Lexington and the surrounding communities will benefit greatly from the effort.
“This is our only fund raiser of the year,“ said chairperson Paige Kikuchi. “Because people from across the country make the effort to come to our show we want to put on a great show which will in turn will help us [Lexington Junior League] help many people in the Central Kentucky area.”
Exhibitors Challenge The Red Mile
Evening coverage by Bob Funkhouser and Sadie Killian
MONDAY EVENING
The sixty-seventh edition of Lexington Junior League had a bit of a rocky start. First, judge Dick Obenauf was unable to make it in due to airline delays throughout the Midwest. Then, in the first class of the night two shoes were thrown and the very next class there was only one entry in the amateur gentlemen’s harness class. Just a few classes later the power for the public address system went out leaving ringmasters and trainers yelling instructions for changing gaits. Still later in the evening Lindsay Lavery took a bad spill when her junior three-gaited horse slipped and went down.
It did, however, all come together and it was a road pony stealing the spotlight for the evening. Making a big-time Lexington show, Heartland Victory Maker had the entire crowd screaming in the UPHA Road Pony Classic.
The first class of the evening was Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited 14 and Under with 15 entries vying for a coveted Lexington blue and that blue went to CH Radiant success and Ali Judah. They were followed by Aimee Lang and Aurora Borealis with an eye-catching performance.
Call Me Ringo and William Shatner were the lone team in the Amateur Gentlemen’s Fine Harness class, which was followed by the Amateur Hackney Pony Stake. In this one, Jackie Stred and Heartland Rain Song took total control of the Red Mile like they have done so many times before. The 2002 Amateur Hackney Pony World’s Grand Champion held off a good group of competitors including reserve champions Royal Canadian and Muffy Ernster.
There was a celebration at the Woodhaven Farm tack room following the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited 15-17 class. Out of nowhere came Highpoints Redwood and Kayla Wooters to win the title for Stan and Penny Cukay. Newcomers Megan McClure and Breaking News finished strong to take the reserve title among nine entries.
Multi-titled world’s champion All Glory added a Lexington blue to his trophy case with a winning performance in the Amateur Ladies Roadster To Bike class with Elizabeth Shatner in the silks. They had a strong group of proven champions behind them including Guess Who, Dirt Devil, Autobahn, Free Agent and others.
She’s made a few fancy shows on this track before, but this time New York’s Royal Flush was right on the money the whole way to take the Amateur Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class with Deborah Visser in the irons. Last year’s amateur grand champions, Brooke Bodenhorst and CH Man On The Run, collected the reserve qualifying ribbon among the 12 entries.
The harness pony mare Joan Jett never knows how big she can get and she was again on top of her game with a victory pass in the Ladies Harness Pony class. Tabitha Ireland drove Windstar’s Eclipse for Mrs. Alan R. Robson to pick up the red prize.
Twelve good junior gaited stallions/geldings entered the ring next, but very few of them made complete shows. At times it looked like a green group of three-year-olds instead of junior horses, but in the end it was the 2002 UPHA Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Classic Grand Champion Walterway’s Remember Me on top with Nelson Green again riding for Kenny and Ceil Wheeler. World title holder Man Of Conquest emerged as the reserve champion with George Knight up for Jean McLean Davis.
Jenny Taylor enjoyed a big treat as she showed Lesley Anne for Mrs. Alan R. Robson. The beautiful Catalyst daughter paraded as the Ladies Fine Harness Champion. The next number called out belonged to Dena Lopez and 2002 Kentucky County Fair Fine Harness World’s Champion Sass With Class.
An Heir About Her kept her career stats undefeated with a blue ribbon performance in the Junior Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class. This time Chris Reiser and the Hanes Chevrolet mare were pushed by reserve winners Callaway’s Thomas C. Reynolds and Mike Breeggemann as well as third place finishers Carter Cox and Simbara’s Sweet Bess.
The star of the night turned out to be the UPHA Road Pony Classic Grand Champion Heartland Victory Maker. He would squat down and set sail with Darrel Kolkman showing for Toni Nastali. Dr. Alan Raun and Public Defender pulled up in reserve.
Jaunty Janette loves the long Lexington straightaways and she was again on top of her game winning the Ladies Five-Gaited Mare class for owner Vickie Byrd and trainer Cash Lovell. Ceil Wheeler caught everyone’s attention with her reserve champion Summer Sweet.
Adding a touch of elegance from yesteryear, the Hackney Pony Gig class featured six entries with Ed Frickey and Commando winning the top prize. Luc Boileau winning the reserve honors for Knolland Farm. Andrew Carss received a huge ovation for this third place finish with Spiff and Polish.
Word around the barns had been that Mike Barlow and Ashland were something to see in the wagon division and that turned out to be right. They were popular champions for Dr. and Mrs. Howard Six. Danny Bugg drove Meadow Demon to the red ribbon for Larry Gilpin.
From Pin Oak to Oklahoma to Midwest, Maguire Hall and Callaway’s Regatta have stayed on top in the juvenile gaited division and on this Monday night they added Lexington’s 14 and under class to their list of accomplishments. Lindsey Shields had a good ride aboard Callaway’s Capital Gain to command reserve honors.
Fresh from the Three-Gaited Championship at Roanoke, Bayou Belle and Kim Cowart captured the ladies over 15.2 stake for Spencer and Billie Jo Mains. Victoria Bleeden and Page Me were awarded the reserve prize.
For the second time in Lexington history the gaited stallions and geldings were combined. Eight entries answered the call, but when the dust settled Merrill Murray and Hero’s Jumpin Jack Flash occupied the winner’s circle for Barbara Wood. Melinda Moore was aboard Liberty Saddlebreds flashy stallion, Mollighy Don’t Worry Be Happy for reserve honors. They were followed by Tammy DeVore and the popular Jewel’s Teton.
TUESDAY MORNING
The first of the morning sessions began on Tuesday with seven of the best 17-year-old equitation riders competing. The top two have been trading places for many years now and this time out the top prize went to Lexington's 2002 grand champion Dakota Willimon, while reserve honors were awarded to Devon Garone. These riders represented Premier Stables and Fairfield South, respectively.
Ten gaited ponies came charging through the gate for the next event and having the best performance was the Kalarama team of Ali Judah and Champagne In Winter. Dani Dunn and Jewel’s For A Lady were called out as the reserve champions in this qualifying round.
Cape Cod Farm claimed the 16-Year-Old Equitation class with Sarah Taylor delivering the winning ride ahead of Clover Leaf Farm’s Jessica Saft.
After a dominating Lexington Junior League in 2002, Heartland Hackney Farm was back with another grand group of ponies. Darrel Kolkman drove Seamair Sensation to the UPHA Harness Pony Classic title for Mrs. John C. Pritzlaff. Heartland Expectation was the reserve champion for Randy Harper and Frickey Farm.
The best of the 15-Year-Old Equitation class was Midwest’s recently crowned Saddle Seat Equitation Grand Champion Betty Cox. Her Lexington blue went back to the DeLovely tack room ahead of Joel Dorignac representing Infinity Stables.
Data and Becky Taggart started out a great morning for the Jack Magill Stables with their winning performance in the Adult Show Pleasure Driving class for Tim McLane and Bernie Hecht. Alice Stroble and Callaway’s In The News emerged with the red streamers ahead of Misdee Wrigley and Harlem’s Proud Mary in the 10-horse class.
Junior exhibitors with show pleasure driving horses were the next to grace the Red Mile. Multi-titled holder CH Advantage Me collected the winning votes with Sarah Asch at the whip. Rebecca Salley and Foxy’s Delight were right there with a strong performance to receive the reserve prize.
The flood gates opened with 18 walk-trot ponies and their riders trying to find a good spot in the ring. Fresh out of the walk and trot equitation division, Shelby Gregory delivered the winning ride with world’s champion CH Highpoint’s Fantasia. The McConnell Stables entry defeated a host of other top combinations including reserve champions Lost Token and Yasmin Wazir as well as third place finishers Brittany McGinnis and Simbara’s Audacity.
Cape Cod won its second blue of the morning with Emily Garten rising to the top of the 14-Year-Old Equitation class. She was followed by Shadow Run’s Jessica Keys.
Also with their second UPHA Classic of the morning, Heartland Hackney won the cob-tail section with Heartland Just A Beauty. Darrel Kolkman was the winning driver with Rich Campbell as the trainer. And again it was a Heartland bred pony in reserve with Kathy Buente and Heartland Elegant Dancer representing Richlon Farm.
The extremely versatile Kelsey Price was on top in the UPHA Junior Challenge Cup. The closest competitor among the five entries was Andy Bowers.
Joining Cape Cod and Heartland Hackney, Jack Magill Stables had its second winner of the morning with She Bop and Becky Taggart taking the 23-entry Adult Country Pleasure class. Representing Avalon, Tracy Garcia and For Reference Only were the reserve champions.
The Open Pleasure Equitation class was split into two sections with the 14 and under riders going first. Topping that group was Lindsay Haupt, followed by Victoria Willock.
Riders 15-17 were in the next round with the national champion Morgan rider, Lindsey Gama, riding away with the blue ribbon. Jessica Harrison stepped up in the large class with a reserve performance.
TUESDAY EVENING
All the kinks were worked out and Tuesday evening was a Lexington type show all the way. Classes were deep and competitive with Melissa Moore and the junior gaited mare Ya Ya making the performance of the evening. Also in the highlights was the amateur park champion Breathe.
Jack Magill picked up where he left off that morning as he greeted Tim McLane and Mr. Revere in the winner’s circle of the Amateur Gentlemen’s Three-Gaited class. Previous winners of that class, Chris Nalley and Nightly Affair, were reserve champions.
Ed Murray directed Luc Boileau and Halstead’s Goldfinder to the top prize in the Open Hackney Horse class, which featured six entries. Cleo Lowe and Wentworth Lucifer claimed the reserve title.
Beth Clifton had to be proud as Melissa Moore guided the big-time bay mare Ya Ya to the unanimous top honors in the Junior Five-Gaited Mare Stake. They were explosive at every gait and had the crowd as well as the judges on their side. Debbie Foley and Hollywood Bucks came away with reserve money, followed by Peter Cowart and the tasty She’s A Red Hot Chili Pepper in third.
The Midwest came to town in the Amateur Fine Harness Stake. Robert Gardiner directed Margo Baird and Cary’s Moonraker to a Lexington victory pass ahead of Ellyn Dorsey and last year’s Junior Fine Harness World’s Grand Champion Just About Perfect as well as four other entries.
Wow! The 10-horse Ladies Three-Gaited Under 15.2 class was filled with world’s champions making good shows. The judging panel had three different winners, but the final tabulations went to last year’s ladies world’s grand champions Lady Periana and Phillipa Sledge. Morgan Wolin and Audrey Hepburn commanded the reserve title ahead of Erin Boggs and To Die For in third.
It was good to see five entries for the Open Harness Pony class, which was led by Gib Marcucci and unanimous champion Impress My Daddy. The Mrs. Alan R. Robson entry was ahead of a strong group including reserve champions Ballet and Karen Frickey.
Motherhood certainly hasn’t hurt Deborah Visser’s riding as evidenced by her winning performance in the Amateur Five-Gaited Stallion/Gelding class aboard I’m A Treat. Elizabeth Shatner and The Full Monty emerged with the reserve prize among the 16 entries.
The top two from the Amateur Roadster To Bike class last year were at it again and the results were the same. Danny Bugg and Gingerbread Man finished on top for Melinda Moore. William Shatner and Spill The Ink delivered the reserve performance.
Open classes were strong with 10 entries going at it in the Three-Gaited Over 15.2 section. The best of that group was last year’s junior world’s grand champion Callaway’s Sugar Plum. The David Nierenberg Trust entry was again shown by Debbie Foley. Rob Byers also had a good ride, taking Pas De Deux to a second place finish for Rose Marie Fernandez.
It was great to see Kenny Wheeler back in a viceroy as he piloted the two-times world’s grand champion Fancy Ribbons to the Open Hackney Pony Stake under the direction of John Shea. Mary Gaylord McClean and the grand young mare Heartland Elise came away with reserve.
Gene Van der Walt put Singing Hills Stable in the winner’s circle, driving Dorian Warrior’s Song to the Fine Harness Stallion/Gelding blue with a unanimous decision. Tom Ferrebee and Albelarm Sorcerer drove away with the red ribbon.
Having turned into one of the most popular divisions showing today, the Amateur Three-Gaited Park section had 24 entries, but none could outdo the performance given by Alexa Loudon and the wildly expressive Breathe. The Jack Noble trained team took two of the three first place votes. Jennifer Geisler and Over Achiever had the other first place vote and the reserve finish.
The next class was extremely emotional for several in attendance as Andrew Carss drove Spiff and Polish to the Hackney Pony Pair class blue. They received a tremendous ovation for the courage Carss showed after losing his dad earlier this week. Dinwiddie Lampton had the reserve drive with Gifted Love and Ink Spot.
Melissa Moore continued her great evening by winning the 11-horse Ladies Five-Gaited Gelding class aboard Swish. It was a unanimous decision for the Belle Reve team. Jackie Stred also had a great ride, taking the ground covering Tigerlee to the reserve title.
The very next class Moore was back in the winner’s circle, this time on Junior Three-Gaited Over 15.2 Champion Royal Messenger. Virgil Helm showed Sipping Champagne to a reserve finish.
Jeff McClean and Sis had all three first place votes in the Amateur Road Pony class, which featured 11 entries. Jane Mueller and My Party Manners were called out in reserve.
The evening closed with 13 mares competing for their open gaited qualifier. When it was all done Debbie Foley and Undulata’s Georgie Girl had a unanimous decision as the champions for Debbie Gabbert. The Rock Creek grand champions worked their way through several competitors including reserve champions Neil Visser and My New Year’s Eve.
WEDNESDAY MORNING
Action resumed with an extremely competitive 13-Year-Old Saddle Seat Equitation class. Directed by Gary and Marsha Garone, Kyle Gagnon made the first victory pass of the day with a blue ribbon performance. Reserve to the champion was world’s champion Alexandra Flynn.
Coming off a championship show at Midwest Charity, Heartland Special Special and Jackie Stred were the best of a strong 10-entry Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony class. The former Harness Pony World’s Grand Champion defeated last year’s UPHA Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Classic Grand Champion One More Time. That entry was driven by Anna Marie Knipp under the direction of Jimmy Miller.
DeLovely’s Jacqueline Beck was all smiles riding down victory lane in the 12-Year-Old Equitation competition. Instructed by her mother, Nealia McCracken and assisted by Erin Boggs, Jessica Moctezuma was the reserve champion.
John Biggins sent Daryl Higdon and CH Uncle Abe to the top of the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure 14 and Under section one competition, which featured 13 winning entries. Reserve honors went to last year’s grand champions, Ali Judah and CH Riva Diva. The victory pass in section two belonged to Jessica Moctezuma and My Dakota. Aliyah Asch and CH Odds On Spectre came away with reserve.
Seven riders competed for the 11-Year-Old Equitation blue, which went to Clover Leaf Stables’ Rachel Machamer. Coming from Fairfield South, Ashley Stine rode as the reserve champion.
In her first year of walk, trot and canter competition, Brittany McGinnis was in charge of the 10-Year-Old Saddle Seat Equitation class. The DeLovely rider turned back three others including reserve winner Alexa McWilliams from Cape Cod Farm.
Chelsea Jo Roby continues to grow as a rider and she was a sport winning the UPHA 9-10 Walk and Trot class under the direction of Jo Cornell. Cryst-A-Kell’s Callie Smith was right there with another top performance in reserve.
Liz McBride-Jones and Sarah Ann Howell would return to North Carolina with the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup title, defeating reserve champion Ashley Alden and three others.
Northern Tradition Farm claimed the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure title with Bob Griffin and Tom Thorpe directing Mandy Martin and CH Mirific for Bonnie Kegley. The Cash Lovell Stables had Kate Bryan and He’s Real Bad in second.
The morning closed with world’s champion Lindsey Landrum winning the UPHA 8 and Under Walk and Trot Challenge Cup. This DeLovely lovely was followed by the talented Jessica Northcutt.
WEDNESDAY EVENING
For the first time during the week the show opened with rain. The first few classes were wet and then it cleared off making for another enjoyable evening of showing on the Red Mile.
Junior exhibitors 15-17 show pleasure horses were the first to brave the elements and it was a good class of 14. When it was all said and done New England reigned supreme with Careen Dubuc and Undulata’s Jimmy Hollywood marching off with the Lexington blue under the direction of Kevin Tomasko. Gary Garone sent Zachary Adams and Callaway’s All That Jazz to the reserve placing ahead of Sarah Thordsen and What Ever Works.
You would never know the talented Hackney stallion Vindicator was 18-years-old. He came through the gate for the Amateur Harness Pony class marching a big trot and all three judges gave the Karen Waldron entry the winning nod. Making her first show and only third drive with the oh-so-athletic Heartland Triple Crown, Heidi Bowie was the reserve champion.
It was great to see Tom Pettry back in the ring. If the look on his face going down victory lane with Mahvalous Asset in the Amateur Gentlemen’s Five-Gaited class is any indication, he’ll be back again real soon. The Kenny Smith trained team topped eight other combinations including reserve champions Callaway’s Where There’s A Will and Bill Walsh.
Just a four-year-old, Simbara’s Sweet Lorraine was crowned Lexington’s unanimous Fine Harness Mare Champion with Nelson Green driving for the Cismont Manor Associates. Reserve honors belonged to world title holder Sass With Class, the David Latham entry driven by Dena Lopez.
Thirteen came through the gate for the Open Three-Gaited Park class, which was led by the 2002 World’s Grand Champions HMS Royal Winds and Amanda Bell. Knocking hard on the door were Gary Garone and Callaway’s Smart Angle.
What a year it has been for Dylan Hutson and Tijuana Souvenir. They have swept the junior exhibitor road pony division and on this night the AHHS Medallion was theirs as well. Dustin Lassett and Catch The Spirit emerged from the line-up to receive the red streamers.
The Amateur Three-Gaited Over 15.2 Stake had a solid group of contenders vying for the blue and with votes scattered all over, Sky High Money and Brooke Jacobs were called to the winner’s circle. The grand trooper, CH Trapp Mountain, put on another quality show to garner reserve honors for longtime owner Andrea Athanasuleas and trainer Madge Bass.
All Glory earned his second blue prize of the week with a unanimous decision in the Roadster Under Saddle class for Melissa Moore and Belle Reve Farm. Danette Musselman and Lady Hawke were called out in reserve.
Giving the Lexington audience a different twist, Misdee Wrigley guided her Hackney pair to win the Ladies Phaeton event. Karen Waldron was reserve with her Friesian pair.
The Five-Gaited Pleasure class had to be split with 14 showing in the first split and 13 in the second. Making a strong statement as one of the leading teams showing this year, Mandy Martin and Ridgefield’s Excessive represented Northern Tradition Farm in the winner’s circle. The new team of Melissa Beck and A Touch Of Heir held reserve honors, followed by another new team Stevie Bagdasarian and Peppermint Sonburst.
Section two featured the multi-titled Callaway’s Rockaway in the winner’s circle with owner Chris Nalley aboard. Their closest competition was the team of Jan Myers and CH Mariachi.
After taking reserve the night before with owner Morgan Wolin, Audrey Hepburn returned on Wednesday night to handily win the Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class with trainer Steve Joyce in the irons for a unanimous decision. Former Lexington Five-Gaited Mare Champion Glider’s Star went home with the reserve ribbon for Matt and Kristen Shiflet.
This night featured many new combinations and with blue ribbon results Ceil Wheeler and Summer Scent captured the Amateur Five-Gaited Mare Stake. It was Wheeler’s first Lexington victory pass. Coming off the Amateur Five-Gaited Championship at Roanoke, Peggy Gillenwater and Margaret Rose trotted out with reserve honors.
It was a good class of seven Amateur Hackney Ponies, but none could touch veteran Heartland Triumphant King. Driven by Tabitha Ireland, the many times champion had another unanimous decision, while Karen Frickey and Heartland Twice As Nice returned to the Frickey Farm tack room with the reserve ribbon.
It doesn’t seem to matter who is in the saddle when The Super Nova takes to the ring. Lisa Strickland put Dakota Willimon up this time to win the Junior Exhibitor 15-17 class for Alexandra Piemonte. Moving from the equitation division, four-year-old Wrapped In Roses WRF was the reserve champion for Renee Zubrod, while Kate Bryan and CH Sportster were third among the 10 entries.
Last year’s Junior Road Pony World’s Grand Champions Seamair Strutter and Josh Greer were in the house and they turned it on to take a unanimous decision over Material Girl and Jeff McClean as well as three other teams.
The evening came to a close with another group of speedsters taking over the ring. Seven open road horses went all out with Danny Bugg and Geronimo crossing the finish line in first. Larry Hodge donned the silks to drive Vivacious to the reserve title.
THURSDAY MORNING
With overcast skies and a slight breeze, eleven of the nation’s best kicked off the Thursday morning session in the Pleasure Equitation Medallion. After concentrating on being noticed in the challenging Red Mile ring, six were chosen to perform individual workouts, including Sarah Anderson, Ellen Medlely Wright, Katelyn Elizabeth Crabtree, Jenna Bemis, Chelsea Gauci and Eleanor Watkins. The conclusion of the pattern portion left for an overwhelmingly exciting win for Zubrod-instructed Eleanor Watkins and her proud support group. Top Northeast rider Chelsea Gauci had an impressive go, taking reserve back to Cricket Hill.
The second class of five featured nine junior exhibitor/pony combinations in the AHHS Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Medallion. Picking up right where he left off at last year’s American Royal, Max Kaplan drove Seamair’s Dear Sir to the win under the guidance of Mike Roberts. Standing out for reserve in this tough division was Goin’ My Way, who was competently driven by Alyssa Lopez. Newcomers to the division, and seemingly loving every bit of it, Gabriella Flynn and Cowboy Magic collected the yellow ribbon.
A great group of eight gave it their best shot at qualifying for the finals in the NHS Good Hands on Thursday morning. All eight performed workouts and at the conclusion of the exciting class spectators were pleased to see the very focused Joel Dorignac called as winner. Helen and Jimmy Roberston greeted the seasoned rider for the victory pass. Under the direction of Shadow Run, Tasha Rose Sandler collected the reserve with great elegance.
Nineteen entries on the Red Mile track make a tough division even tougher. That was the case in the Adult Country Pleasure Championship where a big group of Louisville contenders converged for their challenging class. After minor interruptions, including a dog on the loose in center ring, it was time to tie the class. Two first place votes put CH Bi Mi Add Lib and Kendra Fisher in the winner’s position. Taking a great position in the ring, Callaway’s Cassandra and Christy Howard Parsons made an impressive comeback for the reserve championship. Always a favorite, Melissa Scrushy rode CH Mr. Gary Cooper to third.
With nearly as many entries as the adult championship, finding a good spot was key in the 18-entry Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship, too. After maneuvering the ring with great skill, Cardinal Farm’s Lindsay Taylor rode the bright mare Spice Queen to the championship. Cash Lovell greeted the popular pair of He’s Real Bad and Kate Bryan stood out and received great crowd support, for the reserve finish. Roaring Gap and Abby Jones did not go unnoticed as they teamed up for the yellow ribbon.
THURSDAY EVENING
The Hackney Horse Stake opened up the Thursday evening session as an excellent Lexington crowd watched over the track. Slightly wet from an afternoon storm, the footing was somewhat challenging and was the cause of various delays as the evening progressed. The conclusion of this interesting event left Wentworth Lucifer and Cleo Lowe in the winner's circle. Ed Murray was at the lines of the powerful entry Halstead's Goldfinder for reserve.
Another harness class followed the evening opener as seven exceptional two-year-olds entered the ring for their chance at victory. Looking exquisite, Jenny Taylor guided It's Tea Time to the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness blue for proud owner Jan Henderson. Kiri and Tom Fielder added a Red Mile reserve to their resume.
The Show Pleasure Driving Championship followed with 14 top entries. Trained by Joy Lazarus, the bold trotting CH Advantage Me was chosen as the champion with Kim Matoza providing the winning catch drive. Also standing out from a crowded field, multi-titled Kool Tyme BH and Janene Becker finished as the reserve champions from the Nelson Green Stables.
The Three-Gaited Pony Championship was next with some very tried and true ponies giving their riders all they had. With several wins under their belt this year, Lost Token and a very excited Yasmin Wazir made a winning comeback for the tricolor. This tricolor pair is trained by John and Renee Biggins. It's hard to top, "It was the best ride I ever had," as Shelby Gregory stated after winning the three-gaited pony qualifier, but needless to say the aggressive riding 10-year-old gave it her all and managed to finish an outstanding week at Junior League as the reserve champion in a field of 15 with her new pony CH Highpoint's Fantasia. CH Highpoint's Fantasia and Shelby Gregory are trained by Pat and Julie McConnell. Also a new team, Simbara's Audacity and Brittany McGinnis collected third for the Delovely banner in an extremely deep group of ponies.
Darrel Kolkman and Heartland Hackney Farm sent Heartland Newsmaker and new owner Mary Gaylord McClean to the winner's circle of the seven-entry Limit Hackney Pony class. Making a big-time impression on the Lexington crowd the extremely gifted On The Mark and Larry Ella finished up with reserve. The top young pony was sold to Bent Tree Farm before the week was up.
Adding to a delightful week for Dr. Morgan Wolin, Mr. Rex Harrison was all game as the sun began to set during Thursday evening's Adult Show Pleasure Over 35 class. Never dropping an ear, and making several outstanding passes, the panel tied the Castle Hills-trained pair number one in the 18-entry class. The grace and style of CH Absolutely A Lady put this fine Cash Lovell-trained mare in the reserve spot with Diane Lawing on board.
Just one short of 20, it was none other than one of the most popular catch riders of this era who worked the ring to perfection in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Stake. Dakota Willimon rode the flashy Caramac's Big Ticket to the blue for Roberta Foley. With wins from several top shows in the Southeast, such as J.D. Massey and Asheville, Breaking News finished as the reserve champion with Megan McClure up. This successful pair is trained by Peter and Kim Cowart of West Wind. Calculations left Take Caveat and Charles Brown with the yellow ribbon.
A relatively small class of five made it easier, and perhaps safer, to get around the muddy track in the Limit Roadster Pony class. Regal's Miss Kate LF was on top of her game with Mike Cox in control. Behind the lines of Amadeus, Debbie Gabbert collected the red ribbon.
Back up to 19, the Adult Show Pleasure 35 and Under class followed. Standing out in a tough field, the very cool and cocky La Guardia, trained by Melissa Moore, finished as the champion with Callie Clifton riding. Kendra Fisher added another top finish to her day with Broadway Tune garnering the red ribbon. Third place in this competitive class went to In Your Honor and Autumn Hunt.
Like many classes at Lexington, the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited 14 and Under Stake had to have been extremely difficult to judge. When all was said and done, Aimee Langer was thrilled as her number was called for the win. Langer rode the expressive and four cornered Aurora Borealis under the direction of Martha Thompson-Hoyt to garner the Lexington title. A Rhythm Nation and Ivy Johnson made an excellent performance for the reserve finish, adding to a solid number of top rides for Infinity.
Next up was the Three-Year-Old Fine Harness competition where Carter Cox expertly drove The Great Gaspar to victory for Dr. and Mrs. Simon Fredricks. The three-year-old champion is another in a long line of outstanding show horses by Merchant Prince out of Denmark's Radiant Society. Dena Lopez and the extremely sharp I'm A Lucky Treat left a mark on the Red Mile for owner Merrill Murray with a reserve finish.
The crowd went wild as a Lexington favorite made his way around the track with a clan of four. Mr. Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr. captured the Coaching Four In Hand blue with his team of Hackney Ponies. Lampton also owned the reserve entries.
The Five-Gaited Pony division is one that has not been dominated by one particular team all season. Rather, there are a few entries that have been outstanding in this class show after show that you literally can never tell who will exit with the blue. This group of young riders will make for a very exciting class next month at the Kentucky State Fair. At Lexington, Jewel's For A Lady and Dani Dunn made their mark, ecstatically taking home the top prize. After winning at Rock Creek, Ali Judah and her new Kalarama-trained pony, Champagne In Winter collected reserve. Third went to current world's champion holder CH Sammyshine and Cydni Simmons.
As a short bout of rain came in, so did 15 novice roadsters. Getting down and very dirty, Danette Musselman expertly drove Muddy Waters through the mud for the Novice Roadster To Bike blue. Bunker Buster followed for the red, with Danny Bugg in control.
The Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited Stake featured 11 young hopefuls. A stunning performance put My Elegance On Parade in the winner's circle with Dena Lopez up. Rob Kritzler rode Jennifer Karnes' expressive entry Who's The Fharest to reserve.
Recently capturing the win at Rock Creek, Boxford Courageous Spirit and Richmond DeHart continued their wining streak by claiming top honors in the AHHS Roadster Pony Under Saddle Medallion. Also having a great season with numerous top ribbons under their belt, the versatile Sarah Sessoms rode her beloved Rowdy Yank to reserve.
The 10-entry Limit Harness Pony class put Mary Gaylord McClean in the top spot with Golden Creek's impressive new long-tail Shaken Not Stirred. Jimmy Miller stepped into the reserve spot with Tina Turner for High Spirits Farm.
Moving toward the night's conclusion, The Roadster Horse To Wagon Championship kept the action alive as Ashland and Despite It All battled it out for the win. Under the guidance of Mike Barlow of Buffalo Creek, Ashland was named champion for the second time this week for proud owners Dr. and Mrs. Howard Six. Receiving a warm applause, Despite It All was reserve, with Steve Crabtree driving for Barbara Watts.
Another fabulous day of classes concluded with the Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Stake. With tons of show, the extremely exciting bay Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves took the crowd and the blue with Steve Wheeler up for Wildernest Farm. Mike Tunstall and the bold going Swifter racked away with the red ribbon for Lenore Farm.
FRIDAY MORNING
After an overwhelming 26 worked the ring in the Pleasure Equitation Championship, 10 were asked to remain for individual workouts which would be performed by each rider. Aboard her new mount, Attache's Magic Asset -- Lindsay Landrum rode the tried and true chestnut to numerous top titles including a world’s championship last year -- Jessica Harrison was crowned champion. Lillian Shively excitedly greeted the poised rider on the track for the victory pass. Also making her presence known was the sharp riding Jenna Bemis, who had a superb workout aboard Starumphant, earning the pair reserve. The remaining ribbons went to the following riders: Morgan rider Lindsey Gama, Kelsey Nicole Smith, Lindsay Haupt, Lauren Pope, Sharon Worzalla and Kristin Gilbert.
The USA Equestrian Saddle Seat Medal was the second class held during the lovely Friday morning session. After collecting top ribbons all season long, Cape Cod’s Emily Garten confidently rode Highpoint’s Syncopated Rhythm to the win. Current senior equitation world’s title holder Ashley Alden earned the red ribbon aboard Prince Of The Day. Alden is instructed by Donna Pettry Smith of Royal Scot.
After finishing on top in her age group, Rachel Machamer excelled yet again. Machamer, who has won or finished reserve just about every where she has shown this year including J.D. Massey -- where she did her first pattern and won the good hands class. Bonnie Blue, Rock Creek and now Lexington, Machamer, who is instructed by Clover Leaf, rode A Touch Of Pizazz to win the UPHA 11 and Under Challenge Cup. Reserve in this 11-entry class went to another former walk and trot champion, Fairfield South's Ashley Stine, who was aboard Callaway’s Coraleen.
Friday morning’s session concluded with the much anticipated USA Equestrian Adult Medal National Finals. Three judges were called in for this special event including Lynn McNamara, Fern Bittner and Lynda Freseth. Last year the prestigious event was won by Jonelle Chovanec. Morgan Wolin turned in last year’s reserve performance, which probably (along with other attempts with successful, but not blue-ribbon results) motivated Wolin to give it her all once again. Wolin, a very meticulous and skilled rider, had a flawless workout and in the end finished as the 2003 national champion representing Steve and Julia Joyce at Castle Hills Farm. The very versatile and talented Brooke Jacobs, who has collected blues in the adult equitation division all season long, was this year’s reserve national champion. The remaining ribbons went to the following: Christina Sloan, Sara Van Galder, Lesley LaForce, Jamie Hitchin and Jessica Seimen Curl.
FRIDAY EVENING
This evening’s session opened with a great group of youngsters giving it their best shot for the Walk and Trot Equitation Championship. With stars in their eyes they rode on the Red Mile in prime time with a full grandstand watching from above. The 13 that competed in this group were the best of the best in this division...the same group will be doing it all over again next month for the world’s championship title. After an exciting class where everyone seemed to pick out their favorite on the gorgeous evening opener, McNamara turned in her card where the adorable Callie Smith, who won the same class last year at the Red Mile, was on top. Smith, who is trained by Cryst-A-Kell, was aboard her flashy horse Americana’s Wings. From the younger age group, DeLovely's Lindsey Landrum commanded the reserve grand championship with another stellar ride.
The Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Championship followed the walk and trot finale. Eleven ponies converged for this class, but only one could stand out for the tricolor. It was no surprise to see the stunning Heartland Special Special wearing the championship ribbon with a very happy owner Jackie Stred at whip. Under the direction of Jimmy Miller, Anna Marie Knipp drove One More Time to the reserve championship while taking one of the first place votes.
The third class of the evening was one of the most intense and thrilling classes of the show. The Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship featured nine and every single one of them has had their share of victory this year. As if the rail portion of the class followed by six individual workouts was not enough excitement, the action got even hotter as announcer Peter Doubleday asked two to return to the rail. Delovely’s Alexandra Flynn on board Callaway’s Will Gillen took her spot on the rail while Fairfield South’s Kyle Gagnon prepared his mount Duplicate Copy for the ride off. Each phenomenal rider had their fans cheering as both appeared to love the competition. In the end, Gagnon emerged as the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Grand Champion while Flynn graciously accepted the top reserve finish.
The Amateur Fine Harness Championship followed with nine entries moving onto the track. A unanimous decision with great crowd approval left Cary’s Moonraker and Margo Baird of MBA Equestrians in the tricolor position. One of several "new generation" trainers to win championships at the Red Mile this year, Robert Gardiner proudly greeted the winning pair. The reserve champion was the leg-waving stallion Call Me Ringo with William Shatner driving for Belle Reve. This reserve added to the collection of top ribbons at Sunrise Stables.
Vindicator and Karen Waldron and Joan Jett with Mary Gaylord McClean battled it out in the five-entry Amateur Harness Pony Championship, which was next on the agenda. Judges Obenauf and Nevitt turned in their cards with Vindicator in the top spot. A first place vote from Koller left Joan Jett and McClean in reserve.
Not surprisingly, the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship was one of the larger classes all week with 23 capable entries making it back for the championship. Doing a great job of riding for Sally Wood, Melissa Beck was aboard the big moving A Touch Of Heir for the Delovely win. Adding to a resume that is quickly becoming very long, the Northern Tradition-trained pair of Mandy Martin and Ridgefield’s Excessive proudly took reserve back to their home state of Illinois. Also in the top ribbons, Callaway’s Rockaway and Chris Nalley had a nice performance for third. The remaining ribbons went to Turn On The Heat with Luanne Kilday up, CH Rastafarian with Kate Ryan up, Will’s No Doubt About It with Helen Taylor up, The Irish Sea with Deborah Butler up and CH The Bodega Bay with Tasha Rose Sandler up.
The 10-entry Junior Exhibitor Road Pony Championship concluded with Fast Eddie wearing the tricolor. Mark Whittington directed the swift pony to the win under the direction of Lewis Meadows. A solid performance along with a first place vote from Nevitt left Tijuana Souvenir and Dylan Hutson in the reserve position.
The Amateur Park Stake will serve as a lasting memory for those associated with the very special winner of this class. Breathe, who was rescued from death early in life (see feature story on Breathe), was as bright and beautiful as any horse possibly could be. With Alexa Loudon on board, Breathe was named champion in this class, which was filled with 13 world class contenders. Another impressive and popular horse, Over Achiever, with Jennifer Geisler on board, was next in line for reserve.
When the vote turns out to be unanimous at a ring like the Red Mile, where judging is known to be particularly challenging, you know the win must be well deserved. This was the case in the Ladies Three-Gaited Stake where all three judges put the delicate and refined Lady Periana in the top spot. A former fine harness star took a chance at a new division and didn't do so bad at all...CH Rejoice and Chris Field were the reserve champions.
The next class of the evening was the Amateur Hackney Pony Championship. Making her second flawless show of the evening, Jackie Stred captured another Lexington tricolor with the many times world's champion Heartland Rain Song. Also a multi-titled campaigner, Royal Canadian followed for reserve in the six-entry class with owner Muffy Sweeney Ernster at the whip.
Next up was the Junior Three-Gaited Stake where two first place votes put April Hilite and Mike Barlow on top. Barlow made the trip down victory lane for Frank and Penny St. Charles. A successful trip on the the famous track put Sipping Champagne and Virgil Helm in the reserve spot for the second time this week.
The 24-entry Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship followed with 24 making the gate call. The big moving chestnut formerly shown to many blues by Travis Van Zetten, CH Uncle Abe was game for the Lexington tricolor. Under the new direction of Biggins' Stable, Daryl Higdon was the winning juvenile. It was nice to see Sarah Thordsen in the ring. Aboard Scott and Carol Matton's Whatever Works, the former Equitation Triple Crown winner exited with reserve. The remaining ribbons in this exceptional class went to Heirlee and Nicola Van Der Walt, My Dakota and Jessica Moctezuma, CH Riva Diva and Ali Judah, Much More Radiant and Jessica Keys, CH Odds On Spectre and Aliyah Asch and Callaway's Sportscaster and Michelle Krentz.
The crowd got wild as the Amateur Roadster to Bike heated up. As they've done before, Spill The Ink and William Shatner were named champions. Topping off a great week thus far, Danny Bugg collected reserve for Melinda Moore with qualifying winner Gingerbread Man.
It was Sunrise Stables in the spot light once again after cards were tabulated in the Ladies Five-Gaited Stake. A unanimous vote put the polished Swish in the winning position for Belle Reve. Also turning in a good show, current Five-Gaited World's Grand Champion S.S. Genuine came back from a shaky qualifying finish for reserve. Joan Hammond rode to the reserve for the David Nierenberg Trust.
Moving toward the evening's conclusion, the Junior Fine Harness Stake featured nine entries. Mike Roberts drove Tornaado's Tidal Wave to the big finish. Adding to Arrowhead's fair share of impressive ribbons, Melinda Moore accepted reserve with Celtic Storm.
Seven very capable pony/driver combinations gathered for the second to last class of the evening. The Amateur Roadster Pony Championship concluded with first place votes across the board for Golden Creek's Sis and Jeff McClean. Three reserve votes put My Party Manners and Jane Mueller in reserve among the top contenders.
Friday night's finale was the Junior Five-Gaited Stake where five finished the class. The bold going Walterway's Remember Me never had a foot out of place to take the tricolor with Nelson Green riding for Kenny and Ceil Wheeler. This Lexington title was added to last year's UPHA Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Classic Grand Championship at the American Royal. After a making a standout performance in the junior mare class earlier in the week, Melissa Moore rode the impressive, bright bay Ya Ya to reserve grand champion honors for Beth Clifton.
SATURDAY EVENING
Shortly before the final night of the 67th annual Lexington Junior League Horse Show began a quick, but powerful rain storm blew through the grounds just enough to settle the dust for the evening. Then, with the picturesque setting the horse show is popularly known for...a warm, sunny evening with a slight breeze and a group of spectators that are second to none, it was time to crown the champions. The weather remained perfect as we saw the best of the best compete in well filled, exciting classes.
The Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship kicked off the evening. After 15 top riders worked the rail, five were selected to perform individual workouts. Being selected for the work out said a lot considering just about every rider in there was of high caliber. The five chosen to perform the challenging workout, which included the test of dropping their irons, included the following: Devon Garone, Jessica Saft, Sarah Taylor, Betty Cox and Dakota Willimon. With incredible skill, focus and determination, Premier’s Dakota Willimon captured the title for the second consecutive year. Betty Cox and her well suited bay mare Amandari, who carried Caroline Gillespie to many top titles including the 2002 UPHA National Challenge Cup Championship, put in a stellar show for reserve.
The Roadster Pony Championship followed with five making the call. The panel was on the same page when they unanimously tied Josh Greer and last year's junior world's grand champion Seamair Strutter as champions. The Rich Campbell trained team has been nothing short of superb this year. Gib Marcucci drove Triumphant to a strong reserve finish for Jane Mueller.
The Amateur Five-Gaited Championship followed with 18 entries. While standing out was surely a challenge, The Full Monty and Elizabeth Shatner could not go unnoticed as they were on top of their game for the tricolor. One first place vote landed I’m A Treat and Deborah Visser a reserve championship ribbon, adding to the Kalarama collection. Amy Dix Rock had a much smoother ride aboard Amusing, in comparison to earlier in the week, taking the third prize. The remaining ribbons went to the following: Callaway’s Where There’s A Will and Bill Walsh, Magic Again and Ross Beltle, Mahvalous Asset and Tom Pettry, CH Callaway’s Arbitrator and Ashley Birdsong and Lucrative with Karla Kucera.
A couple of veteran performers took on the field for the older age group junior exhibitor walk-trot championship. Cash Lovell greeted CH Sportster and Kate Ryan for the victory pass after being named the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited 15-17 Champions. Earning a first from Nevitt, Dakota Willimon rode The Super Nova to a well-deserved reserve championship for Alexandra Piedmont.
The Fine Harness Championship was next with only five competing in the class. The tricolor ribbon went to the South African bred Dorian Warriors Song. Gene Van Der Walt drove the chestnut stallion to the win for the Blacklaw's Singing Hills Stable. Tom Ferrebee drove the lovely CH Albelarm Sorcerer to the reserve championship for Mrs. Alan Robson.
The timing could not have been better for Kelly and David Mount...for the past few shows they fell just short of adding that short prefix that matters so much to their walk-trot mare’s name. Kelly Mount and Harlem’s Town Scandal, who now has a new name -- CH Harlem’s Town Scandal, added a big-time Lexington win to their resume after a knock out performance in the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship. Adam and Desiree Clausen of Cardinal Farm directed the pair to the tricolor. Under the direction of Cash Lovell, Brooke Bodenhorst and last year's grand champion CH Man On The Run garnered the reserve championship. The yellow ribbon in this 16-horse class went to the world's champion combination of Americana’s Jazz Man and Phillipa Sledge.
Fancy Ribbons was right on the money for the tricolor in the Hackney Pony Championship. John Shea directed the oh-so-talented world's grand champion to the unanimous win with Kenny Wheeler in the viceroy. Reserve in the lean class went to Heartland Ooh La La and Karen Waldron, who received second place votes across the board.
The Adult Show Pleasure Championship followed with 21 entries plowing through the in gate in hopes of capturing the tricolor. After taking the blue earlier in the week, Laguardia and Callie Clifton made their mark on the track once again, taking the tricolor back to the Sunrise Stables' banner. In Your Honor and Autumn Hunt received a first place vote from Koller for the reserve honors. Broadway Tune and Kendra Fisher settled into third place. The remaining ribbons went to Lightnin' Lil and Nicolle Beltz for Dr. and Mrs. Homer Beltz, CH Highpoint's Coming Attraction and Lindsey Alberts, Amazed and Andrea Bilotti, Highpoint's Heir Apparent and James R. Dellinger and CH Some Like It Hot with Lisa McDonald.
The next class was the Three-Gaited Championship where seven entries made call. Once again, spectators saw a Sunrise Stables' star looking fabulous. This time it was the four-year-old Royal Messenger in the spot light for a unanimous tricolor win for owner Robert Lilley. Rob Byers had Pas De Deux in prime shape for the reserve. Pas De Deux is now owned by Louis and Rose Marie Fernandez.
The Harness Pony Championship was next with Par Excellence and Karen Waldron taking the top spot for the Bent Tree Farm giving them a sweep of the amateur and open long-tail championships. Open class winner Gib Marcucci drove Impress My Daddy for Mrs. Alan Robson to a solid reserve finish.
As it is with most shows, the competition was tough in the Three-Gaited Park Championship. Under the direction of Chris Reiser, Amanda Bell rode the stand-out chestnut World's Grand Champion HMS Royal Winds to the tricolor title. Former harness star Very Presidential and Lana Gilpin had a clean ride for reserve.
The Roadster To Bike Championship had eight entries racing around the Red Mile track in full force. While the cards varied in opinion, Braveheart stepped it up and exited the ring as this year's champion with Marilyn Macfarlane in control. Danny Bugg again fell just short of the win, taking home reserve with Geronimo.
The Five-Gaited Championship was the final class of Saturday, and the 2003 Lexington Junior League Horse Show. With a bright, full moon shining from above, it was time to crown the 67th Five-Gaited Grand Champion. Lexington is always interesting because it gets people wondering who will wear the roses next month. Coming off a fresh win at Rock Creek, the beautifully moving and exciting chestnut mare Undulata's Georgie Girl was named the Lexington Five-Gaited Grand Champion and certainly put her name in the hat as one of the prime time contenders for Freedom Hall next month. Debbie Foley expertly rode to the win for Debbie Gabbert. Foley's close companion, Merrill Murray, followed, riding the big chestnut Jumpin' Jack Flash to the reserve title for Robert and Barbara Wood.
This highlights the 2003 Lexington Junior League Horse Show. Complete results and judges' cards follow. Results can also be found by visiting our web site at www.saddlehorsereport.com.
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