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Lexington Junior League - Wednesday Morning



The short Wednesday morning schedule kicked off with a new idea, a USEF Adult Saddle Seat Medal qualifier for Friday’s National Final, an effort to bolster the numbers in that class. This morning started the same way yesterday morning ended, with a Mutrux girl in the winner’s circle. Today it was Jean Mutrux, Abby’s mom, who rode to the winner’s circle under the direction of DeLovely Farm. It was the first time Jean had shown on The Red Mile in 30 years. What a way to be welcomed back! Abigail closed out the Tuesday morning session with a 13 and Under Pleasure Equitation win. Rachel Kelley, in her second year in the adult ranks, was reserve aboard Worth Waiting On.

Belle Owen has used her USEF Saddle Seat Medal Reserve National Championship last year as a springboard to huge success here in 2009. She won her Junior League qualifier for the third year in a row, once again this year in the 12-13 ranks. Chanti’s Prayer carried her to the unanimous blue under the direction of DeLovely Farm. Another DeLovely team, Hunter Chancellor and CH Can You Hear Me Now, earned reserve honors. Fairfield South’s Gavin Gagnon was up for third.

The Hackney Pleasure Driving class here at Junior League never disappoints. It is always deep and competitive. Stephany Monteleone earned the blue for the second year in a row with Mastercraft’s Namesake LF. Abel Vega made the run to the winner’s circle to greet his winning team. Chuck Walker, fresh off his win with Neon Dion at Lawrenceburg, picked up reserve today for Lib Jones under the direction of Joe Elam. Holly Go Lightly and Lynn Hutchinson were third for James and Helen Rosburg, while Heartland Parade Time was fourth with Tamra Arndt.

With the 14 and Under Show Pleasure and 11 and Under Equitation classes back to back, Ellie Kangur had barnmate Drew Taylor Hewitt make the catch ride aboard Brookhill’s Kool As Ice. Ellie has had good success with Kool As Ice already this year, winning her Championship at Blowing Rock just last month. Drew Taylor debuted the horse back at Raleigh Spring Premier for Ellie and the High Caliber team. She put together another brilliant performance today, with a breathtaking pass coming to the line that sealed the deal. Ashley Bryce and Supreme Spotlight, Reserve Champions at Midwest last month, were reserve here today, once again under the direction of Jack Magill. Spotlight is aptly named, as he has that "look at me" attitude as he moves through traffic. No stranger to this track, CH Creditworthy was third for Jenna Winquist.

In 11 and Under Equitation, it was Aleia Brown and Macey Joan Miles battling it out as they have since 2006. Both fresh out of walk and trot, Aleia was the 9-10 Walk and Trot World’s Champion of Champions last year, and Macey was the 8 and Under World’s Champion of Champions. The older of the two got the best of this one today, as Aleia Brown received a big hug in the winner’s circle from trainer Erin Boggs-Richey. Something’s In The Heir is Aleia’s equine partner. Macey Joan Miles rode to reserve honors aboard Heir’s Encore. Ellie Kangur, having just watched her horse earn the blue with Drew Taylor Hewitt, was third in this one with Doubletree’s Aqua Blue.

Cori O’Brien, third in yesterday’s 14-17 Pleasure Equitation class, was the unanimous winner of the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup aboard Steel’n A Dream. Scott and Carol Matton direct this stellar combination. Jordyn Broten picked up her second reserve tie in two days aboard He’s The Real Deal.

The Northeasterners swept the top two spots in the UPHA 9-10 Walk and Trot Challenge Cup, as Clara McCool took the blue, and Molly Codeanne earned reserve. The 9-Year-Old Reserve World’s Champion a year ago, Clara has really come into her own in her final walk and trot year, sporting a great light blue suit with a bit of a sheen to it in the Lexington sun. Kristen and David Cater instruct Clara aboard Highpoint’s Syncopated Rhythm. Wearing her signature light gray suit, Molly Codeanne was reserve with Platinum Asset for the Fairfield South banner, celebrating her birthday here on The Red Mile. William Nalty was third with Vuarnet.

Callaway’s Summer Solstice is a horse that commands attention in the show ring, and in a division like Country Pleasure where the numbers swell like today’s 14, that comes in awfully handy. Carissa Marshall put the Blue Norther gelding in all the right places for Brynn Crotty under the direction of Todd Graham to come away with the win. Dylan Hines and Protector are another team that attract the eyes. They picked up reserve under the direction of Tammy DeVore. Flashy and flaxen, Protector has been in the top ribbons all year in his new division. Another top boy rider, Dakota Reiser, was third with Sir Andrew for Margo Coleman.

Maisie Benfield is the latest Zubrod star to ride Pinstripe Dancer to top honors. Looking unbelievably confident in the UPHA 8 and Under Walk and Trot Challenge Cup, this team will be tough to beat under Cindy Boel’s watchful eye. This was Maisie’s second show since leaving the Academy ranks. Payton Walker and A Touch Of Pizzazz were reserve to make back-to-back reserve finishes for Tammy DeVore-trained entries. Cashlyn Lovell earned third aboard Aces And Eights.

There was a real logjam of talent at the top of the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Pleasure class, with many top veteran entries vying for the top prize. But it was a relative newcomer to the national stage that kept bringing his A game all day long. Mojo is by Santana’s Charm and out of Sadie’s Lady, the dam of the inaugural All American Weanling Cup Champion Mosette. With owner Megan Bush Barrett sidelined after knee surgery, Kelsey Olson got the call for the catch ride and made that selection look very smart. It was a classic Red Mile performance, with the long straightaways playing into Mojo’s big, powerful stride. Peter and Kim Cowart train this star. Making a bigtime show and using the long track to her advantage as well was Drew Taylor Hewitt with CH Sunken Treasure. Winner of this class a year ago, Sunken Treasure looks like he was born to fly. This ring is right up his alley, as he can turn on a dime and pick that speed right back up as he moves down the rail. This High Caliber-trained team was reserve today. CH Mariachi, Reserve Champion here a year ago for Calee Dillon, was third for Sarah Singer and Jan Myers.

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