Lexington Junior League - Wednesday Night
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Memories of Monday night’s smoldering heat seemed distant as Wednesday night could almost be described as picturesque. Once the sun went down, it was about as pleasant a summer evening as has ever been at Lexington Junior League. Tonight started out with the always adorable Stick Horse class, where it is more about wrangling the cute as a button entries than their performances.
The 19-entry 14-17 Show Pleasure class was split into sections of 10 and 9, with the first section leading off the evening’s performance. A team that has never touched the Red Mile together came away with top honors, as CH Brookhill’s King Of Kool and Jessica Wuesthofen took the unanimous decision for Glenn A. Werry Jr. and DeLovely Farm. It seems somewhat shocking that they have never shown here before, as they have won seemingly at every other major horse show. And that’s not exaggeration. Since 2009, they have won at least one class at every single show they have attended. Jessie showed in equitation here last year, so she was familiar with the track layout. She put that on display to open the session with a blue ribbon ride. A year ago, it was Georgia Ferreira making a spectacular catch ride aboard Milady Huntly to capture Lexington’s Adult Show Pleasure Championship. Now owned by and teamed with Alexandra Grace Foster, Milady Huntly again proved her love for this track, making her best show yet with Foster. Directed by High Caliber Stables, they finished in second. Julianna Lowery had one of her best results to date with O Man Alive, finishing in third, with Jimmy and Georgia Morrison calling out instructions. Drew Taylor Hewitt made another top ride aboard Miracle On Forty-Second Street to finish fourth for Miracle Stable and Matt Shiflet Stables.
Elizabeth Hunziker was pleased as could be with her second section blue aboard Sophie Simpson. Teamed up this year under the tutelage of Danette Musselman, Hunziker and Sophie Simpson were Champions at both Indianapolis Charity and Shelby County Fair. This was their biggest win so far in their short career together, and they did it in high style. Danette Musselman, Joe Lavery, and Terra Schroeder all ran out to greet them in the winner’s circle. Mary McWilliams really put on a nice show with CH The Grand Master in reserve. Chris Reiser trains this one. Grand Master swept the division at River Ridge this spring, always showing in that slow, rhythmic style, with his head in just the perfect place. Madison Bartha came in like gang busters to finish in the top three with Our Queen Of Everything, taking the yellow prize back to Cape Cod. The Muffin Man and Lexie Bragg were fourth.
The Amateur Harness Pony class featured seven top entries, a good number for this division. Lexington always seems to be a strong pony show. Jeff McClean continues to bring along Twin Willow’s Handsome Dan at just the right pace, winning for the fifth time in five trips in 2011. The curvy Golden Creek entry was cranked up tonight to take the blue. They were Kentucky County Fair Champions in 2010 and Amateur Gentlemen’s World’s Champions in 2009. Open Harness Pony Champions here last year, Seamair Sensation and John Wrather were reserve in this loaded field for Charlotte Wrather and trainer Janet Crampton. These two ponies are no strangers, as Sensation was the 2009 Amateur Gentlemen’s Reserve World’s Champion. He took World’s Championship honors in that class a year later. The reigning Amateur World’s Champion of Champions made her first show of the year to take third, as Sweetheart Of Success and Karen Waldron took the yellow streamers for Bent Tree Farm.
Murphy McSemek continued a successful week on the Red Mile with a blue ribbon ride in the Amateur Gentlemen’s Five-Gaited class, his first ever Lexington blue. He was aboard Sterling Price in this one for Janet Danuser. To add to the degree of difficulty, this was also his first show aboard Sterling Price. Kent Swalla made the run to the winner’s circle wearing his black Freedman’s belt with the silver stirrup, one of nine Freedman’s belts in his collection. Brittany Logan assisted him in heading up the round of honor. William Shatner took his second Lexington reserve of the week, this one aboard Courtier. Directed by Grey Ridge Farm, Shatner was also twice reserve at Asheville earlier this year. He had a red ribbon go in the Amateur Roadster to Bike class just last night with Thunderbolt. Justin Cowley and Vitruvian Man were third for Lee and Cindy Wagoner.
Three Gable’s Cracklin’ Rosie got on board, as she was the choice in the Fine Harness Mare Stake. An entry of Three Gables LLC, Cracklin’ Rosie was driven by A.J. Bruwer to the blue ribbon. Just a five-year-old, Cracklin’ Rosie is by Belle Reve’s Renaissance Man and out of a Roseridge Heir mare. Renaissance Man was also the sire of the reserve winner, La Renaissance. Danette Musselman drove this one for Joyce Cashman. They were Fine Harness Champions at Lawrenceburg a few weeks back.
Jack Magill made a brilliant move, switching the entry of J&J Horse Interests LLC, Power Point, to the Park division, winning the open qualifier here tonight. Showing in this division for the first time since 2009, Power Point put on a presentation to take top honors. Sired by I’m A Lucky Charm, he is out of CH Bahia Belle, by Chubasco. Simon Cowell was the vote in second, with Kim Cowart riding for Bill Beckley. Junior/Novice winner at JD Massey and Asheville, Simon Cowell was a Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited Reserve World’s Champion in 2009. Walden Bullard had a horse that looked downright intriguing in places tonight, as he guided Undulata’s Saturday Night to third for Tri-Color Saddlebreds. Twice The Dice and Tammy DeVore continued their Park transformation, picking up fourth here.
Two-time defending AHHS 13-and-Under Road Pony Medallion National Champions CH Heartland Victory Maker and Alex Ververeli were on top of their game tonight to pick up all three first-place votes in the AHHS Road Pony Medallion. Trained by Kierson Farm, Victory Maker and Alex won for the sixth time in seven trips to the ring this season. Oddly enough, the two-time defending Reserve National Champion from the 13-and-Under division, Surprize Surprize, was reserve here with Caroline Rainbolt-Forbes at the lines for the Rainbow Princess Farms. Trained by DeLovely, Caroline was at the lines for the 2010 reserve national honors.
Theresa Vonderschmitt’s horses made two victory passes last night, so tonight she decided to take one of her own aboard Soquili’s Georgia Kracker, winner of the Amateur Three-Gaited Over 15.2 qualifier. Trained by Rob and Sarah Byers, Vonderschmitt and Georgia Kracker have come on strong as the year has progressed, winning twice at Rock Creek last month. Georgia Kracker was the 2008 UPHA Three-Gaited Classic National Champion and the 2009 Junior Three-Gaited World’s Champion of Champions. Jannie Giles and Peter Fenton were excitedly calling out instructions for the reserve winner, CH Sue-She, with Jeffrey Schab putting on his best performance to date. The crowd showed their support as Schab went up to get his ribbon, having made a fantastic show that left him smiling from ear to ear. Ladies Reserve Champion here last year, Harlem’s Showman finished third tonight with Beata Flatley-Lilja for the Landmark Farm banner. CH His Supreme Reflection and Jacqueline Manzo were fourth in their first year showing in the walk-trot division for Kimberly Jones.
It was a fist pump, combined with a “Yeah!” and a “Woo!” that sent Dr. Brian Garrett to yet another Roadster Under Saddle winner’s circle, this time in the open ranks with Show Me The Money. Trained by Mike Brannon, the unanimous winner was showing for the first time with Brian aboard. Reserve World’s Champion of Champions in 2010, All Glory was reserve in this one with Elizabeth Shatner riding under the direction of Steve and Tiffany Wheeler.
Misdee Wrigley Miller had the winning entry in the Open Phaeton class. Her Dutch Harness Horses pulled the Brewster Peters George IV Phaeton down victory lane for Hillcroft Farm with the support of all three judges. In a close competition with Sue-She for the biggest crowd response of the night was Tjebbe, a Friesian entry of Karen Frickey. He went out in second at an animated, hesitating trot that was breathtaking, delighting those in attendance.
Ali DeGray started off what would be a stellar night for her with a tri-color round of honor in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship. Harlem’s Worldly Lady wore the ribbon with pride for Helen and James Rosburg. World's Champions in their section last year, Ali and Worldly Lady make a great team. The golden chestnut mare with a grayish tinge to her tail was the unanimous choice of the judges. The qualifier placings held true in the championship, as Night Sight was again reserve for Ann Fitzpatrick and Rigby’s Green Farm. Trained by Nelson Green at Blue Willow Farm, Night Sight has three wins and four reserves on the season so far, showing with remarkable consistency. Last year’s winner, CH Stevie Nicks, was once again third with Pat Yeatts for Cherrystone Farm.
The Five-Gaited Pleasure class was the best and deepest of the night, with 12 good ones vying for the top prize. It was a showdown between a couple of World’s Champions and some newcomers to the gaited pleasure ranks. It was a West Wind kind of day, as CH Stonewall’s Stargate capped off a sweep of the gaited pleasure classes today by Cowart-trained entries. Stefanie Sanchez made another top notch ride for Sharyn Lackey. Six times a World’s Champion in his phenomenal career, Stargate was twice a Reserve World’s Champion in Freedom Hall a year ago. A World’s Champion in her qualifier last year, Allyson Ehle rode to reserve tonight with CH Titleist Right Tonight for Bob and Nancy Ehle. Right Tonight was just that, as he came in smokin’ for Team Kierson. They were reserve in this class a year ago as well. Billy Deluxe and Cece Hagan made one of their finest shows yet to take third for DeVore Stables. A Dream In Color is another of the newcomers to this division, finishing fourth with Kate Codeanne for Cedarledge Farm. They won their previous six classes on the year.
The Three-Gaited 15.2-and-Under Stake got the crowd pumping as well, with Smith Lilly making the winning ride aboard Swing An’ Singin’. This ridiculously gifted daughter of Designed got lots of love from the audience as Matt Lightner and Ally Kopf made the run to the winner’s circle. While his mount exuded flair and panache, there would be none of that from Mr. Lilly. Still in the saddle, Smith just gets the job done right, every time out, never even cracking a smile in the saddle. He had to have been smiling back at the Mercer Springs stalls after the show he put on with this one for Ceil and Kenny Wheeler. James Wallen had Cosmic Charm up for his best prize yet, finishing reserve for Janel Leopold-Scott. Cosmic Charm is by Powerful Charm LCC and out of a Tornaado (SA) mare. Midwest Champion Liberty’s Magic was third with A.J. Bruwer up for Vicki Reed.
It was seven lady riders and seven lady horses in the Amateur Five-Gaited Mare class. Ali DeGray put that signature smile on display once again, as she danced in the saddle on the way to the winner’s circle aboard Most Definitely Diamonds. The joy that Ali exudes in the show ring and out is contagious. She is just plain fun to watch show. Ruth Gimpel joined her in the winner’s circle for Helen Rosburg. This team debuted at Louisville last year and looks primed to head back to make some noise yet again. Sensational Charm made perhaps the most consistently brilliant show of her life with Megan McClure putting on the top ride for Ed and Sarah Thordsen and the West Wind team. The Santana’s Charm mare seemed to really take to the track, and who better to guide her around the Red Mile than Lexington’s two-time Amateur Five-Gaited Champion rider. CH Callaway’s Ariel was third with Stacey Kipper up for Sandra Kipper.
It was an inauspicious start to the Ladies Hackney Pony class for the eventual winner, as the Majestic Oaks pit crew had to come in to the ring to fix an equipment malfunction before the class was ever called to order. Once everything was in order, Elisabeth Goth made a spectacular drive at the lines of Heartland Moonglow for Charlotte Wrather. Dressed to match the blonde pony, Elisabeth had a glow all her own tonight, as she was covered head to toe in sparkles, shimmering under the Lexington lights. Black Merlin and Shelby Young were reserve for David Crockett. Black Merlin is by Mr. Hawkeye.
Chelsea Ruxer made it two years in a row to win Saddle & Bridle’s Shatner Western Pleasure class here on the Red Mile aboard Samuel Charles. Jackie Tanner headed up the victory pass in this one. Stonebrook’s Finest Hour and Jill Wilson were reserve. They are trained by Brian Yount.
A breeze kicked up as the Road Pony class was called, bringing a nice chill to the Junior League patrons. Romeo’s Kristy Lee LF made her first trip over the Red Mile track a winning one, taking top honors for Helen Rosburg with Ronnie Graham at the lines. Kristy Lee is that special kind of pony that can put her head and neck up almost over her back. She was a sight trimmed in blue tonight. The 2007 Kentucky County Fair Road Pony Champion and 2008-2009 Reserve Champion was second here, as Heartland Flurry and Jerry Cummins left with the reserve prize. Marilyn Macfarlane trains this team.
Another deep and competitive class was the 14-17 Three-Gaited qualifier, where The Mighty Mouse came to save the day with Hannah Houske putting on a clinic for Shelby Farm and Stable LLC. Milo Jones made the run to the winner’s circle here, directing the current Reserve National Champion to the blue tonight. Check out Hannah’s interview on ReporTV to get the inside scoop on this phenomenal little horse! Prom Dress was off with reserve for Allie Wellington, who capped off a stellar day with the red ribbon. Third in this class a year ago, they returned to take the tri-color on Saturday night. CH Kalarama Shiraz and Drew Taylor Hewitt were third in this one, followed by Buckles, Boots N Spurs and Kelly Cooke in fourth for Richard, Roslyn, and Kelly Cooke.
When his full brother Big Red fell to colic just a year ago, it was Emerson who picked up where his brother had left off, driving to the roses in Freedom Hall as the World’s Grand Champion. Tonight, he had an ad up on the jumbotron before he even hit the gate, foreshadowing the unanimous victory that was headed his way with Raymond Shively in the bike in the Roadster to Bike class. Emerson and Raymond are undefeated together since Louisville 2008. Lady Hawke and Les Cunningham were reserve for Lanny Judd. They were Roadster to Bike Mare World’s Champions in 2009.
The traditional Wednesday night show capper is the Five-Gaited Stallion Stake. It was a good one tonight, as Marc Of Charm battled a field of five to take top honors for Riverdreams LLC. Lionel Ferreira doffed his hat tonight but did not fling it as he has on several occasions here on the Red Mile, most notably in the Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited class a couple years ago, when he sent the Junior League crowd into a tizzy on that memorable Thursday night. Marc Of Charm and the Ferreiras invite everyone to the All American Cup Show of Shows at their Monnington Farm at noon on Friday. Joe Fabulous and Todd Graham pushed them every step of the way in reserve for Karen Blankenship Shumate. Winner of this class in 2009 and the Five-Gaited Stallion Reserve World’s Champion that year as well, Joe Fabulous was certainly that and more tonight. Melissa Moore has made huge strides with It’s Double O’ Deuce, finishing third for SGF Winning Ways Farm and an excited Sherry Frankel.
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