Louisville - Monday Daytime
Monday, August 22, 2011
It is Equitation morning in Freedom Hall, with all of the Senior age groups vying for their World’s Championships prior to the lunch break. First up on Monday morning however is the first split of Country Pleasure Driving. It’s been a spectacular season for Ali DeGray and Harlem’s Worldly Lady. They made a blue ribbon drive today for Helen and James Rosburg. Worldly Lady has been part of the Rosburgs’ show string since 2007. A year later, Helen Rosburg drove to a Reserve World’s Championship. The following year, Ali DeGray picked up two more Reserve World’s Championship titles with the beautiful chestnut mare. Just a year ago was their breakthrough moment, as they earned their first trip down Louisville’s victory lane in their Section Two qualifier. Night Sight and Ann Fitzpatrick continued their consistently brilliant season with yet another hard-earned reserve win. This one came on the biggest stage of them all, one that Night Sight is no stranger to. Junior Fine Harness World’s Champion in 2006 and winner of the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness Futurity two years before that, Night Sight is still at the top of his game under the direction of Nelson Green for Rigby’s Green Farm. In from Canada, It’s Star Time and Teri Jones finished third for Tina Griesseier.
Cindy Mugnier stepped out of the judges’ seating area for the first time this morning to call the first age group of equitators, the 15-year-old division. It was a strong field of nine that answered the call, with the three DeLovely riders that have battled all year long going one-two-three again. Finishing no lower than second since her two phenomenal performances in the finals in Kansas City, Hunter Chancellor earned her age group blue for the second straight year aboard Chanti’s Prayer by the unanimous acclaim of the judges. Triple qualified and ready to take on all comers, this team earned the tri-color at Lexington just last month. With six wins on the year, including the 14-15 qualifier at Lexington, Abigail Mutrux and Lemon Shake-Up WRF are enjoying a stellar first season together. They finished up in reserve today, as these two continue to battle back and forth as the campaign wears on. Jessica Wuesthofen rounded out the DeLovely trifecta here in this strong class.
Six of the bigger version of the little speedsters came to the ring in the Amateur Road Pony 50-52” class, with Sugarland putting on a show to take top honors back to Majestic Oaks with Elisabeth Goth at the lines. Undefeated on the season, their tour has taken them to Kentucky Spring Premier, Asheville, and Midwest, competing against the very best in the business and coming away winners every time. Sugarland is that rare pony who can put his head and neck in an incredible place while still stepping strongly down the rail. Sugarland was also the winner of this class a year ago with Toni Nastali driving. The great CH Calvin Hobbs finished up in reserve here with Kevin Ingram driving for James R. Dellinger Jr. Lynda Freseth headed him up in the line. Here’s an interesting fact: In the last three years, Calvin Hobbs and Kevin have finished lower than second just one time, and that was in the Road Pony World’s Grand Championship a year ago. An impressive combination, they always bring their “A game.” They were Open World’s Champions in this same 50-52” division last season. Heartland Rich And Famous and Linda Kay Hendricks were third.
Christie Milbury had the ride of her life, winning the first section of Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure with Future Perfect. They picked a great time to peak, as this was their first blue ribbon ride of the season, having finished top three in the 18-35 Championship at Lexington last month, setting the table for this performance. Kevin Tomasko made the long run to the far end to greet his charge. They had a tough task in winning this class, as reserve honors went to a World’s Champion from a year ago, CH Lightnin’ Lil with Nicolle Beltz Tolliver. Owned by Dr. and Mrs. Homer Beltz and trained by the Biggins team, Lightnin’ Lil has been the very picture of consistency all season long, finishing no lower than second. They were qualifier winners here every year from 2005-2008. Ali Judah has made all seven rides in the Pleasure division aboard Reedann’s Whodunnit, who made the quick qualifying run in June to be able to show in this division, winning at Rock Creek and Bourbon County Fair and finishing reserve at Shelby County Fair. They were third today for Terri Dolan and Visser Stables. Reserve in their Lexington qualifier, Santa Ana Wind and Stacey Halloran were fourth here, directed by Matt Shiflet.
Alexandra Lawson earned the second unanimous win of the day for DeLovely, taking Thunder Gone Wild to the 17-Year-Old Equitation World’s Championship in a group of 11. This was their eighth win on the year, finishing second in their only loss of the year. A year ago, Alexandra earned the 16-Year-Old Reserve World’s Championship and went on to take the UPHA/American Royal Saddle Seat Equitation National Championship. The only rider to beat Alexandra this year finished reserve today. This was Caitlin Donohue. Teamed with The Bourne Supremacy under the direction of Kenny and Donna Smith, Caitlin was 14-17 Pleasure Equitation Champion at Midwest Charity. This team put in a lot of work over the winter, and it is paying off over and over again this year. Callie Smith and Soli Deo Glori picked up third for DeLovely. They were age group winners at Lexington last month.
An absolutely loaded group came to the ring in the second section of Adult Show Pleasure. After a second second-way trot, it was all smiles down victory lane, as Ali DeGray flashed that trademark ear-to-ear smile for the second time this morning. This time it was a big bay partner teamed with the petite redhead. Starlight Voyager is enjoying a successful first campaign in the Pleasure division, having shown with Ali as a park horse a year ago. This is their sixth win on the season, winning at least one class at every show they have attended. This was the biggest win to date for the son of Leatherwood’s Starlight out of Mountainview’s Sultry Day, and he had to best a field of top ones to do it. A chestnut with lots of flash and flair, Fire It Up was second with Deborah Visser riding for James Orr and the Lowry Stables team. Out of their grand producing mare, Annie Up, Fire It Up is a half brother to Amateur Ladies Three-Gaited World’s Champion Size Me Up. He is by the Orrs’ Capitol Fire and is in just his first season in the show ring. His marching trot sets him apart, always standing out from the crowd. A dark chestnut with lots of white, Soquili’s Sweet William finished third with Jackie Ware for Soquili Stables. Sired by Undulata’s Nutcracker, Sweet William is out of a full sister to Adelita, Callaway’s Blue Agate, and all of those great ones. Bethany Burke had a heck of a trip aboard Caper’s Impressive to take fourth, much to the enjoyment of her cheering section.
Undefeated as a road pony, Regal’s Promoter LF took a second Louisville victory pass, winning the Four-Year-Old Road Pony class with Mary Gaylord McClean. Trimmed in the Golden Creek blue and white silks, Mary was headed up by Tom Lowry and Jeff McClean for the round of honor. Tom Lowry was at the lines a year ago to take the Three-Year-Old Road Pony World’s Championship. Promoter is by Dun-Haven Regal Attraction and out of a Canterbury Conqueror mare. Two popular entries from the Midwest finished second and third. Another with Light Farms connections, Koal is by Romeo LF and out of Regal’s Opal LF. Erik Kirsch is the owner and driver of this dark, dark brown Reserve World’s Champion. Another owner/driver, Ginger Schinktgen, finished up in third with Regal’s Financier LF, yet another from the Light Farms, carrying that “LF” suffix.
The lone boy rider earned the third World’s Championship of his career, this one in the 14-Year-Old age group. Gavin Gagnon held down the fort for those with the “Y” chromosome, besting the six young ladies that were also vying for that top spot. Older brother Kyle Gagnon and trainer Gary Garone completed this trio of gents on the victory pass. A year ago, Gavin was reserve in his age group as well as in the Junior Championship. Brett Lee Self made her best ever Louisville show to earn the Reserve World’s Championship. She was a 13-and-Under Pleasure Equitation winner at Lexington just last year. UPHA Junior Challenge Cup Reserve National Champion last year, Brooke Boyer was third here under the direction of Kent Swalla. Lila Tatar finished up showing at the Morgan Medallion in Santa Barbara on Saturday and made the trek across the country to finish up in fourth this morning.
Owned, ridden and bred by Melody Adler, Xanthos earned top honors in the third split of Adult Show Pleasure. George Knight and Walden Bullard ran stride for stride to the far end to greet the winner of yet another deep and competitive section of this class. This division featured 18 entries answering the call. There were tears aplenty, as an overjoyed Melody celebrated her blue ribbon ride. Sired by Harlem Superior, Xanthos is out of Melody’s former World’s Championship teammate, CH City Lady. Xanthos shares his name with one of Achilles’ chariot horses, written of by Homer in the Iliad, and for our younger readers, portrayed by Brad Pitt in the blockbuster movie, Troy. Twice a winner at Lexington just last month, Undulata’s Fashion Plate was once again a star, taking reserve honors with Piper Bordegon for Maribelle Granger and trainer Shelley Fisher. This big, bold mare is by Undulata’s Nutcracker and out of Riva’s Fashion Spirit. She was Junior Fine Harness Mare Reserve World’s Champion a year ago. Shannon Sewell made her debut with I’m The One With The Roses to finish third. Daughter Rachel Machamer was aboard for both reserves at Lexington. This one is trained by Hollow Haven. Mighty Thor and Carol Hillenbrand finished in fourth, with Annika Bruggeworth and The Mansion fifth.
County Fair Harness Pony Champion a year ago, and winner of this same Amateur Gentlemen’s class the year before that, Twin Willow’s Handsome Dan took yet another trip to the winner’s circle with Jeff McClean driving for Golden Creek Farms. Unbeaten since the Harness Pony World’s Grand Championship a year ago, this jet black stud pony is phenomenally gifted, with worlds of presence and flash. He took the second World’s Championship of the morning back to Golden Creek. Winner of this class last year, Seamair Sensation was reserve today with John Wrather for Charlotte Wrather and trainer Janet Crampton. Sensation is by Dun-Haven Awesome Creation and out of Heartland Simplicity.
The last time Morgan Brison showed in equitation on these green shavings was 2004. She finished as the 9-Year-Old Walk-and-Trot Equitation Reserve World’s Champion. Today, she topped a loaded group of 16-year-old riders to earn her first ever Equitation World’s Championship. Valery Kron and overwhelmed mom Tonya Brison were in a sprint to the far end, as Morgan rode to the far end with that singular joy that can only come with a Louisville blue. One of the most highly decorated equitation riders in the game, Taylor Newton finished reserve in her age group for the second straight year. She topped her qualifier here the five years prior to that. Taylor is teamed with A Sweet Sensation under the direction of Shelley Fisher. Shelby Graves finished third for the fourth straight time in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as she was top three in all three of her classes at Lexington, including the highly competitive Senior Equitation Championship. She shows out of her West Virginia home base. Tayler Walters was another who showed on Saturday at the Morgan Medallion and made the trip East. She also earned white streamers in fourth. With seven entries in this class and seven in the previous 14-year-old class, there were 34 total riders showing in the Senior age groups today, an impressive number.
Purchased as a two-year-old from the Callaway’s Hills consignment at the Tattersalls Fall Sale, Callaway’s Cumulus has found his niche in the Country Pleasure Driving division. Susan Aschenbrenner was the winning driver today for John and Susan Aschenbrenner and trainer Amanda Simpson. This is their 11th win on the season, with their only two losses coming at Midwest, where they finished reserve twice. They were simply sublime today in winning the second section of Country Pleasure Driving. Longtime West Coast star CH It’s Good Karma is enjoying great success in his first year in this division with new teammate Elisabeth Goth. Under the direction of Neil Visser, they earned the Reserve World’s Championship. Their five wins on the season, against just two reserves, included both blues at Midwest Charity. AJ Bruwer directed Vicki Reed and Firecracker Jack to third, with Startalyst and Ann Cannon taking fourth for William Cannon Jr.
The Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Pleasure division was once again split into two sections, with both Louisville blues heading back to North Carolina. The first section win went to CH Sunken Treasure, a veteran of this division, showing for the first time here with McGee Bosworth for Allen and Katherine McGee Bosworth. Directed by the High Caliber Stables team, Sunken Treasure was Reserve World’s Champion a year ago and World’s Champion of Champions the year before that, taking a different rider to a world title each of these last three years now. McGee has come on strong these last couple shows, winning twice at Blue Ridge and now taking her first trip down Louisville’s victory lane. Reserve honors went back to DeVore Stables with Alexis Landreth and Millionheir’s Row for Equestrian Investments of Tennessee. Champion of this division at Rock Creek, Millionheir’s Row is by Con Heir and out of a Spring Valley’s Deliverance mare. Drew Taylor Hewitt made the good ride aboard Boxers N Chaps to take third for Barbara Gaynor.
Mojo and Desert Supreme Kid renewed their rivalry in the second section, with CH Mojo coming away with the top prize. Allie Wellington is in just her third horse show with this dynamic chestnut gelding, having won her last three classes with him, including both at Lexington. Mojo had that perfect chesspiece headset working once again today to take the blue back to West Wind. Catherine Wheeler and CH Desert Supreme Kid followed up their dual reserves at Lexington with a Reserve World’s Championship here for Ceil and Kenny Wheeler and the Mercer Springs team. A year ago they were winners of this class and went on to take the Championship as well. McKenna Slater made one of her best rides yet to earn a top three finish with Cheerful Memories for Pamela Slater and Kalarama Farm. They were reserve a few weeks ago at Shelbyville in the all ages gaited pleasure class. Morgan Brison continued her good day with a fourth-place ribbon aboard Soquili’s Southern Comfort for Bob and Tonya Brison.
Scatman Du earned his first World’s Championship in the Open Roadster to Wagon class, the last before the lunch break here on Monday morning. Steve Crabtree had the honors at the lines of the winner for Ray Yoder. Winner for the past two years, Raising The Bar finished in reserve today with Mark Turner driving for Raymond Shively.
Allie Poovey hasn’t placed lower than second all season long with Our Sonflower, and she wasn’t about to start a new trend today. She took World’s Championship honors back to the High Caliber banner for Todd and Margaret Poovey in the 13-and-Under Five-Gaited Pony class, just as she did a year ago. Impeccably bred, Sonflower is by Great Day’s Came The Son and out of CH Town Rose. This team also won their qualifier at Lexington last month. It would be hard to find a better story than the Reserve World’s Champion. It was just last winter that Clara suffered her accident, leading to her being the lone rider this week who will show with a riding helmet. It was also a just last winter that her doctors thought there would be no way she would be back in the saddle this soon, let alone on a high octane horse like Billy Jewel. Clara set about proving them wrong, and boy has she done just that. She finished reserve here for the Cater Stables banner, but more importantly, she showed. She rode. And she is a phenomenal testament to the human spirit and will. Little Hot Spot and Annabel Kippi Noe were third for Karen Grady Carver, while Silvashay and Eleanor Rainbolt Forbes finished fourth for the Rainbow Princess Farms.
A good name for a warm Kentucky day, Sangria Splash topped a nice group of Park Mares to take the world title with Darrell Case aboard. Case co-owns this wonderful mare with Willowbank Farm. Speaking of impeccably bred, she is by Attache’s Thunderbolt and out of the great CH Utopian Melody, no stranger to Louisville’s victory lane herself. Successful in hand as a weanling, the reserve winner has returned to the ring this season in grand style, placing well everywhere she goes. This is Phind The Treasure. Obviously by Phi Slama Jama, Phind The Treasure is out of a Rare Treasure mare. Daniel Lockhart made the top ride today for Joan Hamilton and Kalarama Farm. Evening and Jennifer McGowan finished in third for Larry Nunley.
Jason Molback had to set down his camera and put aside his photography duties to head up the Five-Gaited Pony 14-17 World’s Champion, Top Dawg, ridden by Mary Mitkish for Patricia Malcolm and Mary Mitkish. Five-Gaited Pony Champion at the Royal last year, Top Dawg seems to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages, which might just come from his fantastic pedigree. By CH Top Spool, he is out of CH Swept Away. Showing off his freshly minted pony card, CH Red Flame Thrower earned reserve with Drew Taylor Hewitt getting the catch ride once again for Clark Clouse. Last year’s winner, I See Daylight, picked up third in this tough event with Mitchell Tunstall once again riding for Barbara Von Borries and trainer Mike Tunstall.
John Wrather and Seamair Simply Awesome earned a ho-hum fourth consecutive Amateur Gentlemen’s Hackney Pony World’s Championship! They have also won the last three Amateur World’s Championships for Charlotte Wrather and trainer Janet Crampton. This team just never seems to fade, looking just as spectacular second way as they do first way, year after year. Paul Richardson took reserve honors back to Majestic Oaks with Front Page News. Sandra Surber owns this one. Front Page News was reserve in this class a year ago as well.
A year ago, Belle Starr was cruising to top honors in the USTA Roadster to Bike Classic with owner Melinda Moore at the lines. Today it was Raymond Shively making the guest drive to take the Roadster to Bike Mares class, a class you rarely if ever see Raymond in! The Stallion/Gelding class, however, is another story. Kitty Wells and Steve Crabtree were also contenders in that USTA Classic last year. They earned a Reserve World’s Championship here. Kitty Wells’ namesake was a famous country singer. Meadow Demon and Danny Bugg were third in this big field of nine for Larry Gilpin.
Section One of the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited 13-and-Under class was a knockdown dragout fight, with the veteran of many a Louisville showdown, CH An Heir About Her, taking top honors with Alice Rowland riding for Ever Glades Farm. Missy Hughes headed up the round of honor, the ninth in Freedom Hall in the storied career of this former World’s Grand Champion. She looked every bit the superstar once again today. Champions at Midwest and reserve twice at Lexington, HS Dignitary and Courtney McGinnis were reserve for Fish Creek Stables and DeLovely. Also a multi-titled World’s Champion, Dignitary is by Sir William Robert and out of the Broodmare Hall of Famer, A Daydream Believer. Dignitary has that signature headset and never seems to back an ear. Undulata’s Nuttin’ Sweeter and Laura Plant were third, directed by Mary and Evan Orr, with the popular Wisconsin team, Moriah’s Catnip and Brynn Lunaas in fourth.
It would be hard to find a three-horse class with more extensive resumes than the Three-Gaited Pony 14-17 division. Between these three dynamic performers there were 14 World’s Championships and eight Reserve World’s Championships coming into today. The total for The Attache Orchid climbed to seven today with yet another win with Hunter Chancellor aboard for Steve Chancellor and Team DeLovely. Hunter wore her bright white coat this year, rather than the pink she has normally worn aboard Attache Orchid. They are four for four on the season now and have never been beaten in a Louisville qualifier. That is just plain impressive. Powerful Tango earned a sixth Reserve World’s Championship, as Dominique Bowlen left with the red streamers for the Cater Stables team. Winners of both their classes at Lexington and the qualifier at the Royal last fall, this is the third straight year for Dominique and Tango to earn reserve in their Louisville qualifier. CH Manhattan’s Irish Cream, one of the most highly decorated walk-trot ponies in history, was third today with Alexis Landreth up for Equestrian Investments of Tennessee.
With Misdee Wrigley Miller in Europe headed for the Pairs Championship in France and husband James winning the German High Goal Polo Championship, Hillcroft Claret was left without an exhibitor for Louisville this year. Enter Macey Miles. She jumped aboard the Kalarama-trained mare at Shelbyville and took top honors, so why not keep that going into Louisville? They did just that, and looked like superstars doing it. They took the top prize in the second split of 13-and-Under Three-Gaited for owner and breeder Hillcroft Farm. Winners of their Lexington qualifier, Mesmerizing and Allison Gann were reserve under the Visser Stables banner. They have had a great first season together, also winning at Asheville. Champions of this division at Lexington, Callaway’s Born With Style and Molly Codeanne were third for Cedarledge and the Caters. They also finished third in their qualifier at Junior League.
CH Free Willy conjured up a little more magic in the Amateur Road Pony 50”-and-Under class, taking yet another Louisville victory pass. Now 18 years old, this was his first Louisville win with Jayne Romano at the lines. Directed by Jan Lukens, Free Willy looks as though he could just keep right on going into his twenties. He was his head-turning self today for certain. Winner of a World’s or Reserve World’s title every year since 2006, Mr. Lucky Man continued that trend by taking the “RWC” in this one for the second year in a row, this time with catch driver Toni Nastali. He was the winner of this same class the two years prior, all with Patrice Watson O’Brien at the lines. Majestic Oaks directs this team. Last year’s Four-Year-Old Road Pony Reserve World’s Champion, Sis O’ Six was third with Mary Gaylord McClean driving. Abel Vega trains this one.
One of the biggest cheers of the day went to 13-and-Under Three-Gaited Pony winners Amelia Heir Cat and Sallie Mason Wheeler. All three judges put her number atop their cards, much to the delight of the Louisville crowd. This team could be best described as “freakin’ adorable,” but they won on way more than the “cute factor.” Sallie Mason worked the ring like a veteran, making great passes all by herself on the rail. Ceil and Kenny Wheeler called out plenty of direction, with Smith Lilly and Matt Lightner joining Sallie Mason for her first ever round of honor over the green shavings. While your first Louisville win is always special, it was also Sallie Mason’s grandmother and namesake, the late Sallie Busch Wheeler’s birthday today. The grand lady of the show ring was certainly riding along today. Brylie Mays had the Castle Bravo product, Bravia, looking grand in reserve for Ray and Kiersten Mays and trainers Bill and Lisa Waller. They were winners of their qualifier at Blue Ridge just last month. Since debuting in the walk-trot pony division at Lexington, CH The Great Gaspar has finished third in all three of his outings. Eleanor Rainbolt Forbes rides for the Rainbow Princess Farms and Team DeLovely.
It was a wide open affair in the Open Three-Gaited Park Stallion/Gelding class, as it so often is. This time it was Burt Honaker getting the nod with Fort Chiswell’s Prince Charming. Owned by Burt’s mother-in-law, Miriam Hirshon, Prince Charming is by Attache’s Royal Assets and out of Just Charming, by Santana’s Charm. Just a four-year-old, Nuttin’ To Lose was reserve with Chuck Herbert riding for Holt Oaks Farm. Sired by Undulata’s Nutcracker, Nuttin’ To Lose is out of a Supreme Heir mare. He was the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness Futurity winner here in 2009. Mitch Clark got a nice ovation from the crowd in third aboard Imperiaptor. Laurel Nelson owns this son of Periaptor who has long been a crowd pleaser, no matter the division. Our Axel Rose and John Biggins finished fourth for McDonald LLC.
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