Louisville – Tuesday Morning and Evening
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Tuesday Morning
Eleven show pleasure driving horses and their adult exhibitors got the morning session started and put on a crowd-pleasing performance in the first of three splits in the adult division. With the green shavings flying, Jeffrey Fetzer sent his big, bold gelding Mahvalous Guy down the rail on the way to center ring to pick up the blue ribbon and send the first blue prize of the day home to California. Bret Day met an elated Fetzer in the winner's circle. CH Tamarack's Lightning Strikes and Tara Duff were right on the money to pick up the red ribbon for Tamarack Farms in the good class.
Seven talented riders had their game faces on for the morning's second class, the 14-year-old equitation class. Jessica Moctezuma has been having a great year and she added to it with the winning effort. Mom and instructor Nealia McCracken put the winning team in the ring. Jacqueline Beck, instructed at home in California by Anne Speck of Rancho Del Mar and in Kentucky by Cindy Zubrod Boel and Bonnie Zubrod, finished with the reserve title to add to the great season she's been having.
The Amateur Gentlemen's Hackney Pony class wasn't huge in numbers but it was big on talent and some of the most recognized names in the pony business put their best ponies in the ring to give it a shot at earning a Louisville blue. When it was all said and done, the Majestic Oaks winning streak continued with Mr. Hawkeye and Rudy Lewis taking the top prize and a unanimous decision from the panel. Classical Dancer and Ed Frickey followed with the reserve.
A trio of 10 year olds came through the gate to compete in their equitation class and the first two slots on the cards were filled by DeLovely-instructed riders. Abby Mutrux was named the winner and 2004 winner Lindsey Landrum followed in the count with the
reserve.
A multi-world's title holder already, CH French Silk Stockings and Loni Fuller were in good order every step of the way to win the first split of the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure 14-15 class and the panel was in complete agreement about the decision. For the second time in five classes, California was represented in the winner's circle.
The Grand Master and Thea Ervin just teamed up a short time ago but they worked hard to show they were perfect for each other and were awarded the reserve ribbon for their efforts under the direction of Chuck Herbert. Rachel Kelley and The Mystery Machine, trained by Jo Cornell, exited with the yellow ribbon for third.
CH Riva Diva and Ali Judah turned it on to top a big group of 13 in division two of the 14-15 year old class. Their career together has already included numerous Freedom Hall titles and they continued their successful season so far under the direction of Larry Hodge.
Jessica Moctezuma was on a roll and she claimed the red ribbon for North Wind in the competitive class with My Dakota. Seismic Force, also no stranger to the green shavings of Freedom Hall, took the yellow streamers with Amy Greenberg up from Ruth Gimpel Stables.
The Adult Five-Gaited Pleasure Division One class continued the trend of tremendous talent and big classes in the pleasure divisions at this year's Louisville. CH Forever Aptor followed up the recent win at Blue Ridge Classic with the unanimous victory in the 21-entry class with Carrie Warner Anderson up for Guy and Pauline Warner. Their blue ribbon added to an already impressive total for the Hollow Haven contingent.
High In The Sky and Pam Milligan were strong contenders as well and they put together the reserve effort from Premier Stables. CH Callaway's Rockaway and Chris Nalley, veteran campaigners with a host of titles to their credit, took the top three slot on the cards under the direction of Biggins Stables and earned the right to return to compete for the tricolor.
The amateur gentlemen returned but this time they brought their top long tail ponies to keep the morning session moving along in style. Twin Willow's Wild Thing and Jeff McClean bested a field of six other contenders with a unanimous decision to add another world's title to the Golden Creek count. Rodney Root and Sweetheart Of Success were reserve for owners Bent Tree Farm.
Tate Bennett and My Good Bye successfully defended their 2004 win in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure 16-17 class with a strong effort in the huge 21-entry contest. In what will be their final Louisville together, Bennett and Mary Jane Gregory's flaxen mane and tailed champion took the victory pass with elated trainer Peter Palmer assisting.
Owner Amanda Bell made it no secret that she was thrilled with HMS Royal Winds and Sarah Anderson's reserve world's title and met the pair at the out gate with trainer Billy Jarrell of Ainsley Farm.
The Bess Yet, one of the pleasure division's most consistent campaigners with each and every owner, continued a great season with Meagan Kucera and left the ring with the yellow ribbon.
Switching gears once again to the equitation division, seven hard riding 12-year-olds came through the gate to try to earn the blue prize. Brittany McGinnis and Ellen Medley Wright again gave DeLovely the one-two punch by finishing first and second respectively.
Patrice Watson and Stonewall's Stargate topped the 17-entry Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Division Two class which was full of top talent and hard riding exhibitors. She's Fancy Free and Brooke Jacobs represented Werk Way Stables with yet another great ribbon to finish as the reserve world's champions. Lucinda Hartley picked up the yellow ribbon after the panel placed Callaway's Jack Frost in third place. Tammy DeVore put Hartley in the ring for Noble Heritage Saddlebreds.
To say Sandy Lilly was thrilled when Sports Night and Holly Wilson were called out as the winners of the first section for the 12 and 13 year old three-gaited pleasure riders is an understatement. Lilly raced to be part of the presentation after a great class and powerful performance by Sports Night and Wilson.
Courtney Ledo also had a great ride and she teamed Glendale's Bonnie Lass to reserve in the 11-entry class under the direction of Cary Bartz. Callaway's Queen Of Crimson and Erich Aschenbrenner were third from Reedannland.
May Issue and Allison Rohloff, like Wilson took the title in the first split last year and they topped the equally as large division two class under the direction of Renae Van Zomeren to claim the world's championship for the second year in a row.
CH Trapp Mountain's fan club, led by former owner Andrea Athanasuleus, cheered his second place finish with Angela Darrow, from Knollwood Farm. Kelsey Olsen and So Audacious were right in the mix for the yellow prize from Judd Stables.
The high stepping Hackney ponies returned for their four-year-old class after the break and they got the afternoon started off right. X-Treme and Darrel Kolkman topped the five-entry class to give Heartland Hackney Farm the world's title. Joy Lazarus drove Heartland Center Attraction to reserve for Gail Asch to continue an already terrific season so far.
Callie Smith earned the first of her two world's championships of the day by riding hard and staying in a good spot in the 11-entry equitation class for the 11 year old riders. Trainer James Nichols met the Smith in the winner's circle.
Nathan Stein rode hard as well and represented Premier with the red ribbon in the nice class and was followed in the ribbons by Katie Cunningham, instructed by Randy Cates.
The title and trophy were on the line for eight skilled young drivers and they drove well to try to impress the panel and earn the victory in the ASHA Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving Challenge Finals. Showboat's Casino and Lyndi Skinner topped the good group to take the victory pass under the direction of Jonnie Surland.
CH Advantage Me and Aliyah Asch displayed their teamwork to finish with the reserve for Sarah Asch. Joy Lazarus directed the reserve pair.
The first of two more Adult Show Pleasure Driving classes hosted 12 entries and like the first class earlier in the day, showcased a stellar group of drivers and horses. River Dance and Dr. Randall Finken, however, couldn't be denied and they took the victory pass under George Knight's direction to successfully defend their win from last year.
Callaway's Head Over Heels and Nancy Lassiter were just one of the teams that helped make the class so competitive and they finished in second under the direction of Patty Milligan. Kathryn Smith was overcome with emotion as she left the ring with third place winner Century Masterpiece and trainer Gordon Grenet.
Just like River Dance and Dr. Finken, CH Heir's Town and Alice Unger made it two in a row and successfully defended their win from last year. They topped a strong group of eight other teams to claim the win in section two, showing under the Hollow Haven banner. CF Private Night Out and Janet Kellett took reserve and were followed in the ribbons by John Scheidt and The Last Straw, directed by Dianna Rannells for owner and breeder Stonecroft Farm.
Rachel Machamer was on top of her game to add another world's championship to her list. She won the eight-entry 13-Year-Old Saddle Seat Equitation qualifier, instructed by Andy and Lynda Freseth. Eleanor Watkins, instructed by Zubrod Stables, finished in reserve.
CH Assets And Attitude carried a very happy Sarah Sessoms to the winner's circle after a well navigated trip in the competitive division one class for the 14 and 15 year old five-gaited junior exhibitors.
Directed by Nelson Green, Sessoms’ big smile during her victory pass brought cheers from her fan club and supporters. Cydni Simmons and Catch The Moon also turned in an eye-catching performance to take the reserve title and ribbon back to DeVore Stables for Burlington Saddlebreds.
CH Hank Heiron kept the momentum going after he and Ali Deutsch turned in their winning ride at Blue Ridge and they didn't miss a step on the way to the win in division two under the direction of Paul Boone.
The Full Monty and Julie DeVault were right there knocking on the door to claim the reserve, directed by Bill Tomin.
Callie Smith's second win of the day came in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure 11 and Under class which showcased 13 teams. Adding the world's title to her Lexington 14 and under grand championship, Smith was all smiles in her signature lavender coat as she coasted down victory lane.
Samuel Adams and Mia Wilson put together the reserve effort in the competitive class under the direction of Cardinal Farms. Nick Neviaser and CH Bright Wind were right there for third under the direction of Neva Van Ess.
Kentucky Wildcat and Jon Dabareiner have been having another great season together under the direction of Lisa Lucas and they added the world's championship title to their resume after being called out as the winners of division one for the Amateur Road Horse To Bike class. Laurence Smith drove Gambler to the reserve finish in the seven-entry class. Bill and Kris Knight directed the Leatherwood Farm team.
Lexus and David Crockett, yet one more well decorated pair in the amateur division, took the victory pass as winners of division two for Crockett Springs. Steve Hanks directed Mark Catron and Sour Grapes to the red ribbon in the eight-entry class.
Golden Creek Farm once again came out on top in the Four-Year-Old Harness Pony class. Five stylish ponies worked hard to impress the panel, but when the cards were turned in, it was Neon Deon and Mary Gaylord McClean who headed to the winner's circle. Donna Beck and Heartland Love-Me-Up made their team debut and it was a good one. They took the red prize back to the Winding Creek Farm tack room.
Kelsey Olson's day started off well and just got better. She rode L.A. Boca Raton to the top of the class for the win in division one of the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited 13 and Under class. Don Judd and Maria Gilman directed the winning team. Cara Clara, owned by Ever Glades Farm, was reserve with Marjorie Townsend in the irons in the competitive class.
Gabriella Flynn and Red Hot and Bothered were another brand new team but they looked like veterans as they headed to the winner's circle in division two from DeLovely Farm. CH L.A. Wing Victory and Kate Ryan truly are veterans of the juvenile five-gaited division and they added the reserve to their long list of accomplishments under the direction of Gary Guz.
Undulata's Nuts and Bolts had plenty of attitude to go with his blue ribbon and check for $2,400 after being named the unanimous winner of the $10,000 Weanling Breeders' Open class. Sired by Undulata's Nutcracker and out of CH Madame Machine, the cocky weanling was shown by Joan Lurie for owner and breeder Ed Bennett.
I'm All In and Joe T. Smith exited the ring with recognition from the crowd for their reserve finish. The Supremacy's High Time-sired weanling, out of Callaway's Briolette, took the red ribbon for owner Cross Winds Farm LLP.
The weanling class closed out the afternoon session after a day of what had been first rate competition in class after class after class. The daytime sessions don't often draw the crowds that the evening sessions do, but on this day, as the day before, those that were in their seats witnessed a great horse show and superb showmanship from exhibitors - both juvenile and adult, amateur and professional.
Tuesday Evening
From the first class to the last class, Tuesday evening was a crowd pleaser. It was a night that provided some of the best moments to the up-and-coming young trainers of the industry. Not that the veterans and legends of the industry weren't also well represented. It was an evening of highlights as the week in Louisville rolled on.
Tre Lee couldn't have done it any better when he rode to the winner's circle to claim the first win of the night in the ASR Three-Gaited National Futurity. Amongst a strong group of gorgeous young walk-trots, Coco Royale emerged as the evening's first star. Sired by CH The King Of Highpoint and out of Coco G.S., Lee had the Saddlewood Farm-owned entry in top form for the win and had many people deciding that after having ridden last year's winner, Marching Orders as well, Lee was no longer up-and-coming, he'd arrived.
Neil Visser was on another high stepping, sporty contender for the reserve. Visser piloted Grand Gil to the red ribbon for Joan Hamilton. Bred by Happy Valley Farm, the gelding was sired by I'm The Prince and out of Steel Hearted Woman.
Charming Babette, yet another top young horse on the George Knight Stables roster, was third with Knight showing for Barbara Partlow and David and Loren Osborne. Charming Babette was sired by Periaptor and out of She's No Stranger.
Invincible Summer and Judy McNeish handled the competition in the Amateur Roadster To Wagon class and headed straight to the winner's circle to make it back to back world's championships after successfully defending their 2004 win under the DeLovely Farm banner.
Kenny Wheeler handled the drive for reserve with Meadow Demon, owned by Larry Gilpin.
Kalarama's Twister and David Rudder were in very good company as they came through the gate in the Amateur Gentlemen's Three-Gaited class and Rudder was on a roll after his win with Adelita earlier in the week. They turned in the winning performance and took the blue ribbon back to the Kalarama Farm stalls.
Mahvalous Asset and Kristen Pettry had already chalked up numerous wins since entering the amateur three-gaited division at Oshkosh earlier this season but it was Tom D. Pettry who piloted the powerful gelding to the reserve finish for Royal Scot Stables. With only a few rides on Mahvalous Asset under his belt prior to entering the ring, Pettry made it look like they'd been together all season and earned lots of appreciative applause.
CH The Super Nova and Travis Van Zetten also exited the ring with a big share of the crowd's support after being called out for third. Another of the Hollow Haven contenders who just seems to be able to handle whatever job comes his way, The Super Nova turned in a strong effort to impress the crowd.
The two-year-old fine harness horses were next through the gate, not to earn a ribbon but to earn the right to return for their ASR Kentucky Futurity later in the week. Ten young equines put on a great show and handled the noise and commotion of Freedom Hall with ease.
The Amateur Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class was yet another example of why the amateur ranks are so competitive. A very strong group of nine made their way into Freedom Hall and everyone had to be on top of their game in an effort to take the top prize. After putting on a great show the 15.2 and under horses lined up to await the panel's decision. When the results were announced, it was All Rise and Rebecca Davis heading to the winner's circle with trainer Ed Cockriel.
CH Undulata's Perfect Gift, a world's champion in the juvenile ranks last year, finished with the reserve ribbon in the class. Owner Mary Jane Glasscock Kirkpatrick was in the irons from Carriage Lane Farm.
Barbara Manilow was already four for four when she rode Lady Cinnamon to third place after turning in a strong effort under the direction of Dick Obenauf.
The junior exhibitors faced very deep water in their 14-entry Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited 16-17 class. This was a class where it wasn't enough to have a great horse, riders also had to have great ringmanship skills and showmanship, as each rider was quite accomplished in his or her own right and knew how to show a horse to its best advantage.
Will Harris put the whole package together to earn the victory and he was all smiles as he took the winning lap in Freedom Hall with a very excited Jimmy and Helen Robertson by his side on the way out.
CH Dusty Beau and Ashley Walker pressed hard but had to settle for the reserve title after a strong effort under the direction of Jon Walker. CH Callaway's Arbitrator and Julia Martin have really come into their own this season and fresh off a great show at Shelbyville, were right in the mix for the third place finish from Dixon Stables.
The second group of two year olds returned for the chance to come back for their fine harness futurity and like the first group, put on an entertaining class.
What a group it was in the Amateur Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under Stake. Elegant entry after elegant entry marched down the rail but it was the many times champion CH Rejoice and John Field who came away with the win for Dr.. and Mrs. Donald Petit. Field had the Merchant Prince daughter right where she needed to be for the victory.
(SA) The Engraver also commanded attention with Neil Visser on board for the reserve ribbon. Visser rode to the second place finish for Wrapped In Rainbows Farm. Yet another world's champion, Lime Twisted Gin, earned a place on the cards. Clark Clouse rode to third for Walt and Jackie Stred. Time For Glory made a great show with Todd Miles and took the fourth spot for Stone Ridge Equine Care, LLC. The remaining ribbons went to To Die For, Supernatural Charm, Victoria Lynn and Harmony At Last.
The Amateur Five-Gaited Stallion and Gelding class also turned into a full out battle of hard riding exhibitors showcasing world class mounts.
Swish and Carol Hillenbrand topped a big group of 16 to earn the right to take the victory pass. Directed by John Conatser, Swish and Hillenbrand were in very good company for one of the evening's most entertaining classes. Their win made it two years in a row in the winner's circle for the amateur stallion/gelding class.
CH Callaway's Forecaster and Nancy Leigh Fisher accepted their reserve ribbon to a huge ovation after Forecaster's display of raw power at all five gaits. Mary Gaylord McClean and I'm A Treat it seemed were always in a good spot on the rail and they also earned a big share of the crowd's support as they exited with the yellow ribbon.
Time Well Spent, Lakeview's Rare-A-Phi, Memories Paragon, Desert's Favorite Memories and Speak Of The Devil claimed the remaining ribbons.
Castledream, by Castle Bravo and out of A Daydream Believer, had a "look at me" attitude with Todd Graham handling the lines on the way to the winner's circle in the ASR Three-Year-Old Fine Harness National Futurity. The bold-going gelding, bred by Kenneth and Sallie Wheeler and owned by Pinekrest Farm, topped 11 other three-year-olds in a grand class for the unanimous win.
Last year's Two-Year-Old Fine Harness Stallion/Gelding World's Champion Surfer Boy (Family Jewels x Gracie Mansion) and George Knight were in top form and finished as the reserve champions for Georgia Baker. His Supreme Reflection, reserve last year in the two-year-old national futurity, claimed the yellow ribbon with Lynda Freseth handling the drive for Robert and Marilyn Gaiswinkler. Gaiswinkler's youngster was sired by Supreme Heir and out of Beat The Odds.
Reedann's Set The Trend by Prize Contender, Night Sight by CF First Night Out, General Spirit by General Steel, Stevie Nicks by The Mac Attack and Cause For Commotion by For What Its Worth claimed the remaining ribbons.
What a year Tracy Garcia and That's Chicago are having. With numerous wins to their credit already this season, they were right on the money for the win in the Amateur Three-Gaited Over 15.2 class. A well decorated group made for yet another really good class and everyone rode hard in an effort to claim the title.
Callaway's Merry Go Round had lots of support from the crowd as the reserve champion with Misdee Wrigley up and Sir Andrew finished in the third place slot with owner Margo Coleman riding from Memory Lane Farm.
Big Red and Raymond Shively won the Roadster To Bike Stallion/Gelding Stake for DeLovely Farm and they faced five other competitive entries for the win. Valiant and Danette Musselman, last year's Kentucky County Fair Grand Champions, were reserve for Alliance Stud.
A world's champion last year at two, According To Lynn, sired by Callaway's Born To Win and out of Carol Lynn, has been to the winner's circle already this season for her three-year-old year. The John Jones-Tre Lee team did it again when Golden Creek's youngster won the ASR Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited National Futurity amongst a big group of 13.
Brookhill's King Of Kool, by CH Harlem Town and out of CH It's A Beautiful Day, had lots of people talking when Jim Taylor rode him to the winner's circle at Cleveland Classic and then again after making a nice show at Lexington. Taylor was up again to turn in a good ride for the reserve title for owner Tim Shea.
I'm Something Wicked (Santana's Charm x Penny's Free Spirit) was third with Joe Elam in the irons for Riverdreams LLC. Charming Dreams, also by Santana's Charm and out of RSF Dream Come True, was fourth with Rob Turner riding for Judith and John Megalich.
I'm Royalty Too by Santana's Charm, Supremacy's Melody by Supremacy's High Time, Travel In Style by Santana Safari, and Pretty Sharp Cookie by Catalyst claimed the remainder of the ribbons.
The Amateur Five-Gaited Mare class showcased eight entries and Amusing turned in a first rate effort for the first place finish with Amy Dix Rock up for Edna Dix. Last year's winner Such Sweet Memories and Marion Hutcheson finished with the reserve ribbon for Happy Valley Stables.
No less than five "Heartland" ponies came through the gate for the Amateur Ladies Hackney Pony class which, with 10 entries was a competitive showcase. Heartland Elise and Mary Gaylord took the blue ribbon back to Golden Creek Farms and were followed in the ribbons by Royal Canadian and Muffy Ernster, recently crowned the Illinois State Fair Amateur Hackney Pony Grand Champions for the fourth year in a row.
Heartland Candidate was right there knocking on the door and Sandra Surber turned in a masterful drive to finish in third from Dixon Stables.
The final class of the evening, the Five-Gaited Mare Stake was not only a truly great way to end an evening of tremendous competition and quality, but it was perhaps one of the best battles for the top ribbon that the gaited mares have faced recently.
She's A Red Hot Chili Pepper came through the gate with a bold, ground-eating trot and the cheers from the crowd were immediate. It wasn't long however before the crowd had several different contenders that were making it clear they wanted the victory.
Undulata's Georgie Girl and Debbie Foley, had a broken caveson immediately after entering the ring and it was touch and go for a few minutes about whether help would arrive in time to repair the broken equipment within the allotted time out. While Foley's equipment was fixed, the rest of the class made the most of it.
Sometimes a timeout can destroy the momentum of a class or unsettle a horse that's been having a good class. It seemed that this time, the time out didn't hurt anybody as it turned out to be an incredible class. Spider Red, last year's winner with Mike Spencer, returned and she was in top order in front of an appreciative crowd. Lewis Eckard and Naughty just claimed the Five-Gaited Reserve Grand Championship at Blue Ridge for Susan Orton and had that momentum going for them. Glider's Star, fresh from a big show of support and a strong performance at Lexington, had another big fan club in Freedom Hall and they let her know it. Belle Divine, with Larry Hodge and Reedann's Talked About with Sandy Currier also were ready to make their bid for the win and they helped make it a great class.
Pass after pass, you could pick a new favorite as these mares were giving it every thing they had and just not taking a wrong step. When they lined up, the crowd made it clear that this had been one of the night's best classes and they wanted the panel to get it right.
When the cards were turned in, it was Glider's Star and her young trainer Matt Shiflet who were called out as the winners. Matt's wife Kristen was in tears as she headed to the winner's circle and from photographer Doug Shiflet to the rest of the Shiflet family, including grandparents and legendary trainer Claude and Alice Shiflet, Matt took the ride of his life in front of an enthusiastic crowd to be the Five-Gaited Mare World's Champion.
Georgie Girl and Foley were named the reserve champions and Spider Red finished in third followed by She's A Red Hot Chili Pepper, Naughty, Belle Divine and Reedann's Talked About to close out a great class after a night of stellar competition.
A tearful Matt Shiflet, back at the tack room with well-wishers, friends and family, paid special tribute to his father and grandfather for his success. He is perhaps another young trainer that can't be referred to as "up-and-coming" anymore. Many would say he has arrived.
Complete show results for Tuesday can be found at Show Results.
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