Louisville - Wednesday Daytime
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The youngest riders began Wednesday’s daytime session with the Eight and Under Walk and Trot class. It was the two girls in light blue suits with world’s champion pedigrees that really stuck out. Molly Codeanne and Macey Miles both showed skill, horsemanship, and especially ringmanship, as they jockeyed for position and rode hard every step of the way. When the dust settled, it was DeLovely’s Macey Joan Miles as the unanimous choice of the judges to receive the blue for the third year in a row with CH Callaway‘s Coraleen. Molly Codeanne surely made trainer Gary Garone happy as she picked up the red streamers. Hailey Mercurio was third, showing under the direction of Heather Boodey.
Fresh off two wins at Midwest and two more at Lexington, League Of Nations and Carol Hillenbrand made another game, go-forward performance in high style to earn the two Louisville blue ribbons (one for the rider and one for trainer John Conatser) in section one of Adult Country Pleasure. League Of Nations is by Zovoorbij Commander In Chief (SA) and out of CH Ivy League. Repeating her finish from Lexington, Emma Nichols was reserve in this one with Worth A Scene. This is Emma Nichols’ first year in the adult ranks with her Worthy Son teammate. CH Prophet’s Fire Hazard and Deborah Richardson finished in third, while Showboat’s Boogey Man and Kim Hayes earned the white ribbon for Mary Sue Walker in an incredibly deep section.
Eleven nice riders and horses showed up for the Nine Year Old Walk and Trot class. Emerging from the large crowd was Kaitlyn Creekmore aboard Imagination Station. This elegant young rider won her split of the Eight and Under class last year and returned to take another victory pass this year under the direction of Andy and Lynda Freseth. Reserve honors went to the Cater-trained entry, Clara McCool who has been a star in New England all season long. She was aboard her beloved Evening Dazzle. Catherine Wheeler made her first trip on the green shavings a good one in third for Mercer Springs.
Looking pretty in peach, Rachel Machamer earned a back to back trip to the winner’s circle for Lynda Freseth. Driving CH Titleist Symbol, Machamer continued her driving winning streak with another pleasure perfect performance. CH May Issue and Rose Marie Wheeler were a popular reserve, making a beautiful drive under the Crumpler banner.
Aleia Brown was the one to beat in the 10 Year Old Walk and Trot class, as the beautiful rider has the form of a great equitation rider and horsemanship skills to go with it. She added another unanimous win to her undefeated season under the watchful eye of the Cape Cod crew. Erin and Reese Richey made the trip to the winner’s circle to greet their World’s Champion. Madison Peyton Miller made a fantastic performance in reserve, showing for the Reiser banner, with Ryan Stodd heading her in the lineup. Miller has wins from Midwest, Harrodsburg and Lawrenceburg on her resume and looks ready to take her shot at the top spot. Owen Binnie made the trip down with Cater Stables to earn a great third-place ribbon representing the boy riders.
Having won at least one class in Freedom Hall every year since 2003, three-time defending Country Pleasure World’s Champion of Champions CH The Shadow Knows was back at it again, making his typically high-headed, ears up performance for Linda Meyer. They continued this morning’s Hollow Haven Parade of Champions with a third Freseth-trained victory pass. Last year’s Junior Exhibitor National Champion, Uwharrie’s Patriot Sage, was second in this one, with Tara Grom riding under the direction of Mike Richardson. Pierre Cardin and Beth Krueger brought their impressive resume from the Midwest to take third.
Cute as a button Caroline Rainbolt Forbes drove her trimmed-in-white pony, Cherry Royale, to the Junior Exhibitor Hackney Pleasure Driving blue for Rainbow Princess Farms. Randy Cates made the run down to the winner’s circle to greet his talented team. Cherry Royale was the World’s Champion of Champions in the division last year with Katie Cunningham driving and taking a memorable victory pass with little Caroline in the cart. A winner at Lexington, Motown was reserve today, with Will Mayo once again driving with Mike Barlow heading. They won their qualifier section last year. Heartland Night Prowler and Melissa Steinkamp finished in third for Kelsey Herbert.
Fittingly enough, it was a West Coast sweep in the Western division, as Toreador continued a phenomenal campaign to take a jog down victory lane as the World’s Champion with Dr. Catherine Gallo aboard. Noted Morgan trainer Tim Arcuri put this team together and has them looking picture perfect. Dr. Gallo was wearing a cream-colored outfit today, with blue trim to match her blue ribbon. Second in the class was the only horse to ever be crowned World’s Champion of Champions in this division, CH Fiasco. Doug Glick wore red today aboard his beautiful bay partner. They are trained by Michael Craghead. CH Like Thunder and Michele Macfarlane completed the West Coast sweep with the yellow ribbon. Like Thunder was the Reserve World’s Champion of Champions last year, when the two Chubasco-sired champions swept the top two spots.
A tearful Caroline Skinner trotted down to the winner’s circle with Callaway’s Maverick in the first section of 14-17 Country Pleasure. An equally joyful and teary-eyed Melissa Moore made the run down to greet her for her round of honor. This is Maverick’s first year in Country Pleasure. He is by Harlem’s Hot Dice and out of a Will Shriver mare. Holly Wilson showed him to a Reserve World’s Championship in 11 and Under Three-Gaited back in 2003. Just a year ago, Dakota Reiser showed Highpoint’s Grandee to the 13 and Under Show Pleasure World’s Championship. In a new division this year and with a new young man aboard, Grandee was stellar to take the red ribbon. Andrew Slater is his new teammate, showing under the Northern Tradition banner for Barb Fahey. One of Monday’s junior exhibitor stars, Shelby Reimer, was third with I’m Just Curious.
The reigning AHHS Hackney Pleasure Driving Medallion National Champion, Heartland Entitled, continued his winning ways in 2008, earning the Hackney Pleasure Driving Section One blue with Sandra Surber at the lines. Majestic Oaks trains this Dun-Haven Bandolier pony. Sandra seemed to be having a blast, showing with her usual sporty style. Repeating their finish from a year ago, Razzle Dazzle Me and Kay Marschel were reserve. Razzle Dazzle Me was the Junior Exhibitor World’s Champion of Champions of this division in 2005 with Lauren Mathewson driving.
Heading into the break, the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure riders showed in their second section. Making a spotless return to Freedom Hall, Simply Striking has made the trip back to World’s Championship form under the direction of Chris Reiser. Lindsay Hensler had the trip of a lifetime aboard the 14 year old Radiant Sultan gelding to win the blue. Chris Reiser and Ryan Stodd had a race to the winner’s circle to greet this dynamic team. It was 2002 when Simply Striking took the Country Pleasure World’s Championship, winning with Ramona Kolacki in the irons. He looks just as good as ever at a young 14, squatting down and strutting through his victory pass. Sarah Lawson had last year’s qualifier winner and this year’s Lexington Champion, Ooh La Latte, working in her typical fine and pretty style to garner reserve. No stranger to Freedom Hall, Callaway’s Blue Agate was third for Emily Burglass and C & E Saddlebreds. Sing My Song and Kristen Smith were fourth, while Crimson Blue and Brittany Baird were fifth. A qualifier winner a year ago, Crimson’s Dance Card was sixth for Lindsay Kellner in a tremendously deep class.
After two World’s Championships last year and a AHHS Youth Medallion National Championship, Kirstie Buerkley and Dun-Haven Grandiose are quite comfortable in the hot spotlight. Crowd favorites as always, with Kirstie’s big smile and the perfectly animated form of Grandiose, they were the 13 and Under Road Pony World’s Champions today under the Majestic Oaks banner. Showing for the first time with Tanner Parham, Cappuccino was reserve for Brenda Kelly. Kelly has been teamed with this speedy pony since 2004. Perfect Offering and Jake Butts were third for Sharon Anderson, while Tony Wuesthofen made a strong drive in fourth for Glenn A. Werry Jr.
The Amateur Park Stallion/Gelding class was absolutely loaded with talent. Answering the gate call were 23 of the best in the country, as there is no Junior Exhibitor division for park horses at Louisville. After a slightly helter-skelter first go, 11 entries were called to remain in the ring for a second workout. A 10 or 11 horse workout has become the norm for the judges this year, and this one definitely needed it to be sorted out. Back to the rail went Royal Crest’s Rockin’ The Town with Stacy Wessel, CH Tax Man with Peggy Councilman, CH Another Bay with Sara McDonald, CH His Supreme Reflection with Jacqueline Manzo, CH Justa Rascal with Camille Cowart, Day’s Grecian Gray with Michelle Krentz, CH Perfect Vengenace with Kaitlyn Grom, My Paramour with Abby Campbell, Bright Memories with Deborah Koning, CH Phi’s Phortune Teller with Traci Massaro, and CH High Heat with Melody Adler.
With half of the traffic gone from the ring, these 11 horses got to working, and it would be impossible to say that just one stood out from the crowd. Just read that list of horses! Anyone who has seen a Park class at Louisville in the last five years or so would recognize the 18-year-old veteran, Another Bay. Always in the ribbons and the Reserve World’s Champion of Champions last year, Another Bay was in and making his best show of the season. Amateur Champion at Lexington this year and a qualifier World’s Champion last year, CH High Heat and Melody Adler had the look of a champion once again today. Tax Man was the Lexington Amateur Champion last year, and he was back once again with Peggy Councilman, showing every intention of staking a claim to the top spot. Phi’s Phortune Teller, the Open Champion at Lexington with A.J. Bruwer, was making a show for the ages with owner Traci Massaro aboard. Perfect Vengeance and Kaitlyn Grom, winners of their qualifier in 2006, were fighting hard throughout the whole class, while the grand campaigner CH Justa Rascal and Camille Cowart were up to the challenge, and Day’s Grecian Gray, Midwest’s Amateur Champion, was working hard for Michelle Krentz.
But with this cast of characters that read like a “Who’s Who” of the Amateur Park world, one big boy came to the forefront, making pass after pass with Tom Sworm practically riding along from the rail, coaching every step that Jacqueline Manzo took with CH His Supreme Reflection. To give you an idea of the stellar career this horse has had so far, he has his “CH” designation as just a six year old, and earned his 15th point over a year ago! Two full classes later, this reigning Open World’s Champion of Champions was a World’s Champion for the third time in his young career. A jubilant and proud Tom Sworm high-tailed it to the winner’s circle to greet his winning team. Another Bay and Sara McDonald finished second for Kalarama, while Phi’s Phortune Teller and Traci Massaro had a phenomenal show in third for A.J. Bruwer. High Heat and Melody Adler were fourth, with Tax Man picking up the pink ribbon with Peggy Councilman. Perfect Vengenace and Kaitlyn Grom were sixth, and CH Justa Rascal and Camille Cowart were seventh. Day’s Grecian Gray rounded out the ribbons with Michelle Krentz in a class of 23.
Of the Three Year Old Harness Ponies, Regal’s Norma Jean LF was judged to be the best. Abel Vega drove the Dun-Haven Regal Attraction pony to the blue for Stephany Monteleone. The Lexington winner, Nobu, is a full sibling to Nabucco, by Mr. Hawkeye. Juan Rios of the Majestic Oaks team was at the lines to take the red ribbon.
Thunderbolt looked more like a lightning bolt as he sped to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Ladies Roadster to Bike class with Judy McNeish driving her heart out. Thunderbolt was the USTA Roadster to Bike Classic winner last year and the Amateur National Champion at the Royal. Last year’s Amateur Ladies World’s Champion, All Glory, was reserve for Elizabeth Shatner and Belle Reve. These two, combined with the Amateur qualifier should make for an outstanding Championship round.
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity let’s go racin’ boys! That Darrell Waltrip NASCAR catchphrase could have been the theme of the first section of the 14-17 Road Pony class. Brought out by Tim Lockard and now under the direction of Majestic Oaks, Boogity Boogity raced to the blue, with Megan Todd driving for Ashlyn Farms and an excited Rich Campbell. Catch Me If You Can and Lauren Mathewson were reserve, repeating their qualifier finish from 2007. Surprise Surprise and Kaitlin Whatley were third, while CH Zildjian and Caitlin Leith were fourth.
Continuing the harness theme for the end of the afternoon session, the Three Year Old Hackney Ponies vied for their World’s Championship. Maureen Lydon had the newly purchased Heartland Globetrotter working in high style for new owner Beth Jones. A winner at J.D. Massey Classic and Lexington, Globetrotter is by Heartland Equality. Red Tide made a debut performance today as the first home-bred Golden Creek pony to show in Freedom Hall. Red Tide earned the red ribbon with Tom Lowry.
Princess Ruby Begonia pranced to the winner’s circle with another flawless performance in the Amateur Park Mares division. It’s as if the green shavings turn to rubber when she trots down the rail. It is a thing of beauty, as the reigning Amateur World’s Champion of Champions works in that beautiful, up and down form. Morgan King had another star, Meadowlark Jubilee, making a brilliant show for the Reserve World’s Championship to earn her first Louisville title. Jubilee is by Harlem’s Hot Town and out of a Harlem Globetrotter mare. Judd Stables trains this one.
Section One of the Three Year Old Roadster Ponies saw a trip down victory lane for Memory Lane. Jim Taylor had the winner in this one, as he drove another Heartland Equality-sired winner, Heartland Smooth Operator, to the blue. Wild Turkey JF is by Regal’s Rascal LF and out of a Titleist mare. Larry Bacon was at the lines of this little speedster, driving to the red ribbon. Showing for only the second time, Prince’s Witch Doctor LF was a good third with Ricky Harris driving for the Harris/Hicks partnership.
Section Two of Hackney Pleasure Driving saw the Abel Vega-trained Mastercraft’s Namesake LF earn the blue with Stephany Monteleone. This defending World’s and National Champion looked every part of a titleholder, as the Section Two winner. A qualifier winner last year and Lexington’s Champion this year, Early Edition and Jane Mueller made a smooth as silk performance to earn the red ribbon today. Heartland Parade Time and Tamra Arndt were third.
Majestic Oaks closed out a banner day with back to back wins, the first of which came in the second section of 14-17 Road Pony action. Heartland Wonderful Miss went to the winner’s circle with Shannon Ella at the lines for Creekridge LLC. Larry Ella went to the winner’s circle to head for daughter Shannon, as the Majestic Oaks crew was preparing a three year old for the next class. Shannon also drove this pony at Lexington, winning the AHHS Youth Medallion class there. Albert Kaponey and Lauren Kelly were reserve in this section. Kevin Berman drove this pony to a Reserve World’s Championship last year.
Capping off the day with eight of the last nine classes of the session being in harness, Heartland Superman completed a huge day for Majestic Oaks with Juan Rios at the lines for his first Louisville blue. This is Rios’ first year showing in Freedom Hall. Superman is by Heartland Code Of Honor and out of a Dun-Haven Awesome Creation mare. Erik Kirsch brought in the Light Farms entry, Regal’s High Roller LF, to garner the red ribbon. High Roller is by Dun-Haven Regal Attraction.
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