A morning full of junior exhibitors started out with the littlest of all, as first on the schedule were two sections of 8-and-Under Walk-and-Trot. Payton Lynn Walker made the first victory pass of the morning in Section One. Her trainer, Tammy DeVore met Payton and her mount, A Touch Of Pizzazz in the winner’s circle. Reserve honors went to Scotty Bruggeworth under the direction of Gary Garone, while Cashlyn Lovell rounded out the top three under the direction of her dad’s Cash Lovell Stables.
Maisie Benfield made the victory pass in the second split aboard the always bright Pinstripe Dancer. A qualifier winner at Lexington Junior League, Benfield is instructed by Cindy Zubrod Boel. Reserve honors went to the very special pair of Zachary White and Hello Boys. Zach comes from the Arabian and National Show Horse world, but just this spring his dad and multi-National Champion trainer, John White passed away. His strong mom, Lisa Jo, has continued the family business, John White Stables, and John’s legend is living on through Zach. Today Zach showed under the direction of Ray Krussell.
Owned and bred by Kathy Capsuto, Tremendously Charming topped Section One of Adult Country Pleasure. By Santana’s Charm and out of a Tornaado mare, this new entry to the Country Pleasure division started off the season winning three straight at Kentucky Spring Premier and Indianapolis Charity. After a Championship at Rock Creek and another blue at Lawrenceburg, they were primed and ready for Freedom Hall. They showed that today, winning the World’s Championship for Paula Schmidt and the Kathy Capsuto Trust. Earning her second Reserve World’s Championship of the week, Kaitlin Whatley was a red ribbon recipient with Carolina Clay, her longtime Country Pleasure partner. Whatley also earned reserve with The Last Straw on Monday. Putting on a fantastic show, Jessica Moctezuma cruised into third with CH Callaway’s Royal Request for mom Nealia McCracken. A former winner of this class, Concrete Blonde, was fourth today for Kristen Pettry.
It was the two girls in the light gray suits that topped the 9-Year-Old Walk-and-Trot class. Molly Codeanne and Platinum’s Asset made their breakthrough on the green shavings, taking top honors under the direction of the Garone family. They were two-time Reserve World’s Champions in 2008. Natalie Robinson and Winnipeg Parks, winners of six classes in six outings on the year, were Reserve World’s Champions today with Anne Speck directing.
The littlest driver got the biggest prize in Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving. With Kim Crumpler directing and mom Linda Fischer cheering from the rail, Rose Marie Wheeler rolled down victory lane with CH May Issue. Second in this class last year and the reigning World’s Champion of Champions, May Issue was a star again today. Rose Marie looked like her usual pretty self in black and white. Decidedly not in black and white, Ashley Baird was rocking her signature hot pink with Alicia Silversone, qualifier winner at Lexington. They were reserve today for MBA Equestrians. World’s Champions a year ago, CH Titleist Symbol and Rachel Machamer were third under the Hollow Haven banner.
Reserve World’s Champion last year, Clara McCool also made her Freedom Hall breakthrough today aboard Highpoint’s Syncopated Rhythm. Making their ninth victory pass of the year, the Cater-trained team was smooth as silk once again, just as they were in winning twice at Lexington last month. Two young gentlemen followed in the order of finish, as Zac Cutting, a Wisconsin area star, finished as the Reserve World’s Champion in his first trip over the green shavings. He is directed by Sheri Brandl. William Nalty finished up in third under the direction of Barbe Smith and James Nichols.
It was a unanimous decision that sent League Of Nations back to the winner’s circle as a World’s Champion for the second year in a row. Riding a 10-class winning streak coming into today, Carol Hillenbrand and the Carriage Lane team put their best foot forward again to earn the top spot. A tearful Sarah Luft earned her first Reserve World’s Championship aboard The Bourne Supremacy, a beautiful dark chestnut by American Replay that was bred by her mother, Sue Worzalla, matriarch of the popular Wisconsin family. Jessie Cole and Amanda Dellinger had a fantastic go in their fifth class together, taking third for Hollow Haven and James R. Dellinger Jr. Cheetah’s Admiral and Joellen Fisher Blount were a solid fourth in this ridiculously deep split under the direction of Allison Sargent at DeLovely.
Junior winner on Monday and Junior Exhibitor Hackney Pleasure Driving winner here, Heartland Showboat was the unanimous choice of the judges with Megan Todd at the lines for owner Kelsey Herbert. Chuck Herbert gave a little fist pump from his position as header, as Showboat’s number was called out for the blue. From Texas, Once Upon A Time and Kevin Berman made a terrific show to earn the Reserve World’s Championship for Nancy Lassiter. With a totally new outfit, complete with a new hairdo, Rose Marie Wheeler earned third in this one with Seamair Dear Sir. Caroline Rainbolt Forbes drove Cherry Royale to fourth for the Rainbow Princess Farms.
It was Western domination in the Western Country Pleasure Invitational, as the blue went back to Oregon for the second year in a row with Toreador and Dr. Catherine Gallo. Tim Arcuri returned to the Freedom Hall winner’s circle as the winning trainer. The Californian horse, CH Like Thunder, was reserve with Michele Macfarlane. They were World’s Champions of Champions in 2008. Now 19, Thunder is by Chubasco and out of Faraway Belle.
With a ride of a lifetime, Alyssa Mitchell made her first World’s Championship ride aboard Deker’s All American in the first section of 14-17 Country Pleasure. Under the direction of Lance Hayes, Mitchell made a consistently brilliant performance to guide the big, rangy Andeker gelding to the blue. Mother Liz Mitchell was speechless as she watched her daughter carry out her two blue ribbons. It was a big day for "Sharkie and Birdie." The Party Planner and Breanna Lukan were the Reserve World’s Champions, with Jay Wood coaching from the rail. This longtime team made a great show in second. Dakota Reiser and Sir Andrew picked up the yellow ribbon for third, while Dylan Hines and Protector were fourth.
Making it two for two on the week, Kay Marschel drove Heartland Breaking News to the blue in the first section of Hackney Pleasure Driving. Putting it all together in one of their best performances to date, Marschel and Breaking News had a pleasure perfect go under the direction of Dena Lopez. Long a veteran of the Hackney Pleasure Driving division, Anna Marie Knipp was the Reserve World’s Champion with One More Time. They were third in both of their classes here a year ago, moving up a slot today to take the red. Romeo’s Miss Mariah LF and Sally Grieme were third to cap off a great morning session for Crumpler Stables, while Brendan Heintz drove Extremely Supreme to fourth for Susan and Mary Narko.
With her slew of friends and supporters cheering her on, Bree Zandy earned the Section Two blue in 14-17 Country Pleasure with Harlem’s Miss Abigail. On a day of breakthrough performances, Miss Abigail earned her first World’s Championship in her first trip on the green shavings. Trained by owners Steve and Julia Joyce, Miss Abigail is by Harlem Globetrotter and out of a Reedann’s Top Gun mare. Picking up her second Reserve World’s Championship on the morning, Ashley Baird rode Kabu to the red for MBA Equestrians. Formerly a World’s Champion, Kabu was back at it again today, working in high style. Tyler Miles made a top catch ride for Duane and Margo Fitch with CH Wing’s Main Attraction in third.
Another Section Two kicked off the afternoon work, as the Hackney Pleasure Driving entries were back for round two. One of the very best in the business and the two-time defending World’s Champion of Champions, Mastercraft’s Namesake LF road trotted to the blue with Stephany Monteleone at the lines under the direction of Abel Vega. This was their third straight year winning their qualifier here in Freedom Hall. With seven blue ribbon drives under their belt already this year, Joanne Weiner and Heartland King Of Kings were reserve today, directed by Bill Tomin. Donna Beck drove the Minnesota-based Wait & See’s Raspberry to third with Jared Ratzloff watching from the rail. Many times a World’s Champion, Pacifico’s Standing Ovation was fourth with Bob Anderson.
Continuing their undefeated career together, Charles Gassen and Cappuccino picked up win number 11 in the Junior Exhibitor Road Pony 13-and-Under qualifier. The crowd always goes crazy for the tiny drivers with the powerful ponies, and Charlie and Cappuccino fit that to a tee. With the crowd going absolutely bonkers, Cappuccino rocked down the rail with blue ribbons in tow, with proud father Steve Gassen earing him up for proud grandma Brenda Kelly. Formerly the tiny driver with the powerful pony, Kirstie Buerkley has become an absolutely top notch driver. Working Heartland Wonderful Miss to perfection, Buerkley, who retired the great Dun-Haven Grandiose just last night, was reserve in this one, still a favorite of the crowd. Heartland Carolee and Foster Roberts were third, while Alex Ververeli and Mastercraft’s Gambler LF were fourth.
Continuing to be absolutely fabulous in his first season as a Park horse, CF Burn Out won the Amateur Park Stallion/Gelding qualifier with Cindy Sherman Siders up for Rita Wheeler. A qualifier winner at Junior League, the bay star with white trim is now 14 years old. This show ring star is by CF First Night Out. Amateur Park World’s Champion of Champions last year and Park World’s Champion of Champions the year before that, His Supreme Reflection was reserve in this one with Jacqueline Manzo aboard for good friend Kimberly Jones. It was a great ride for the Reserve World’s Championship in this always huge division, sporting 23 entries today. Cumberland Crescent and Candi Covino Aversenti were third in this deep class, while CH High Heat and Shawn Stachowski picked up fourth for Aurora Farms.
With just four to show, the Three-Year-Old Harness Pony class went to a two-time World’s Champion from today’s sessions, Kathy Capsuto. Piloting Twin Willow’s Daddy’s Girl down victory lane, Capsuto capped off a great day with another blue ribbon performance. Another of the successful crosses of Twin Willow’s McMillan with Vindicator mares, Daddy’s Girl looks like a star in the making, picking up her first World’s Championship today. Grace Bay, by Arthur B and out of a Pzazz mare, drove to the red ribbon for Gib Marcucci and owner Larry Schultz.
The honor of winning the first ever Junior Exhibitor Park World’s Championship went to Camille Cowart and Justa Rascal. A West Wind staple since 2005, Rascal and Camille had it all working just right to earn Rascal’s first World’s Championship. Now 11, he was the second power-packed bay with a double-digit age to win today. Breanna Lukan had a dream day in Freedom Hall, as she earned her second Reserve World’s Championship of the day, this one with The Paper Princess JJW. Winners of the Junior Exhibitor Championship at Midwest, this team was remarkable once again today for the red. Third in this top class was First Class Heir, with Brianna Meyer riding under the Hollow Haven banner. CH Kalarama Shiraz and Drew Taylor Hewitt rounded out the top four.
Lightning may not strike twice in the same place, but apparently thunder does, as Thunderbolt delivered the shock and awe today in taking a second consecutive Amateur Ladies Roadster to Bike World’s Championship. Judy McNeish drove to the unanimous top honors once again, earning her second Freedom Hall blue in as many trips to the ring this year. Reserve in this class, also for the second year in a row, All Glory and Elizabeth Shatner were gunning for the top spot as they kicked up green shavings in the corners for Belle Reve Farm. Sally Grieme was back at the lines, this time wearing silks, as she took her first spin in the Road Horse division with PTO to take third, catch driving for husband Perry Grieme.
Old Memories made a successful return to Freedom Hall in the Junior Exhibitor Road Pony 14-17 class. The last time he was here was 2006, when he was Amateur Road Pony 50" and Under World’s Champion with Elise Johnson. Now 17, Old Memories returned to work this year for Kirstie Buerkley. With a driver swap complete, it was Megan Todd in the bike to drive down victory lane under the direction of Majestic Oaks. Kirstie had driven Megan’s usual assignment, Heartland Wonderful Miss, earlier in the session. Just a power-packed machine, Old Memories was tuned to perfection today by Rich and Maureen Campbell. Another Majestic Oaks star, Kentucky Hot Brown, was reserve with Tyler Miles at the helm for Holt Oaks Farm. Kevin Berman continued a good day with a third place finish behind Albert Kaponey, while Boogity Boogity and Shannon Ella were fourth for Ashlyn Farms, another Majestic Oaks trained entry.
Darrel Kolkman sealed the deal with Heartland Seal The Deal in the Three-Year-Old Hackney Pony class, winning with the Heartland Code Of Honor colt. The gorgeous bay cob-tail is out of a Sky King daughter. Si Senor and Gib Marcucci were reserve. Si Senor is by Regal’s Rascal LF and out of a Marked By Distinction mare.
Picking up her second World’s Championship of her short career, Samantha Jones made a high-headed and bright performance to win the Amateur Park Mare class. With Deborah Visser up for James W. Orr, Samantha Jones carried Visser to her second world title in as many days, winning last night with Kalarama’s Ultimate Choice. By CH Harlem Town, Samantha Jones is out of a Catalyst mare. She was a Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited World’s Champion in 2006. Judd Stables had the red ribbon team in Morgan King and Meadowlark Jubilee. This was a second consecutive Reserve World’s Championship for this daughter of Harlem’s Hot Town, a son of CH Harlem Town. It was a nice one-two finish for these Harlem Town products, one a daughter and the other a granddaughter. Brittany Baird continued the successful day for MBA Equestrians as she picked up third with Crimson Blue under the watchful eye of Pat McConnell. Hillside’s Sensation and Jennifer McGowan, big winners all year long, were fourth in this one, directed by Melissa Moore.
Pony power closed out the ribbon-giving classes for Wednesday afternoon with the Three-Year-Old Road Pony blue going to Majestic Oaks with Entitlement, a son of X T C that really got to strutting for owner Thomas Caisse. He is out of a Mark Of Success mare. This continued Caisse’s great week at Louisville, as Trio Bolero G, formerly owned by Mr. Caisse and Steven DeBolt of Kohler Farm, also took the top prize in the Roadster to Bike Stallion/Gelding class. Brad Bacon debuted A Dazzling Diva to reserve for Larry and Barbara Bacon. She is by Dun-Haven Celebrity and out of an Apollo’s Image mare. Erik Kirsch and Regal’s Dreamboy LF were third for the Light Farms, while Junior Schut and Klassical Dancer earned the white ribbon for fourth.
The second section of the ASR National Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure Futurity qualifying capped off the session and sent the Louisville faithful out into a hot and humid afternoon, the first of that variety so far this week. Tonight it’s Ladies night in Freedom Hall, with the much-ballyhooed disco party to follow what should be one of the more entertaining gelding stakes in recent memory. You may have to wait longer to see results from the disco party, but as far as the rest of the classes go, there is no better place than right here at SaddleHorseReport.com.