Morgan Grand National – Tuesday, October 10
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Tuesday, October 10
Coverage by Diana Davidson, Sadie Fowler, Bob Funkhouser and Christy Parsons
Coliseum
Three Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old Geldings kicked off the morning performance in the coliseum. Tomeri Tango and Robert Hughes claimed the win to add to their earlier in hand tricolor for proud breeder/owners Tom and Teri Brisco. The Copper Beech breeding program continued its top placings with CBMF Audacious and Tim Roesink claiming reserve honors.
Carolyn Dillon directed last year’s Grand National junior horse winner Abracabam to the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 16 & 17 victory with owner Rachael Colley handling the riding assignment amid a class of 9 entries. Kali Erin Hutchinson and Coalition X-static claimed reserve honors as part of a memorable show under the Crystal Farms banner.
Ten entries grabbed the audience’s attention next in the Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies Geldings. The 2005 World Champion Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Horse, Libretto’s Bravado came out made the familiar trip to the winner’s circle with Janelle Schroeder driving for Cadence Farm LLC, under Phil Fountain’s direction. Harry Sebring coached Ann Hailey to another top tie as she presented Contagious to the reserve ribbon.
The Park Saddle Youth Finals showcased six young riders aboard high-stepping performers. Krystina Janetatos teamed up with Fox Glen Hail To Divinity to add the Grand National title for Joy Ann Bogstad. This talented team posts their ribbons on the Hobby Knoll banner. Cedar Spring Farm matched up PAF Ecstasy and top riding Sarah Shimmer to claim the reserve title for the Pixel Acres Farm.
Gulfwind Temptress and Mary McKnight-Cantey added a Grand National victory to their list of accomplishments as they topped a field of six entries to win the Classic Pleasure Driving Mare competition. Lookaway’s Vanessa and Sarah Johnson enjoyed a nice ovation as they finished with the red ribbon in the good class for Michael and Sara Foy.
The scintillating black DMH Back In Black enjoyed a memorable Oklahoma debut as Debi Jeppesen rode him to the winner’s circle in the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle Mare and Gelding qualifier. New owner Kathleen Kabel was justifiably proud of her handsome new acquisition. Last year’s Three-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion WWW Virtual Reality and Melissa Cribley-Wahl earned the reserve honors with an athletic performance for the Dale Nielson Living Trust.
The 2005 Three-Year-Old Mare Grand National Champion returned in 2006 to claim the Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old Mare Grand National title with a unanimous decision. Popular pony trainer Rodney Hicks directed CBMF Infatuation to the win in the five entry class for Copper Beech Farm. Diane Conrady directed HVK Resa to her second reserve tie of the show for Brenda Matusik.
Whispering Masqued Man and Kelly Threthway claimed reserve honors in the classic pleasure driving class on Sunday. They returned on Tuesday to compete under saddle in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Horse Finals and met trainer Mike Scanlon for pictures in the winner’s circle courtesy of a unanimous tricolor victory. Faragamo and Caprice Soltice Zoumaras finished in reserve as they enjoyed another trip down victory lane under Frank Miller’s direction.
Four entries performed for the crowd in the Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old Stallion section. Tim Roesink showcased Dragonsmeade Carnaros for both their fan club and for owners John and Nancy Hendricks. They added a unanimous Oklahoma victory to their tricolor team debut at Jubilee. Bob Kellert gave TRE Master Of Disguise a bold drive to claim the reserve honors for owner Deborah Phelan.
I’m Irish has enjoyed the luck of the Irish at this year’s Grand National. Having already made a victory pass in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Finals on Monday, I’m Irish entered the ring in the Versatile Morgan Finals to close Tuesday morning’s session. He had an outstanding go to win the contest for owner Lora Dunlap. Jean Sauer directed Rogue Hill’s Curtain Call to the reserve finish in the two-horse contest for owner Beverly Olson.
After a two-hour break in the coliseum, three World Futurity Park Harness Three-Year-Olds heated things back up for the afternoon. The first decision of the session was a unanimous one with JW That Special Flaire and Judy Whitney Harris making the victory lap. Reining Park Harness World Champion as only a two-year-old, the star of last year’s Futurity didn’t disappoint his many fans who were anxious for a repeat performance. Owner Frances Pugh was railside to cheer on her talented entry. Rick Stevens and SYP High Definition claimed the reserve honors in the futurity to add to their in hand titles for owner Heidi Kunkel.
Cheyenne Banks-Diaz was all smiles as she made her second trip of the show to the winner’s circle. She and VVM Litigator followed up their winning equitation performance by adding the Road Hack Saddle Seat Finals tricolor to the Rancho Del Mar banner. Representing Wichita Riding Academy, JW Faire Play and Anya Peterson collected the reserve honors.
The top twelve entries from the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old Futurity returned after their Monday morning performance to determine the ultimate winners on Tuesday afternoon. All twelve stormed the gate, and the final entry leaving the ring was winner SLB Puccini and Robert Hughes. This was a memorable show ring debut for the full brother to SLB DaVinci, bred and owned by Sheryl Bartolucci. Reserve honors in the competitive class went to Kurt Hufferd and the elegant SpringMill New Harmony, an entry bred and owned by John and Patricia Huse.
Night Out is no newcomer to the winner’s circle in Oklahoma winning both in amateur masters and junior exhibitor divisions in 2005. This year was Katie Mair’s turn in the Hunter Pleasure Stallion and Gelding 15.1 Hands and Over class as they carried top honors back to Jennifer Grey. The crowd-pleasing world champion WH Zimbabwe and Julie Adams claimed the reserve finish in the large class for Valencia Creek Morgans.
Many time champion Key West moved into the masters division in an inaugural performance with owner Connie Locher. Together they earned the title of Classic Pleasure Driving Masters 15.1 Hands and Over Grand National Champions in unanimous fashion under the direction of David Young. Patsy Lloyd and CBMF Strike Zone teamed up with a stellar drive to earn the reserve title under the Sebring Stables banner.
The Western Pleasure Four-Year-Old Mare class showcased Bear’s Covergirl and Daryl Hopson with a polished performance. They added another victory pass to a great show for owners Rocky and Diana Schliefer’s Wild Rose Ranch. Soldier Creek Mystquenite and Garn Walker added the reserve tie to a great season for Virginia Adams.
Five entries hit the gate for the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor 13 and Under section. Multi-titled legend Rum Brook Immortal Mystic claimed another unanimous victory, this time with Lauren Lang making the winning drive under the direction of Bill Grundmeyer. The world titled duo of Austin McLallin and On A Mission MEM earned the reserve honors with a sharp drive for PlayMor Farm.
A large class of Western Pleasure Ladies Geldings were slated next on the agenda. He’s Simply Marvelous and Virginia Adams made the familiar trip to the winner’s circle with their polished performance under the direction of Garn Walker. Maximum Pepper continued an outstanding week as Terri Rickford piloted him to the reserve for Rick and Jan Lindeberg.
There were only three entries in the Park Saddle Mare and Gelding class, but the three put on a show for the crowd and were rewarded with applause for their efforts. Mike Goebig directed the expressive CN’s Stylish Debut to the winner’s circle for the second year in a row with a unanimous performance. This completed a second undefeated season in a row in the open division for owner/breeder Cindy Nord. World Champion En Possession NKS stepped up to the open division to add a reserve title with Keith Nelsen to his in hand tricolors earlier in the show for Donna Woolley.
East Coast Champion Rare Obsession and Shirley Haas added an Oklahoma victory to their ribbon collection. They claimed the Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies Mare title besting a field of seven under the direction of Mike Carpenter. Julie Berg Rohrer and Hylee Vanity carried the reserve honors back to the Luman Wadhams banner in the good class.
Twenty-seven entries answered the gate call for the Hunter Pleasure Youth Finals making for a difficult course for some riders. At the first canter, two entries were excused for being unruly, and on the reverse canter another entry was also excused. After the entries were lined up, the judges asked eleven entries to remain for a second workout. Fighting through the fray and coming out on top with style and expression were Merriehill Isa Boo and Kara Hose. The tricolor team performed for Epona Morgans LLC under the Merriehill banner. Meadowair Corporate Image and Hanna Welch earned reserve honors in the very competitive class for Andrea Sawyer.
Three pleasure driving ladies mare entries performed for the audience with Sandy Sessink and New England Champion MEM Twisted Sister capturing the blue for owner Lynn Begalla. Iann Fu Longenecker and the dynamic Dragonsmeade Divine Miss M were the reserve honorees for Dragonsmeade Farm.
The final class of the session was the AMHA Western Seat Gold Medal Finals. The 12 finalists began with group rail work, and then each performed a detailed pattern to further test their abilities. After a letter-perfect workout, Alyssa Rumsey was crowned as the AMHA Western Seat Gold Medal Champion riding her many time world champion Merriehill The Lion King under the direction of Belle Hufferd. The Reserve Gold Medal Champion was Caitlin Novotny matched with Radiance In The Knight under the direction of Jonalyn Gwinup. The top ten lineup also featured; Lauren Little, Ellen McQuade, Kali Erin Hutchinson, Sasha Gumprecht, Karlie Bagan, Jenna Britt, Olivia Lahr and Stephanie Fejes.
Tuesday evening’s session started and ended with exciting park saddle classes, both won in unanimous fashion by Mike Goebig. BKC Valiant Star and Goebig kicked off the night with a strong performance in the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle Stallions claiming victory for Anthony and Linda Brewer. Ryan Arcuri directed Baccarat’s Visionary to a bold showing for the reserve Grand National title for breeder/owners Kathy and William Papola.
In the second class of the evening session, RJH No Doubt and Elise Merrill bested a field of nine entries to claim the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 14 & 15 victory to add to a winning week for Bobbin Hollow Farm. Alyssa Wick and Mirabel’s Dartanyan posted the reserve ribbon in the good class for owners Hardwood Creek Farm.
Six entries burst through the gate for the Park Harness Two-Year-Old World Futurity, and each had to work hard to garner the judges’ attention. In the end, it was Whitney Bodnar and UPHA Classic Champion Dragonsmeade Maxmara who earned the nod and the appreciative applause of the audience for Dragonsmeade Farm. Ann Anderson directed the high-headed Bellerophon to the reserve honors in this competitive event for owner Steven Handy.
Jean Louise Finch was the winning name as Kelly Kraegel bested a field of eight entries to claim the Western Pleasure Ladies Mare title for Kristin Safanie. Reserve honors in the good class went to VVM Aleesa and Heather Luedtke as they performed for Ellen and Michael McCook.
Jacqueline Clapp added to a great week at PlayMor Farm as she matched up with her handsome Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize to add the unanimous victory in the Classic Pleasure Driving Masters Under 15.1 Hands. In one of the largest masters classes, Raintree Valedictorian and Loek Neimeth earned the reserve honors with a stylish drive for Misty Meadows Farm.
An impressive field of 16 entries claimed the ring for the Hunter Pleasure Ladies Mare competition. Belle Hufferd delighted her fan club with a winning ride aboard Silverheel’s Lumination for owner Stephanie Cook. Kathleen Peeples and Let’s Boogie turned in an elegant performance to add the reserve honors for owner Cynthia Brown-Clark.
There were only three entries in the Roadster Under Saddle Finals, but these three really got the crowd going. Leading the HVK Baymarch fan club was Longenecker granddaughter Kyle King. Baymarch was crowned in the competitive class with a tricolor ride by Adam Sherman. They were followed by Nouveau Riche and Andy Marlett adding their second reserve title of the show for QB LLC.
An exciting crop of 14 three-year-olds lit up the ring for the World Futurity English Pleasure competition. Wendy Sogoloff and GDT The Godfather (HRH Legend Command x Maple Ridge Juliette) exercised their control over the competition to claim victory in the competitive class for Greg and Dawn Tatro. Stan Bodnar directed SPR Tease Me (Lamborghini In Black x LCS Strip Tease) to the reserve finish and monetary award in her debut for owner Gail Bratz.
Delaware’s Shadow Dancer and Alana Little continued their winning season with another Oklahoma victory in the Road Hack Hunter Seat Finals for owner Lon Frieden. Meadowmere Amberly and Megan Merritt were rewarded for their sliding stop during the class with applause for their reserve finish in the large field.
2005 World Champion Prindle’s Mere Mortal and Ann Hailey were on top of the world again with a polished Grand National performance in the Classic Pleasure Driving Stallion and Gelding qualifier. The top west coast team of Mari Sanderson and Airegantlee earned the reserve honors in the seven entry class.
At last, it was time for the class so many look forward to, the Park Saddle Stallions. And our three entries did not disappoint. First, World Champion Stand and Deliver looked every bit the part with a regal performance worthy of a unanimous decision for owner Tara Good. Mike Goebig finished the evening as it started with a spectacular winning performance in his first leg to defend last year’s World Champion Park Saddle title. But making it an exciting class, riding hard every step of the way, was Jenny Taylor. She piloted Phil and Gloria Blevins’ world titled HVK Vibrance to the reserve honors and let everyone know they would be ready on Saturday night. David Rand and Queen’s Romeo excited their fans with some outstanding passes to claim the third place ribbon for Queens River Farm.
Show Arena 6
The day began in Ring 6 with the Western Pleasure Ladies Amateur Gelding 15.1 Hands and Over competitors. Multi-titled world champion DLH Dakota Blues continued a great season with new owner Virginia Adams to claim their Grand National title of the week. Ling Fu Wylie and her Troika’s Black Russian turned in a smooth and steady ride to add the reserve honors in this good class.
Emma Thompson shares B-L Hana Bak Ibsen with trainer Marci Cesanek, but today was her turn to shine with a unanimous win in the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 11 & Under qualifier. They won the Grand National title followed by the top Florida team of Coutscroft Diamonds Blaze and Kelsey Thomas for owner Gail Latlief.
Kathy Papola and Futurity’s Such a Twist were dazzling in their unanimous winning ride in the Western Pleasure Ladies Amateur Mare qualifier under the direction of Ron Smith. Reserve in the good class went to PLF Rare Elegance and Erika Mitchell performing for Jim and Natalie Maloof.
Mary Carlton had Bell South dialed in as they collected the Grand National Hunter Pleasure Stallion and Gelding Under 15.1 Hands title for owner Stacey Heidenreich. Heidenreich herself had already made a victory pass this week aboard the showy bay in the amateur gelding qualifier. JAX Black Jack and Manya LoCascio claimed reserve honors for owner Shirley Keller.
Alyssa Rumsey and Merriehill The Lion King capped off an undefeated season in the western pleasure division with more Oklahoma glory. They added a win in the Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14 and 15 Grand National class to the delight of their fan club. Karlie Bagan and Kane Creek Conspiracy earned the reserve accolades.
Katelyn Merrill’s smile said it all as she rode KHF Dante De Lion to the winner’s circle. They claimed the unanimous victory in the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 12 Year Old class cheered by big sister Sarah Gove and the Taylor River crew. Cassandra Davis and Sugar Magnolia CW picked up the reserve ribbon.
Natalie Longo and Mirador Magellan claimed their second Grand National title of the week with a win in the Western Pleasure Ladies Amateur Gelding Under 15.1 Hands class. On Monday they also claimed the amateur gelding under 15.1 title. Amme Weilert and Dancity Martial Art were the reserve winners in both contests.
With outstanding wins at Far West and Medallion, QVM Gorgeous George and Ellen Lowden were in the driver’s seat for the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 13 Year Old class. The talented team claimed the win in the good class under the Keith Nelsen Stables banner. They were followed by the confident team of Delaware’s Shadow Dancer and Alana Little, who are coached by Kelly Kraegel.
Kali Erin Hutchinson and Hylee’s Fanflaire rewarded their fan club with a winning performance in the Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 16 and 17 Year Old class to close out the morning session. They added the title a great week for proud mom M.J. Sklenicka and trainer Mary Carlton. Caitlin Novotny directed Lone Star Bill matched up for the reserve finish in the competitive class for Bradford and Janie Denning.
The afternoon session resumed in ring 6, beginning with the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 9 and Under Finals. Darling Rachel Emmons made the victory pass for the hometown fans aboard NKS Gentle Persuasion coached by Jonalyn Gwinip. Shelby Martin had her own big cheering section as she earned reserve honors with a smart ride aboard Aspenglow’s Evolution.
The Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 10-11 Finals were split into two sections that were each pinned. Sarah Harb earned a trip to the winner’s circle as she guided Sunny Acres Kaleidoscope to top honors prepared by Cheryl Marcelonis. Sandy Sessink coached Ryenn Nicole Johns to a smooth ride for the reserve tricolor with Merriehill Rythem Nation. Jenny Miller claimed the top spot in the B section with a tricolor ride aboard Morgan Valley Apollo. They were followed by reserve winner Amanda Lashua aboard Mtn Laurel Mistymoonlight.
Anne Winograd and Spirit Rock Gemstone made their debut performance at Oklahoma a good one in the 20-entry Hunter Hack Finals to claim the Grand National title for West Coast Morgans. Statesmans Encore and Alison Fry earned reserve in the class.
Dale Vidler transitioned The Sorceror into the carriage division this year with great success. This talented team claimed the Carriage Driving Gambler’s Choice Single title for owners Gary and JoAnn Ward. Cathy Grimes and Samac’s Black Tie Affair added the reserve honors in the class for Alton Page.
Al Celecki claimed the fifth title of the week for multiple carriage driving contenders Cum Laude Juhl and Cum Laude Kapstreiter. Today they drove away with the Gambler’s Choice Multiple title.
Ring 9
Ring 9 opened early on Tuesday morning to accommodate the AMHA Hunter Seat Over Fences Gold Medal Finals. The New England Medal champion Hillary Wiles-Lafayette clinched the AMHA Gold Medal title with an outstanding performance aboard Three D Renegade under the Bittersweet Farm banner. Kayla Reser and PKF Hollywood kept it interesting with a strong reserve performance.
The over fences classes were large and competitive starting off with the 19 entry Low Working Hunter II, where the title went to Kathleen Reiman and Callisto Odyssey for owners Sheila and Chris Christian. Reserve in the good class went to Wintergreen Don Diego and Susan Garmier.
After winning a Grand National title in 2005 in the Hunter Hack Finals, TRS Longfellow Saranade returned in 2006 to claim another Grand National title, this time in the Low Working Hunter Under Saddle class with Kate Brightwell directing for Julie Pickering. MLF Dreams of Glory and Chuck Tuffle matched up for the reserve finish in the large field under the Dragonfire Farm banner.
Proving the versatility of the Morgan breed, Wintergreen Don Diego and Susan Garmier claimed the Working Hunter I victory to add to their World Champion Dressage High Point Second Level award earned earlier this week. Fawn McDaniel guided Melendy Cash Bonus to the reserve spot in the Hunter I class.
Mineral’s Country Playboy and Julie Pickering added the Jumper II title to their Jumper I win for an outstanding 2006 Morgan Grand National. Carrie Klooster and Nanton’s Bossanova claimed reserve honors in the Jumper II class.
The afternoon session in Ring 9 featured the trail division, starting with the English Trail Open class. UVM Windfall and Valarie Siemer claimed the title for owner Lora Dunlap who turned around in the next class and won the Amateur English Pleasure Grand National title. Reserve in the open class went to another world titled trail performer, Wintergreen Marquis and Lisa Reif. Reserve in the amateur division went to the multi-titled Wayward Windemere and Grace Jacobus.
Hance Grunden and RG Regency Chester defended their 2005 Junior Exhibitor Trail Finals victory with an outstanding winning performance again in 2006. Corey Diehl matched up with Elkland Oaks Connie to claim reserve in the finals.
The Western Trail Open featured ECF Mirage and Gina Bressler maneuvering to the winner’s circle for owner Kathleen McCall. Ann Taylor directed her own Wintergreen Treasure to the reserve honors among the nine competitors.
The Amateur section of the western trail competition featured NVS Midas in the winner’s circle with Samantha March presenting for owner Lisa Horning. Lendol Diehl directed his own Elkland Oaks Connie to the reserve finish.
|