By Mary Creech
Brandie Holloway and S&L So Be It, the winners of last week's $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, were the first to attempt the jump-off course. Holloway left all the rails up, stopping the timers in 37.87 seconds. A time that would end up giving her second place.
Monica Rahman rode Cyrano to chase Holloway's time. They also posted a clear round, but a second shy with 38.85 seconds left them in third place.
Next to go was Sharn Wordley aboard Mr. Flanagan. The pair took second place in last week's grand prix and set out to make it a win this week. Wordley wasted no time. He was quick in his turns and let Mr. Flanagan open up with a fast gallop to the last. The pair managed to snatch the lead from Holloway with a time of 37.22 seconds.
The rest of the class seemed to feel the pressure of Sharn Wordley's very fast time, and the rails started to fall. Each of the next eight horses posted faults, giving Sharn Wordley and Mr. Flanagan the win.
The 2006 HITS Arizona Winter Circuit will run for another four weeks at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, AZ. Show jumping will resume at HITS Arizona on Wednesday, February 15, and the next grand prix show jumping event will be the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday, February 19.
Other major award winners at HITS Arizona - Kachina Classic include:
HBO Junior Medal - Ashlee Bolwar, Paradise Valley, AZ
HBO Children's Medal - Christine Gabel, Paradise Valley, AZ
Farnam Adult Hunter Division Champion (18-35) - Gianni, ridden and owned by Ashley Dennehy, Greenwood Village, CO
Farnam Adult Hunter Division Champion (36-49) - Lucky Me, ridden and owned by Mollie Gallaway, Eugene, OR
Farnam Adult Hunter Division Champion (50+) - Dauntless, ridden and owned by Suzanne Stroh, Elizabeth, CO
Adequan® Open Hunter Division Champion - Sea Captain, ridden and owned by Andre Haraseth, Long Lake, MN
Marshall & Sterling Children's Hunter Classic - Luminous, ridden and owned by Julie Butdorf, Eugene, OR
Marshall & Sterling Adult Hunter Classic - Back Talk, ridden and owned by Eileen Fontaine, South Lake, TX
Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic - Jodi Johnson, Scottsdale, AZ riding Buster Brown (2nd week in a row)
For complete horse show results, please visit www.hitsshows.com.
~~~