Harrisburg, Pa. - The appropriately named WINNER, owned by Isalou, Inc. and ridden by Daryl Portela of Southwest Ranches, Fla, was crowned Grand Amateur Owner 3'3" Hunter Champion at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.
"It's amazing!" said Portela. "I was Champion and Grand Champion last year, so I wanted to come and see if I could do it again. My horse has been great, and I have a great team with my trainer Jimmy Torano and groom Gerardo Briseno, who received the Grooms Award."
Earlier in the day WINNER also clinched the Amateur Owner 3'3" 36 & Over Championship as well as the Handy class in the division. MIRROR IMAGE, owned and ridden by Ellen Toon was awarded Reserve Champion and also won a Stake class in the division.
The first Championship of the day went to ENOUGH SAID, owned and ridden by Stephanie Danhakl of Pacific Palisades, Calif., who clinched the Amateur Owner Hunter 3'3" 18-35 Championship. The pair also won the division's Stake class. Reserve Champion was WHISPER, owned and ridden by Taylor Willever of Pen Argyl, Pa., who also won the Handy class in the division. Antonio Aguilar, ENOUGH SAID's groom, was presented with the Grooms Award.
"I'm kind of blown away and I don't know what to think," said Danhakl with a smile. "It was very tough competition. I'm so proud of my horse. He's never been here before, and he just came in and was perfect."