Will Simpson and The Dude (Sportfot)

Parker, Colo. - Rising to the occasion in the largest class of the week at Summer In The Rockies (SIR) III, a well-deserved blue ribbon was awarded to Will Simpson of Westlake Village, CA, and his mount The Dude, for their dominating performance in the $50,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix at The Colorado Horse Park (CHP). The speedy pair conquered a tough track, crossing through the timers with a jump-off time of 38.919 seconds to secure the win.

Claiming the second place position with a time of 41.161 seconds was S&L Zeppelin, piloted by Armando Hassey of Parker, CO, while Karen Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and Ceonto produced a time of 41.246 seconds to earn third place.

Simpson and The Dude are no strangers to the winner's circle at CHP, recently claiming victory in the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake with a jump-off time of 37.335 seconds. Simpson and The Dude have a storied history together, collecting numerous grand prix victories along the West Coast.

The Dude, with Simpson guiding from the irons, has made the pair a strong combination, as they have the ability to win nearly anywhere. Simpson has established a strong partnership with the gelding and was expecting a good round in on Saturday, after The Dude started out the week a bit energetic.

"The Dude was on today. He was a little fresh on Thursday for the Welcome Stake, but he still jumped very well, however he was really on his game today," commented Simpson.

Simpson professed his appreciation for The Dude's performance and fight throughout track in their first Saturday night appearance at CHP this season. He noted, "I'm thrilled that there was no bucking in the victory gallop! I thought I was going to have a rodeo horse today, but he was very well behaved and handled the track pretty easily."

The jump-off allowed for tight turns, impressive rollbacks, and long areas of gallop track, which helped Simpson make up time on the clock and the duo did just that.

"It was a really fun jump-off. There was one gnarly inside turn, but it ended up slower than going around," explained Simpson. "We took the outside track, which still placed us before the second jump very quickly."

"Galloping down to the skinny I felt like I had to be careful. A few jumps later in the jump-off we had to make a tight turn over the fence to be tidy," he continued. "We came in on the right-hand side of the jump, so I had to land on the far side the fence, which was pretty difficult. He handled it beautifully though and he's really in top form."

Karen Cudmore of Omaha, NE, earned the Equiline Leading Lady Award for her combined performances in the two major classes during the week at SIR III, including consecutive third place finishes aboard Ceonto in the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake and the $50,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix.

Simpson and The Dude Dominate $20,000 Open Welcome Stake at The Colorado Horse Park

Simpson dominated the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake at The Colorado Horse Park on Thursday, June 23, collecting a first and third place finish in the class. Simpson piloted his longtime mount, The Dude, who will continue to compete throughout the summer, to a smooth double clear effort, finishing the jump-off in a time of 37.33 seconds to capture the win.

Bjorn Ikast of Parker, CO, and Candy Man, owned by BBB Show Jumpers LLC, earned second place in the class after securing a double clear effort and riding to a time of 37.73 seconds in the jump-off round, for a close finish behind Simpson. E-Unanime De La Haie took a third place finish in the class, as Simpson guided from the irons and helped the pair dash through the timers in 37.733 seconds.

Eager to get back in the arena this week after having taken some time off competing with his main string of horses, Simpson discussed his excitement with the result of both his horses. He explained, "I didn't get to ride last week, so I was just dying to get into the ring. We had a really good competition almost three weeks ago and I was looking forward to getting back in the ring with these horses, as they're really firing on all cylinders. It felt really good."

Simpson praised The Dude for his efforts during the class, noting that the talented gelding is feeling better than ever, which will make for an exciting summer season looking forward. The pair, who has taken the West Coast circuit by storm over the past few years, will contest their final season together, as owner Nicole Walker will take over the ride in the fall.

"I think he's learning the game. He knows that you're supposed to go clear, fast, and not knock the jumps down," he said. "He's an amazing horse and he's got a great future ahead of him. He's a real competitor. He has always loved to go fast and jump high."

Simpson will stay at CHP to finish out the rest of the SIR series and will look to amass more top results with a number of horses he has brought to the venue. His sights are set on the larger classes to come in the remaining weeks of competition.

"We're here for the duration of the series. We went with the slogan of 'Summer in the Rockies' and we'll be staying here for the entire circuit," Simpson said cheerfully. "It's going to be a fun couple of weeks here for us and we're already having a great time out here."

Jumper Highlights

A Twist of China ridden by Stephany McConnell of Littleton, CO, and owned by James McConnell, championed the $4,000 NAL/WIHS Child Classic, as the duo outlasted the class of ten entries to earn the win. Jaden Olson of Parker, CO, piloted Bently Du Vernay, owned by Kim Dixon to a strong second place finish, while Zodoctro, owned and shown by Carly Coles of Golden, CO, rounded out the top three finishers.

Kristina Matthews of Denver, CO, and Neolisto Van Het Mierenhof collected top honors in $4,000 NAL/WIHS Adult Classic, while the second place position captured by Melanie Lathrop of Firestone, CO, and her own entry Amore Mio. Third place was awarded to Cor De Alme owned and ridden by Karine Becker of Huixquilucan, Mexico.

Shala McConnell of Elizabeth, CO, secured the first place rosette aboard her own Southern Eyes in the $4,000 Modified Junior/Amateur Owner Classic, finishing with a jump-off time of 40.124 seconds. Caroline Molther of Parker, CO, and her own entry Pierrott nearly captured the victory, finishing in a close second place, earning a time of 40.199 seconds. Andrea Hassey of Mexico City, Mexico, piloted her own De Canto to third place, crossing through the finish in 40.354 seconds.

The $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was conquered by Isabel Ikast of Parker, CO, and her mount Royal Flush, owned by Bjorn Ikast. The duo completed the jump-off time of 34.914 seconds to earn the victory. The second place position was awarded to Igor, ridden by Brooke Cudmore of Omaha, NE, owned by Blair Cudmore, finishing the short course with a time of 35.316 seconds. Bonita, owned and ridden by Elizabeth Adelson of Tulsa, OK, received third place, narrowly missing a second place finish and collecting a time of 36.806 seconds.

The $10,000 SJHOF Med/High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic saw Ohlala Z, owned by Monarch International, and ridden by Hannah Heidegger of Malibu, CA, take home top honors with a jump-off time of 34.388 seconds. Second place was earned by Brooke Cudmore of Omaha, NE, who piloted Cassin, owned by Blair Cudmore, to a double clear effort, finishing just off the winning pace in 34.843 seconds. Elizabeth Adelson of Tulsa, OK, and her mount Con Chino Z, owned by Four Fillies, LLC, added another top finish, placing in third with a time of 36.853 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

The $1,000 Pre-Green Hunter Classic saw top honors awarded to MTM Worth It, ridden by Kelly Lorek of Manchaca, TX, and owned by Peyton Rathbun, while Farolito, guided by Laurie Jueneman of Parker, CO, under the ownership of Lisa Matinez-Bates, collected second place. Rounding out the top three was MTM Poker Face, owned by MTM Farm and ridden by Rachel Lindsey of Austin, TX.

The $1,500 NAL/WIHS Children's Hunter Classic saw Cece Siegfriend of Tulsa, OK, pilot her own entry Finally Found to a class high score, earning the victory. Second place honors were collected by Abigail Weiland of Evergreen, CO, and her own Smitten, while third place was awarded to Sirius Black owned and shown by Anna Lawrence of Englewood, CO.

Abigail Albrecht of Austin, TX, guided MTM Nameworthy to a major win in the  $1,500 Junior Hunter 3'3"/3'6" Classic, while second place was awarded to Primetime, owned and ridden by Katie Hess of Omaha, NE. Third place honors went to Natalia De Vencenty of Pueblo, CO, and her own entry Golden Opportunity.

The $1,500 Amateur Owner Hunter 3'3"/3'6" Classic saw Mamba, owned and ridden by Caitlin Burns of Longmont, CO, finish atop the leaderboard. The class also saw Nicole Lyvere of Denver, CO, and her own entry Promo take second place, while Hillary Jean of Castle Rock, CO, piloted her own With Gratitude to a strong third place finish.

The $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic saw Don Ramiro, ridden by owner and rider Amy Cortez of Tulsa, OK, take top honors, while North Shore, owned by Annie Kartsotis and ridden by Grace McMurry of Kellar, TX, were awarded with a second place finish. Marigny Strauss of Greenwood Village, CO, on her own entry Unwritten collected third place honors in the class.

For more information on The Colorado Horse Park and to see a full list of results please visit  www.coloradohorsepark.com.

Final Results $50,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix

1. THE DUDE, 2006 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding by Carry Gold x Honey Moon
WILL SIMPSON, Nicole Walker: 0/0/38.919

2. S&L ZEPPELIN, 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding by No Limit x Sterre H
ARMANDO HASSEY, Caroline Beecherl: 0/0/41.161

3. CEONTO, 2001 Holsteiner gelding by Cassini
KAREN CUDMORE, Blair Cudmore: 0/0/41.246

4. E-UNANIME DE LA HAIE, 2004 Belgian Warmblood mare by Corland x Midnight
WILL SIMPSON, Monarch International: 0/4/39.749

5. SKY HIGH, 2008 Holsteiner gelding by Cassini I x Nanett I
HOLLY SHEPHERD, Loretta Patterson: 0/4/40.12

6. SOULSHINE, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Randall
COURTNEY FREDERICK, Equestrian Investments, LLC: 4/77.509

7. SOUTHERN PRIDE, 1998 Holsteiner stallion by South Pacific x Blanka
KAREN CUDMORE, Blair Cudmore: 4/78.235

8. INDOKTRO K VAN'T KATTENHEYE, 2008 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Indoctro x Eloubet van de Doorndonkhoeve
SUSAN GRIFFIS, Palmer Divide Ranch: 4/78.46

9. LALIQUE, 2003 Holsteiner mare
BROOKE CUDMORE, Blair Cudmore: 8/73.048

10. CASCO, 2002 Holsteiner gelding by Cassini I x Iorella
CARLI KIRSCH, Carli Kirsch: 12/73.718

11. CANDY MAN, 2007 Warmblood gelding
BJORN IKAST, BBB Show Jumpers LLC: 12/75.621

12. QUICKIE, 2006 Oldenburg gelding by Quality x Shira
NATASCHA GATES, Natascha Gates: 12/76.113

Final Results $20,000 Open Welcome Stake

1. THE DUDE, 2006 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding by Carry Gold x Honey Moon
WILL SIMPSON, Nicole Walker: 0/0/37.33

2. CANDY MAN, 2007 Warmblood gelding
BJORN IKAST, BBB Show Jumpers LLC: 0/0/37.73

3. E-UNANIME DE LA HAIE, 2004 Belgian Warmblood mare by Corland x Midnight
WILL SIMPSON, Monarch International: 0/0/37.77

4. SKYMILES, 2005 Canadian Warmblood gelding by Concorde x Lejena
HOLLY SHEPHERD, Loretta Patterson: 0/0/38.95

5. SOUTHERN PRIDE, 1998 Holsteiner stallion by South Pacific x Blanka
KAREN CUDMORE, Blair Cudmore: 0/0/40.77

6. LALIQUE, 2003 Holsteiner mare
BROOKE CUDMORE, Blair Cudmore: 0/0/41.85

7. CON CHINO Z, 2001 Westphalian gelding by Lou Bega De x Cest Si Bon De
ELIZABETH ADELSON, Four Fillies LLC: 0/0/42.59

8. VOILA, 2007 Hanovarian mare by Valentino x Gretchen S
CHENOA MCELVAIN, Guy McElvain: 0/4/40.43

9. SOULSHINE, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Randall
COURTNEY FREDERICK, Equestrian Investments LLC: 2/77.82

10. CATOCTIN, 2007 RPSI gelding by Cicera's Ice Water x Report to Sloopy
KATHRYN BIRNBAUM, Kathryn Birnbaum: 3/78.84

11. SUPER BAD, 2005 Holsteiner gelding by Conejo
KAREN CUDMORE, Blair Cudmore: 4/69.48