The final week of the 2008 Atlanta Summer Classics did not disappoint competitors or spectators. With everything from the naming of Junior Poobah to hunter champions to grand prix arena thrills.
Hardin Towell kicked off the final week of action with a victory in Thursday evening’s Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake presented by Flashpoint Media Services. A strong field of competitors took on-course designer Allen Rheinheimer. “It was pretty straight forward. Not overly technical.” Towell who won last weekend’s grand prix aboard Cotopaxi II commented. All a part of Rheinheimer’s famous motto, “Make’em feel welcomed tonight so I can size’em up for the Prix.” A point proven by the 11 clear first rounds. With a generous 80 second allowance the 11 jump–13 effort layout of sweeping turns, two double combinations, and big tracks gave Rheinheimer just what he needed...insight.
Towell had one mount for the evening, his seven-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Boo Vanhect Kastanjehof, they had a clear fast first round time of 70.562. The deciding round was comprised of eight obstacles to be cleared in less than 47 seconds. Kitt Ritter piloted Jumbo Jet through another flawless round as well as the lead in 35.780. “Boo” and Towell followed with a quicker time clean time of 34.275. Nine others tried but failed to dethrone the dynamic duo.
Second place went to Centennial Farm, Inc., entry All Star with Deborah Stephens in the irons with a clear time of 34.985. Third to the Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc., owned Ultimo and rider Jorge Zamudio going clear in 35.059.
Shifting to the hunter rings, Friday saw Canton, GA, resident Terry Brown scored a pair of Summer Series Championships. “We so appreciate Classic Company, they always produce a top notch horse show.” said an over-joyed Brown. She took the Green Working and Green Conformation Circuit titles riding Tasty. “He’s developing into all I hoped for. Really starting to come to the party.”
Indeed, Tasty is currently ranked third in the country for his division. The pair will compete in Kentucky before taking the month of August off, then on to Capital Challenge and Harrisburg for the Indoor season. Professional rider Hunt Tosh of Cumming, GA took the Regular Working Championship for the series riding the Brooke Sule owned Cinco. Camden, SC based Elizabeth Boyd ended the summer series on a high note as Pre Green Hunter Champion riding Coco Channel for owner Catherine Gore. A complete listing of the summer series champions can be found by visiting www.horseshowsonline.com.
Last week spotlighted the wee warriors aka the pony riders with the naming of the Grand Kahuna Champions, so how do you possibly match that dubious distinction? “Easy,” began Classic Company president Bob Bell, “with the Junior Poobah! [Bell borrowed the name from a Broadway show] It’s similar in concept to the Pony Kahuna format, junior riders acquire points throughout two days of showing both in the over fence and under saddle sections.” Aside from giving the young riders a chuckle and good time the Junior Poobah events aid in preparing them for the upcoming Indoor season where many of the national junior titles are decided. The 2008 Most Supreme Junior Poobah is Molly Gardner of Charlotte, NC riding Orient. Along with bragging rights Molly received a custom cooler, an Essex Classics shirt, and gift certificates.
Show jumpers took center stage of the finale with Saturday’s $25,000 Louise Salter Memorial Grand Prix. Derek Petersen partnered with Lazaro the entry of Jordan Coyne had the evening’s last curtain call with another big win.
“I enjoyed the course.” Petersen commented of the Allen Rheinheimer 13 jump-16 effort design. The 8-year-old Dutch bred gelding had no issue navigating the turns that snaked the length of the former Olympic arena. Petersen succeeded in getting both his mounts