Despite a previous week of sunshine when the field of 30 competitors began the Gulf Coast Mid Winter $10,000 Open Welcome, Mother Nature decided to add another challenge to Anthony D’Ambrosio’s course. A deluge of rain began as the first horse passed judges Fred Brown and Mike Christian.

David Q Wright’s Step Right Up did just that. After a clear first round the 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding from Murfreesboro, TN, gave a repeat performance in a jump-off field of eight with a speedy 34.494 seconds time. “Coming down the last line, the real worry was on the first oxer of an in and out, it was a lot wider spread than it appeared on the approach," Wright said. "So many of the previous horses had caught the back rail by complete surprise. The course was good, and the rain just added challenge.”

Step Right Up, or “Teddy” as he’s known, is no stranger to the winner’s circle. A seasoned pro of eight years, he’s had victories in the American Royal Hunter Jumper Grand Prix, the St. Louis National Charity, as well as a bid for this past year’s Olympic Trials. For now his sights are set on the $25,000 Grand Prix, sponsored by HorseCity.Com.

The second spot the Welcome went to Hidden Sun Farm’s Bruce Ginsberg aboard Napolitano, who also had clear rounds but with a jump-off time of 35.530 seconds. Following third was McGrath, owned and ridden by Kathy Protasiewicz, finishing with a time of 37.123 seconds.

Among Hunter Divisions completed on February 24, Ocean Road, owned by Victoria Lee and ridden by Kelly Mullen, took the championship in the Classic Hunters. Karlene Moss’s Say So was the 2’9 Special Hunter Champions.

Helen Goddard and Naritas Play A Straight To Win Big
Casinos aren’t the only action in Gulfport, MS. Twenty-five horses started the course in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix, designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio, but only five made it to the jump-off phase of the competition. It was Helen Goddard and Naritas, the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by Picolo 3, that showed the winning hand.

Goddard's clear first round time of 82.442 was strong, but the pressure mounted in the jump-off with Greg Kuti and Optimal’s blazing time of 45.996. Time being critical, Goddard played chance by turning left off the in and out giving them a straight inside route. She shaved a full second off and finished with a winning time of 44.146. “It was a fair course” Goddard began, “but real scopey into the triple. You had a two stride and were working hard. It was a challenge!” When asked about the left turn she explained with a smile, “Naritas isn’t crazy about turning right, so we went left and it worked for us”.

Chorbe Farm’s rider-trainer Kuti and Optimal took second place with a jump-off time of 45.996. Third went to Hillcrest Farm’s Kevin Cleveland and Simplicity with a time 47.556.

In the EMO-sponsored NHJL Junior-Amatuer Jumper Classic owner/rider Lee Hatcher and Romanze claimed victory. For the NHJL Adult Jumper Classic owner/rider Juan Carlos Gamboa and 3 Bones are repeat winners for a second week. The NHJL Children’s Jumper Classic blue was presented to owner/rider Ashley Jurak and Call To Battle.

From the hunter divisions, owner/rider Ann Marie Walker with Tobasco won the NHJL Junior Hunter Classic, and Rae Pertuit’s Three Martini’s with Holly Shepherd in the irons won the Pre Green Stakes. Showcase Ltd’s Terry Brown and Sequel claimed their third Championship in the Regular Working Hunters.

The level of competition continued to “step up” throughout the week and spectators are still invited to come out and enjoy the exciting equestrian action. The series runs through March 13, and admittance to the show grounds is free. The show starts each Wednesday at 8 a.m. with classes going until about 4 p.m. each day. The prestigious grand prix