Beate Kuska-Shart and Luciano of Malibu Equestrian Estates in Acton, CA, rode the only double clear rounds to claim the jackpot of the Lucky Sevens $77,700 Grand Prix.

Sponsored by Nutrena and Michelob, the grand prix was the highlight of the Winter Series finale, with a starting field of 40 tough competitors vying for top honor in this tournament of champions. Renowned course designer Michel Vaillancourt produced what at first glance appeared a rather uncomplicated layout, however it required a bit of endurance. The $77,700 question became how to go clear on the 520m first round but conserve enough stamina for a wicked turn-filled 280 m jump-off course. Only Shart and three others found that answer.

Beate and the 14-year-old Holsteiner stallion rode a fairly conservative first round clear in a time of 83.630 seconds. “It was a fair, but tiring, course” she commented. Going into the jump-off round, it was fellow competitor and veteran prix winner David Q Wright lending support as the field narrowed down. “He was great to me. I can’t say 'thank you' enough,” she said of Wright. The advice paid off big with the only clear jump-off round in 49.789 seconds.

Belynda Bond of Pilot Pointe, TX, and Sea Cove finished second with four faults in 46.361 seconds. Kyle King of San Marcos, CA, and Riptide took third with eight faults in a fast 39.618 seconds. And Bjorn Ikast of Laredo, TX, and I.Z.’s Lifetime came in fourth with 14 faults in 51.354 seconds.

Winners of this week’s Jumper Classics include owner/rider Meghan Boyce and The Best Seller for the Adults, Maggy Case and Sax Du Midour in the Children’s, and Meagan Nusz with Sympatico in the Junior/Amateur Jumpers.

In this week’s Hunter Classics, owner/rider Phoebe Wesley and Leighton Bay were the Adult Hunter Classic winners. Katherine Crenshaw and C’est La Vie took top honor in the Children’s Hunter Classic. In the Short Stirrup Classic, Amelia Lee and Bushwacker won the blue and Alex Wisz with Jacks were the Junior Hunter Classic champions.

“It has been an amazing series!” began show manager Bob Bell’s summary of this year’s event. “Outstanding talent in the rings, gorgeous weather, the best exhibitor parties--I just don’t know what else we could have hoped for. It looks like the best-kept secret in winter events isn’t a secret anymore! We’re already planning even more excitement for next year.”

For complete results and more information about next years Gulf Coast Winter Series, visit www.classiccompany.com or call (843) 768-5503.
~~~