HITS Post Time Farm wrapped up a strong week of AA-rated show jumping this past Sunday, February 14, as the show grounds were buzzing with action for the opening week of the season. The big news for the rated circuit is that HITS Ocala will host a total of 12 qualifiers for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will take place on September 12 in Saugerties, NY. The first Grand Prix win of the AA-rated season went to 2009 HITS Ocala Champions Laura Linback and As Di Villagana. The duo won the big finale last March with the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group. In Thursday’s $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, they beat out 23 pairs to take the blue.

"We are very happy to be back in Ocala jumping outdoors after being inside for the past several months in Chicago,” said Linback of Mundelien, IL. “It was nice to get a win on the first real go of the season.”

On Sunday, Kent Farrington made his return to the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and his way to the winners’ circle when he mastered Leopoldo Palacios’ course in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Riding Up Chiqui, Farrington beat out a field of 29 to capture the blue and a first-place $15,000 check for owners Boone/Dobbs/Farrington.

"The last time I was in Ocala was many years ago,” said Farrington, of Greenwich, CT. “The show grounds are very nice and much bigger than I remember. The Grand Prix ring was really nice. They [HITS] have done a great job in making it special and the footing in the ring was excellent.”

Longtime HITS Ocala exhibitors Tracy Fenney and Callan Solem were also in hot pursuit for the blue, finishing in second and third place on MTM Farm’s MTM Timon and Quiet Winter Farm’s Allison, respectively.

Devoucoux Derby Attracts Hunters in Pursuit of Marshall & Sterling Points
The brand new $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby has become a permanent fixture on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. The two-round classic drew an enormous crowd of spectators and competitors, who enjoyed complimentary refreshments on behalf of Devoucoux, while watching Kristen Bumpus and Inspired take home the win.

Bumpus of Concord, MA, is one of many who are excited about the addition of the Devoucoux Derbies to the HITS Ocala schedule. "There are two grand prix classes every week and so much prize money in the jumpers, so it's really nice to have a prestigious hunter class with a great purse,” she said. “The kids get all fired up for the Devoucoux Derby and many are hoping to work up to it by the end of the circuit."

Chase Boggio and Taylor Ann Adams finished second and third in the Devoucoux Hunter Derby, with just one point separating them. Expect to see more exciting finishes from these young riders, who have already begun to establish a successful career for themselves, as each has also won a section of the WIHS Equitation Classic.

The Devoucoux Hunter Derby counts for points in the Marshall & Sterling League and will be offered as a division at the National Finals in Saugerties this September.

$10,000 U-Dump Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper High Classic
On Sunday, the $10,000 U-Dump Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper High Classic got things warmed up in the Grand Prix ring with Laura Pfeiffer on Thorstin taking home the blue. The U-Dump Jumper Classic is another weekly fixture on the HITS Ocala schedule this season, providing Junior and Amateur riders some fabulous prize money and a spotlight in the Grand Prix ring on Sunday mornings.

Catena Leading Rider Race Begins
Thanks to a strong start to the the season that included two wins during the pre-circuit, New Jersey's Callan Solem and Allison currently sit at the top of the 2010 Catena Leading Rider Standings, with 48 points. The top-ranked grand prix rider on the 2010 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will receive a beautiful Catena diamond-face watch at the conclusion of the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, on Sunday, March 21.

Annual Sponsor Welcome Reception was a HIT
HITS Ocala sponsors enjoyed a great evening of food, drinks and recognition, compliments of Arthur’s Restaurant at the Hilton Ocala on Thursday evening, February 11.

HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri thanked the crowd for their continued support of the HITS circuits, which has seen a significant growth in size from coast-to-coast this winter.

"Ocala/Marion County is always so pleased to have HITS here for the winter circuits," said Summer Best, Managing Editor of Horse Capital Digest. "We love the HITS competition, the economic energy and the opportunity to showcase our community to visitors from throughout the world. It's great to see sponsors, show organizers and officials, competitors and owners come together to put on such a special event."

Frank DeLuca, owner of DeLuca Toyota, the title sponsor of the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, enjoyed one last night in Ocala before heading off to Vancouver, Canada, to see his granddaughter Caydee Denney represent the USA in the winter Olympics in pairs figure skating.

In order to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, a rider must compete in eight or more HITS Grand Prix classes. The top 40 riders, based on money won by horse/rider combination, will be eligible to ride for the Pfizer Million. For more detailed information on the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, please visit www.HitsShows.com.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.