Nick Haness and Catwalk (Flying Horse Photography© )
Pearce swept both Grand Prix classes at HITS Thermal last week, winning the blue in Friday's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard Forest View Farm's Chianto, the horse he placed third on in the 2010 Pfizer Million. Then on Sunday, Pearce took the victory gallop in the Strongid C 2X Stadium with Forest View Farm's Son of a Gun after he won the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. In all, Pearce collected $28,000 in Grand Prix prize money.
"Not bad for a week’s pay," said Pearce. "It was a fantastic start to the circuit. I hope we can keep it up and qualify again for the Pfizer Million. We had so much fun there last year, Saugerties is a great town. We really liked it."
Pearce (Bermuda Dunes, CA) wasn't the only Canadian High-Performance rider that excelled during the first week of HITS Thermal. Olympians Lisa Carlsen and Jill Henselwood each had top-five finishes as the Maple Leaf flies high in the desert.
Action for the High-Performance riders at HITS Thermal continues this coming week with three Grand Prix on the slate. On Thursday the $30,000 HITS Welcome Classic, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, sets the table for the crown jewel of the week on Saturday night when the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, rolls into town. Both classes will take place in the indoor arena for what’s sure to be a house full of sponsors, VIPs, and spectators.
Sunday the action shifts back outside to the Strongid C 2X Stadium as Grand Prix riders will tackle the course in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.
"I am going to show in Sunday's Grand Prix," said High-Performance rider Ali Nilforushan. "This is my first time back in four years and I love it. The place looks great and the footing is incredible. All of my clients are thrilled to be here. We are here to stay."
The 2011 HITS Desert Circuit will host a total of 16 Qualifying Grand Prix classes for the highly-anticipated Pfizer Million. Riders will need to bank eight qualifying classes to become eligible, and then the top 40 riders based on money won on their leading horse will earn a spot in the line-up for the class.
Haness the Hunter
Nick Haness (Coto de Caza, CA) put his best foot forward in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight the week for hunter riders when he rode Pamela Stewart's Catwalk to the blue ribbon.
An enthusiastic crowd watched Haness and Catwalk capture the blue ribbon getting the best of the 42 starters that challenged course designer Rian Beals' track. Also excelling in the feature class for hunter riders was John French, who finished with four horses in the top 12.
Haness and Catwalk are determined to make their way to HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York for the Diamond Mills $500,000 3'3" Hunter Prix Final.
"I bought the horse just for that reason," said Stewart. "Nick (Haness) will be showing him in the Devoucoux classes this circuit. It's his only job! I am originally from New York and would love to go back East for the big class."
Desert Circuit I was also a successful week for trainer Chance Arakelian (Rancho Sante Fe, CA) and the exhibitors from Tres Palomas. Led by the Theodosakis sisters (Rancho Sante Fe, CA), the group scored several weekly awards, including a tri-color ribbon in the Equitation 12-13 for Pearl Theodosakis who was named weekly Champion, and Paris Theodosakis was named Reserve Champion aboard Spartan Stables' Coolman in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17.
"We love it here," said Arakelian. "We will be here for the entire circuit with about 30 horses. This is a great facility with terrific footing and the schedule allows us to bring almost our entire barn."
"Last year was our first year back showing in California for the first time in a while," added Arakelian. "Before that, we were in Florida for nine years. We just love being back!"
The exhibitors from Citrus Hill Farm also had a week to remember at HITS Thermal. Under the watchful eye of trainer Robyn Stiegler, Demi Stiegler (Irvine, CA) won blue ribbons in the USET Talent Search and the USEF Medal, while barn mate Savannah Dukes (Yorba Linda, CA) captured the Taylor Harris Insurance Children's Medal.
For complete results from Desert Circuit I, visit http://www.hitsshows.com/results/resultswinter_11.html.
Great Groom
David Bastilles, of Hunterbrook Farm, was presented the Odor-No-More Groom’s Award for the overall cleanliness and appearance of the barn. The area was inspected by members of the HITS staff and Bastilles received an engraved trophy and a sample bag of Odor-No-More.
Odor-No-More Products are eco-friendly solutions which provide animal owners the ability to save time and money maintaining their animal’s enclosures. The products consist of a proprietary blend of micro-nutrient salts that are commonly found in animal feed supplements and hoof care products, to safely eliminate odors and wetness. For more information on Odor-No-More, please visit www.odornomore.com.
What's on deck?
Show jumping at the HITS Desert Circuit resumes today with Desert Circuit II and most of the buzz is about Saturday night's $50,000 Strongid® C2 X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which will be the first of four FEI World Cup Qualifiers held during the circuit.
The HITS Desert Horse Park will host representatives from Pfizer Animal Health, who will be on-site all weekend to partake in the festivities.
Saturday night's competition is sure to be filled with lots of international flavor, as riders from all over the world are expected to compete, including three-time World Cup Champion and 2010 WEG Team Gold Medalist Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum.
Speaking of flavor, the top Grand Prix riders from the HITS Desert Circuit will be honored at the Pfizer High-Performance Rider Reception on Friday evening at Morgan’s in the Desert restaurant at the magnificent La Quinta Resort & Club. Guests will enjoy a bounty of delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by Morgan’s star chef Jimmy Schmidt, complemented by a selection of California red and white wines.
ENDS