Rider Aaron Vale of Aiken, SC, rode Alison Register’s 13-year-old Warmblood bay mare Alliance to a double-clear round victory over a field of 26 competitors in the H n’ D Stables’- and Wilton Connor Family-sponsored Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake on July 21. Alliance's first round time of 63.50 made him the third out of four mounts for Vale going into the jump-off. Their second clear round time of 34.70 was just one second enough to pull off the win.

Pablo Barrios of Wellington, FL, aboard Wild Cat for owner Juan Carmona had a clear first round time of 67.56 assuring them one of the 12 return spots in the jump-off. With another clear round time of 35.41, they claimed second place in this afternoon’s Welcome event.

Last week’s Welcome Stake winner, junior rider Megan Nusz of Woodlands, TX, and her mount Pikeur’s Xtatic were in the money again and closing in on the pros with a clear first round time of 61.36. An impressive jump-off ride time of 35.86 found her not only on the heels of the pros but claiming the third place spot today.

Two days later, Vale, riding for Red Bank Farm claimed another victory on board the 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Red Royal Chief with double clear rounds on July 23 over a field of 29 competitors in the $25,000 Louise Salter Memorial Grand Prix sponsored by The Classic Company. A first round time of 86.17 assured Vale a return spot in the jump-off. Their second clear round time of 38.41 put them in the winners’ circle. Vale had a total of five mounts for the event, with two making it into the final round. Second place also went to Aaron on board Ariscraft Soleil for owner Angelstone Farms with a clear final round time of 40.90. Vale was again unavailable for comment on the event.

Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio’s comments to the crowd prior to the start included, “For the toughest level of competitors, tonight’s course combines what is fair to the horse and interesting to the rider.” The 16-fence layout was a definite challenge from one set of triple bars close to the end gate to a five-stride liverpool oxer almost facing into the audience that could be distracting to the horse.

Susie Fried of Macon, GA, and her 10-year-old bay Warmblood mare, Cheenookee, claimed third place for owner Highridge Farm with a clear second round time of 41 seconds. Making another huge impression was Nusz with her partner, 11-year-old grey Westphalian gelding Absolute Navy. Still hot on the heels of the pros she posted the second fastest time of the jump-off with 38.56, but a rail down at the end bumped her to the fourth place finish.

For further information on the 2005 Biltmore Estate Summer Classic Series and results, please go to www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at (828) 225-6202.

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