Hunters: Wellington: WEF: Grace Stuntz and Fitzhugh Take Top Honors in the Illustrated Properties Amateur-Owner 18-35 3'3" Hunters

Grace Stuntz and Fitzhugh are the Illustrated Properties Amateur-Owner 18-35 3'3" Hunter Champions during the fifth week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, www.sportfot.com.

For Immediate Release
Brooke Bidgood for Equestrian Sport Productions

Wellington, FL - February 12, 2011 - The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continued today and the hunter divisions were popular and competitive. Among the lucky riders who got to show in the afternoon when the sun was shining, were the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3'3" Hunters, presented by Illustrated Properties.

Grace Stuntz was aboard her own mount Fitzhugh for the tricolor win this evening. Week 5 marks the second week this season that Stuntz and Fitzhugh have been awarded championship honors. Stuntz has owned Fitzhugh, an eight-year-old gelding, since he was four. "This is his second year showing. He could have been a First Year horse a year ago, but we decided to wait a year, and so he did the 3'3" at Devon and Harrisburg," Stuntz explained about Fitzhugh's show career.


Grace Stuntz and Fitzhugh

Stuntz and Fitzhugh secured the championship by winning one class, placing second in two classes, and placing third in one of the division's remaining classes.

Fitzhugh has also had much success this season with Sandy Ferrell in the First Year Green Working Hunters. Stuntz and Fitzhugh will continue competing in week 6 of competition at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival as well.

Tied for champion, but with fewer points over fences, was the reserve champion winner, Stephanie Riggio riding her own mount Breitling. The pair earned reserve championship honors by winning one class over fences and one class under saddle. The duo also was awarded a second place ribbon in another of the division's over fences classes.

Stuntz and Fitzhugh in their championship presentation

Stay tuned tomorrow as the remaining divisions of week 5 are awarded their championships. Among the tricolors to be presented tomorrow is the older section of Large Junior Hunters.

For full results please visit www.showgroundslive.com or for more information, visit www.equestriansport.com.

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