© ESI Photography. Jenny Fischer and Freedom's Storm on course in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Saugerties. |
SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (June 5, 2011) — For the second week in a row the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix has been the top draw on the schedule at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York, proving once again that the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final has ignited a new level of excitement in the sport of hunters. A record high of 70 starters competed in Saturday’s feature class for hunters with Jenny Fischer of Montgomery, New York taking top honors aboard Stormy Good’s Freedom's Storm.
“I still need a few more Devoucoux classes before I'm eligible to be on the point list,” said Fischer, who now has two of the five classes needed to become eligible for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final. “Winning today’s class with so many in it is a huge step in the right direction. HITS Saugerties is basically my home this spring and summer, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to qualify to compete for $500,000.”
Ten show rings were in action yesterday, as picture-perfect weather had exhibitors out competing in full force. Rian Beals of Saugerties, New York set a stunning course for the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix which, in addition to drawing record entries, also drew a large crowd of spectators.
In the first round, Fischer and Freedom's Storm posted a score of 87 which put them in third place heading into the second round. Heather Ann Cahill of Bedminster, New Jersey and Carly Fischer’s Donatello scored an 88 and sat in the number two spot, while the first round’s top spot belonged to Schaefer Raposa of Wellington, Florida who scored an 89 aboard Kimberly Jungherr’s Cassleton.
The top 15 pairs returned for the second round and that’s when Fischer and her ride stormed back with an outstanding effort that earned them a score of 89 for a total of 176, to take the lead. Raposa and Cassleton scored a 175.5 total to take the red ribbon. The third-place award went to David Oliynyk of Plainville, Massachusetts aboard Lori Gaudet’s Generous who scored a total score of 174.5.
“Cassleton was recently imported by Starlight Farm,” said owner Kimberly Jungherr, after the class. “He’s nine years old and just perfect. My husband Mark [Jungherr] has been showing him in the High Performance Hunters and Schaefer won both classes with him in the Junior Hunters today.”
“Taking third place in such a large class was incredible,” said Oliynyk. “If things go our way, we should qualify for the big class in September. I plan on returning all summer in order to earn points and I think I have the right horse for it.”
Rounding out the top five in the class were Amanda Starbuck of Ridgefield, Connecticut with Connecticut-based Stepping Stone Farm’s Rio Bronco in fourth place and David Wilbur of Simsbury, Connecticut with Marianne Huss’ Cameron in fifth.
Show jumping at HITS-on-the-Hudson II continues today with the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, as the main event in the majestic Strongid C 2X Stadium. Some of the top equestrians in the world including McLain Ward, Todd Minikus, Jeffrey Welles, and Peter Leone will shoot it out for the first place check.
About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to this year's phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 3'3" Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the historic Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 10-11 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.