Allawishus and Megan Wexler Top the Field to Win $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix
OCALA, F.L. (February 11, 2014) – Action in the hunter ring continued during the Ocala Winter Classic with the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix on Sunday. Coming out on top in a competitive class of 34 was Allawishus and Megan Wexler of Reddick, Florida for owner Kathryn Mittauer. The pair challenged the course designed by Tom Carlson of Windham, Connecticut with a score of 86, to take the blue ribbon.
Despite serious rainfall in Ocala, Florida the day before, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of Megan Wexler and Allawishus as they jumped to a win the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix on a sunny Sunday. The win put them well on their way to qualifying for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final held during the HITS Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York this September.
Wexler’s team could hardly contain their excitement when speaking about Allawishus and his trip over the course. “He is no stranger to winning – he has some great placements in major classes. He loves showing in this particular hunter ring – I think the atmosphere calms him,” said Wexler. “We got into a lovely rhythm and maintained it. We are very thrilled with this win against so many good horses. We have all worked hard for it.”
Taking the red ribbon was Lavish with rider and trainer David Beisel of Goshen, Ohio for owner Phyllis Harlow with an 85.5. Third place was awarded to Carpendale and Landon Cassidy of Odessa, Florida for owner Lily Blavin with an 85, while the fourth spot was held by Laredo with Maria Rasmussen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the irons with a score of 84.5. Sarah Lane of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania capped the top five on Cinderella Man, owned by GDF Equine, LLC. They scored an 84.
Devoucoux Hunter competition continues throughout the duration of the HITS Ocala Circuit as the race to qualify for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final is underway.
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Megan Wexler and Allawishus win the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.
©ESI Photography
Megan Wexler and Allawishus accept top honors, including a Horze Equestrian cooler, after winning the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.
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5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix
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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 the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. Devoucoux offers a wide range of saddles in many colors and sizes and matching accessories. Devoucoux craftsmen are devoted to creating beautiful products.
$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Alexa Bayko of Haverhill, Massachusetts rode to the top spot in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix aboard Modigliani over a field of 21. Bayko made owner Jamie Stryker of Morriston, Florida proud with score of 84 and 80 for a combined total of 164 for the blue.
“This horse is the ultimate professional at 17 years young. You would never guess his age, he moves like a dream,” said Bayko of the gelding that she just recently started leasing to show. “I thought the course was challenging and the footing was wonderful considering all the rain we’ve had. I just love showing here.”
Lena Reeb of Weston, Connecticut was second aboard Private Ryan for owner Jamie Ringel with score of 82 and 81. Meghan Kaupp of Pittsford, New York and Wingman were third with scores of 80 and 82, while Sara McCloskey of Pound Ridge, New York rode to fourth on Austin with scores of 77 and 83. Rounding out top fifth was Contina and Jacquelyn Maggiore of South Boston, Massachusetts with a 72 and 84.
$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix qualifiers will be offered weekly coast to coast this winter and throughout the Saugerties and Culpeper summer circuits before the final returns to the HITS Championship this fall and offers junior and amateur hunter riders the opportunity to show for exciting prize money over thrilling courses.
©ESI Photography
Alex Bayko and Modigliani win the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.
©ESI Photography
Emily Smith of Platinum Performance presents Alex Bayko and Modigliani with winners awards, including a Horze Equestrian cooler, after the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.
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$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
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About Platinum Performance
Platinum Performance provides more than 10 supplements essential to your horse’s health and conditioning in just one scoop. Platinum Performance® Equine addresses a horse's total body health from joint and hoof care to athletic performance and coat health, and is the 2014 sponsor of the $250,000 Hunter Prix Final and all qualifiers. For more information on Platinum Performance, visit platinumperformance.com.