OCALA, FL (September 24, 2013) – HITS, Inc. announced this week that Great American Insurance Group, a leader in equine insurance, has signed as the title sponsor of the Ocala $1 Million Grand Prix in 2014. After introducing  the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties, New York in 2010 and the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix in Thermal, California in 2013, HITS, Inc.upped the ante again by announcing the addition of a third ground-breaking class in 2014. With unprecedented prize money and prestige, these three classes now form the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping.

“Sponsors like Great American Insurance Group who are willing to support equestrian sport at this level are advancing our riders, horses and the sport in general to new heights,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “The HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping includes the most exciting show jumping events of the year and we are proud to welcome some of the greatest sponsors in the industry, including Great American.” 

The Great American $1 Million Grand Prix will take place at the conclusion of the now 10-week 2014 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit on Sunday, March 23. Work has already begun at HITS Post Time Farm for a new state-of-the-art jumping field to host the historic event, as well as select special classes throughout the circuit.

“Great American Insurance Group is proud to be the title sponsor of the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala. With more than a decade and a half sponsoring the Great American Time to Beat, and sharing in the sponsorship of the Marshall and Sterling Insurance League, we look forward to this additional opportunity to support HITS Horse Shows,” said Ken Standlee, President of the Equine Division. “This is a wonderful opportunity to support not only the competitors of HITS, but the community of Ocala as well.”

One week prior to the Great American Million, the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix will kick off the trifecta of show jumping, which will culminate in New York at the fifth-annual Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix.

Riders can qualify for the each of the grand prix based on money won on their leading horse at HITS events throughout the season. For additional information on how to qualify, please check HitsShows.com for complete specifications and updates.

©ESI Photography
Margie Engle and Royce jumping to a top-five finish in the 2013 Zoetis Million in Saugerties, New York. Next year, riders will have the opportunity to ride in three $1 million classes in the U.S., including the all-new Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala, Florida.

About Great American Insurance Group
The Great American Insurance Group Equine Mortality Division, based in Ocala, is one of the world’s leading providers of Equine Mortality, Horse Farm Insurance and related coverage through professional independent agents. Both their Underwriting and 24 hour in-house Claim staff offer superior service. For more information, visit GreatAmericanInsurance.com.