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Ocala, Florida (February 20, 2007)—It wasn't all chocolates and roses Wednesday, February 14, at HITS Post Time Farm. Instead, it was more about the new season of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and the new rings—not the diamond kind, the show kind. One thing is for sure, people are in love with the newly-renovated facility.
As the 2007 season of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit got underway last week, HITS unveiled a new Grand Prix ring and a new Main Hunter ring making 12 the new total for show rings at Post Time Farm. The addition means room for more classes and HITS has added that too—offering exhibitors the new Pre-Children's and the Bit O'Straw Classic in the schedule this year. It also means that Jumper 1 now enjoys a new home in the old Grand Prix ring. The footing in the new rings was provided by Footing Authority™, a division of International Surfaces Group Inc., (ISG).
"We set out at the close of last season to make Post Time Farm an even better facility," said HITS President and CEO, Tom Struzzieri. "The Winter Circuit has been growing more and more popular each year and we felt it was time to give our customers yet another reason to love Ocala." Love is right, as customers were champing at the bit for their turn in the new rings.
"The whole place looks great; especially the new Grand Prix ring, the footing in that ring is the best in the country," said Sergio Campos, trainer, rider and long-time HITS Ocala customer. "My mare, Shakira Do Jacare, is very particular and she loves this new footing and has been performing very well on it." Performing well she is, already this season Campos has won three consecutive Grand Prix competitions since arriving at Post Time Farm and with plans to stay for the rest of the circuit, there's no telling what else is in store for Campos and Shakira Do Jacare.
The facility was in tip-top shape to welcome in the first of five rated shows where attendance continued to be at an all-time high for the Ocala Winter Classic, coming off of two very successful weeks of unrated shows.
Competition started early on Wednesday morning and continued until Sunday afternoon. Some highlights of the week included Thursday's $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix captured by Sergio Campos and Shakira Do Jacare, Friday's $10,000 Footing Authority™ Prix captured by Aaron Vale and Waldi, and Sunday was action packed with the USEF Talent Search, the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic which went to Joshua Vander Veen and Bull Run's Newsboy and finally the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix captured by Beth Underhill and Magdaline.
Aside from world-class show jumping, spectators were treated to several special events during the week. The Morrisville State College Six-in-Hand Belgian Draft Horse Hitch performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Morrisville Belgian Hitch, an impressive exhibit consisting of six horses from four to nine years of age ranging from 17.2 to 18.3 hands and weighing anywhere from 1,900 to 2,300 pounds each, was quite the crowd pleaser. Friday evening, HITS competitors enjoyed a festive pasta party in the HITS Restaurant, presented by Ocala's famed Bella Luna Restaurant. VIP guests at the horse show on Sunday were treated to a delicious chocolate tasting courtesy of the Melting Pot and relaxing chair massages courtesy of The Ranch Fitness Center.
"We had a great turnout for the official start of the rated shows," said Tony Hitchcock, Senior Vice President. "We love Ocala and always want to offer something special to start the season for our customers, the spectators and the community. And what's better than chocolate, massages and exciting show jumping!"
The Ocala Winter Festival is up next, starting on Wednesday, February 21. After that, it's three more weeks of shows ending on Sunday, March 18 with the grand finale—the $100,000 Footing Authority™ Grand Prix of Ocala presented by Great American Insurance Group.
Since its introduction in 1982, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit has become a fixture on the East Coast show jumping circuit. Each winter, the Ocala Circuit attracts national and international participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Classes offered range from the Grand Prix show jumping classes to a selection of divisions for both the beginning and experienced rider. Located in Ocala/Marion County, the heart of Florida's horse country, the area is home to over 600 horse farms and hundreds of supporting facilities and businesses. HITS moved the Ocala horse shows from the 100-acre Golden Hills International Show Grounds to the circuit's new home, the 300+ acre Post Time Farm in 2002. HITS Post Time Farm is located eleven miles west of Interstate 75 on U.S. Highway 27. The Post Time Training Center was originally built for thoroughbred racehorses. The facility is professionally landscaped and features gated entrances, 52 miles of four-board fencing, 26 permanent barns that house 500 stalls, numerous paddocks, bridle paths, and additional buildings for the horse show office, restaurant and on-site school.
In January 2006, HITS entered into a private equity arrangement with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. in Los Angeles. As a result, HITS, Inc. is able to develop and execute exciting operational and strategic initiatives that both solidify its well-established position as the leader in horse show management and allows for new growth opportunities including the construction of the new HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California. HITS generates an aggregate economic impact of more than $300,000,000 in its five venues in California, Arizona, Florida, Virginia and New York.
©Lili Weik Photography
Beth Underhill and Magdaline capture the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix on Sunday. The Canadian Olympian says she loves the new Grand Prix ring at HITS Ocala as well as the footing. 
©ESI Photography
Sergio Campos and
Cognac Do Jacare were one of many talented horse/rider combinations that thrilled hundreds of spectators at HITS Post Time Farm on Sunday.
Remaining 2007 HITS Ocala Dates:
Ocala Winter Festival (II)
February 21-25
Ocala Masters (III)
February 28 - March 4
Ocala Tournament (IV)
March 7-11
Ocala Winter Finals (V)
March 14-18
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