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THERMAL,
CA
(January 31, 2007) — Thousands of eager competitors
and interested spectators from around the world
were on hand to experience the new HITS Desert
Horse Park in Thermal, California when the 2007
HITS Thermal Desert Circuit officially began last
week.
Week one of the six-week
circuit was packed with both competition and celebration
to inaugurate the new facility. Classes got underway
early Tuesday morning, as exhibitors finally got
to experience first hand the much-anticipated,
230-acre facility featuring 12 competition rings
with 1.2 million square feet of riding area. All
12 rings were in full swing and with record numbers
of exhibitors the park was put to the test in
the very first week and withstood the challenge
with remarkable results.
"I feel extremely
proud of the new show grounds and truly feel it
is the best equestrian facility in the world.
Our customers deserve a place like this to call
home in the winter, "said Tom Struzzieri,
President and CEO of HITS. Customers agreed as
reactions poured in. "When I first arrived
I could not believe what I saw," said Archie
Cox. "HITS Thermal is without a doubt the
top equestrian facility in the United States.
Wow!"
Among the many improvements
over the former location in Indio, the new HITS
Desert Horse Park features Polyrite TM synthetic
footing that makes the Grand Prix Arena one of
the world's finest. Polyrite TM , supplied by
Footing Authority TM a division of International
Surfaces Group, Inc., is the industry's most advanced
polymer-coated synthetic footing. It offers exhibitors
a dust-free ride, improved cushion and unparalleled
consistency resulting in improved safety and soundness.
Other notable highlights
include the spectacular VIP area which overlooks
the Grand Prix Ring and the Main Hunter Ring,
as well as the 1,000 permanent stalls featuring
offices that hardly resemble stalls. Even Olympic
course designer Leopoldo Palacios was on hand
to check out the new facility. Palacios will design
the course for the season's first $75,000 Footing
Authority TM Grand Prix, which takes place on
Sunday, February 3.
Friday featured the
season's first $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix, captured
by Romelia Calderon and Sea Bridge and
the first exhibitor party. Saturday night's Grand
Opening Celebration sponsored in part by Great
American Insurance Group and Marshall & Sterling
Insurance was the week's main event as hundreds
of party goers enjoyed live music, fine food and
wine tasting courtesy of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
"The party was a great way to congratulate
our customers who decided to show with us this
year and call Thermal, California their new winter
home," said HITS' Senior Vice President Tony
Hitchcock.
The festivities continued
on Sunday with the popular World of the Horse
Parade of Breeds and the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix.
Exhibitors and spectators were dazzled by a colorful
celebration of breeds and special entertainment
by Hollywood trick rider, Ramon Bacerra. A Mexican
rodeo exhibition by Coachella Valley Charros and
Escaramuzas, a performance by the famed all-woman
Mane Event Drill Team and a tribute to the Olympic
sport of Dressage rounded out the afternoon.
After the cheers
for the entertainment subsided, they started all
over again for the Grand Prix riders as they prepared
to compete for top honors with more than 2,000
spectators watching. Jill Humphry and Kaskaya
took first place in the first-ever Sunday,
$50,000 EMO Grand Prix held at the new facility.
Second place went to Canadian Olympian, John Pearce
and Urioso . “I have no complaints. I
absolutely love the facility. It is amazing for
exhibitors and spectators. We had a great crowd
today and it is exciting to jump in front of so
many people,” said Pearce.
"I'm quite pleased
with the turnout for the season opener,"
said Struzzieri. "There's still work to be
done and, as always, we will continue to finesse
things in the weeks to come to ensure the comfort
and enjoyment of our customers."
For the past 15 years,
HITS has produced a six-week winter horse show
circuit just five miles from HITS Thermal in Indio.
The new horse park is the largest Hunter/Jumper
horse show venue in the United States and encompasses
more than $10,000,000 in improvements, including
stabling for more than 3,000 horses and 12 competition
rings. HITS Thermal also features new state-of-the-art
footing by Footing Authority™.
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 allow
for new growth opportunities, including the construction
of HITS Desert Horse Park. HITS generates significant
economic impact in each of its five venues in
California, Arizona, Florida, Virginia and New
York.
2007 HITS Thermal
Horse Show Dates
Desert Circuit I
January 23-28
Desert Circuit II
January 30 - February 4
Desert Circuit III
February 6-11*
Off Week February
12-18
Desert Circuit IV
February 20-25
Desert Circuit V
February 27 - March 4
Desert Circuit VI
March 6-11*
*Two Kids Day Events
are planned for the season on Sunday, February 11
and again on Sunday, March 11. For more information
please visit: www.HitsShows.com.
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