PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2008

THERMAL, CA (March 1, 2008)—Ashlee Bond and her mount Southern Girl got the best of a field of 48 riders to capture the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix at HITS Thermal.
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Bond's time of 71.075 was the fastest in a one-round speed class that enabled her to capture $7,500 for Wild Turkey Farm. She outlasted 49 starters on course designer Danny Foster's route.

"Ashlee is a very had worker and it's nice to see her flourish here in the desert," said horse owner and Ashlee's father, Steve Bond. "It's very rewarding to see her compete at the highest level."

Bond has already made her mark during the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit. She was third aboard Tommy Gun in the $125,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by EMO a few weeks ago. Southern Girl is Tommy Gun's full sister. "We have some phenomenal horses," said Steve Bond. "Thankfully, we have Ashlee to ride them."

"That was awesome," said 22-year-old Ashlee Bond. "Speed is Southern Girl's forte so anytime there is a speed class I know she is going to be right there."

Also excelling on Thursday was Richard Spooner, who was second aboard Quirno 3 and third aboard Black Cherry. Duncan McFarlane and Katherine Bardis also had two horses finish in the money,

With the victory, Bond earned some valuable points towards the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix to be held on Sunday, March 16 during the all new Championship Week at HITS Thermal. The top 30 pairs based on prize money won on the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit will be invited to compete in the class.

Competition at HITS Thermal continues all weekend and features the $75,000 Waldorf=Astoria Collection Grand Prix on Sunday March 2. Saturday evening will feature the Central Equine Relay & Exhibitor Party in the covered ring. Teams of three riders will compete in a Nation's Cup-style class.
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HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com

Media should contact Chris Mayone at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com

©Flying Horse Photography
Ashlee Bond and Summer Girl win the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix at HITS Thermal.

©Flying Horse Photography
Ashlee Bond and Summer Girl are congratulated after winning the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix at HITS Thermal.

HITS CORPORATE OFFICE: HITS, Inc., 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
phone 845.246.8833  fax 845.246.6371  www.HitsShows.com