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THERMAL, CA (January 18, 2008)—The next time show jumping icon Richard Spooner passes through the in-gate at HITS Thermal he has the chance to make history.
The HITS Desert Circuit's all-time leading money winner Richard Spooner is sitting on 99 wins. And with 17 Grand Prix events remaining at HITS Thermal in 2008, the feat will certainly occur in the next two months. Spooner will have a pair of chances during DC I (January 23-27) to secure the inevitable victory.
On Friday, January 25 some of the best competitors in the world will duel it out for the top prize in the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix and on Sunday, January 27 even more prize money will be on the line during the $75,000 EMO Grand Prix.
Spooner is an internationally successful equestrian. In June 2006 at Spruce Meadows, he cleared the $1-million mark and became the 10th rider in show jumping history to reach that milestone. And this season at HITS Thermal, he is on the brink of accomplishing a milestone that no rider on the West Coast has ever achieved.
"I have certainly won a lot of Grand Prix classes at Indio and Thermal in my career," said Spooner. "It would be fitting to win my 100th at Thermal."
Spooner will be showing several horses at HITS Thermal during DC I, including Gerry the Grey. Spooner won last Sunday's $25,000 HITS Grand Prix aboard the 10-year-old. "I'd like to get it during the first week and get it out of the way," said Spooner. "However, I just want to be fortunate enough to win one more during the course of the circuit."
According to Dale Harvey, HITS' High Performance Liaison and Technical Coordinator, HITS is planning a special ceremony for Spooner if he surpasses the mark during the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit. "Richard Spooner has been a fixture at the HITS Desert Circuit for over a decade," said Harvey. "We would be thrilled to have Richard reach his goal of 100 wins during the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit."
©Flying Horse Photography
Richard Spooner and Gerry the Grey at HITS Thermal
Also scheduled for DC I are several fun out-of-ring activities. On Thursday, January 24, exhibitors will be treated to the movie "Shrek the Third " during a Golf Cart Drive-In at 6 pm on one of the two new JumboTrons at HITS Thermal.
Also on the social calendar for Friday, January 25 is a Spa Day, courtesy of La Quinta Resort. The event will take place from 10 am until 2 pm.
On Saturday, January 26 the special events calendar for DC I comes to a close when the Canine Affair Exhibitor Party, presented by Purina takes the stage. The first-ever dog costume party and Exhibitor Mixer includes free food, a cash bar and prizes for the best costumes. All breeds, ages and sizes are welcome. Registration for the event begins at 5 pm in the VIP Pavilion. Participants will also receive special discount coupons and free samples from HITS Official Feed Purina.
©Lili Weik Photography
Participants enjoy a moment at the Canine Affair at HITS Saugerties
The 2008 HITS Desert Circuit commences on Tuesday, January 22 for three consecutive weeks of shows, followed by an off week, February 11-17. Then HITS Thermal returns on Tuesday, February 19 for four consecutive weeks of shows and runs until Sunday, March 16 when the first-ever Desert Circuit Championship will close out the season with 17 different championship classes, including the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix of the Desert.
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
©Tony Hitchcock for HITS
The flags fly over the Grand Prix ring at HITS Thermal
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