| |
OCALA, FL (November 20, 2008)—The
2009 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is fast approaching and HITS is pleased
to announce several enhancements being made in preparation for the new
season, which begins with two consecutive un-rated weeks on January 14,
2009 followed by six weeks of AA-rated competition beginning on
February 3.
Starting
from the ground up, HITS has completed footing upgrades to the property
by resurfacing Hunter 6 and the Annex ring, which were the only two
rings not completed for last year's circuit. A new drainage
system was also installed in the Main Hunter ring and the adjacent
schooling area.
Stabling
area improvements include 2,000 brand new temporary stalls and new
tents, similar to what was used at HITS Saugerties this summer. These
new stalls have already been erected on the show grounds and feature
wood and steel dividers. A project to install new concrete wash
racks throughout the stabling area has also been completed.
Other
structural improvements include a new horse show office building near
the front entrance to the show grounds to allow for better flow of
traffic and people. And ringside, exhibitors and spectators will enjoy
covered bleacher seating at each ring complete with small space heaters
for those chillier mornings early on in the circuit.
Aesthetic
enhancements include new gardens installed in the corners of the Hunter
rings as well as new islands in all the Hunter rings for additional
color and beauty.
VIP
customers will enjoy catered Sunday brunches courtesy of some of
Ocala's most popular restaurants. And new for this season, On the
Flipside Cafè will be catering a special breakfast
President's Day weekend during the Ocala Masters (Week III) and
again for the all-new $5,000 Pony Commotion, which will be held
during the Ocala Winter Finals (Week V).
Trainer Mary Babick of Knightsbridge Farm in Freehold, New Jersey is a long-time Ocala customer and is
looking forward to the 2009 season. "Having been to Post Time Farm
since the inception, it's always been a nice property and what HITS is
doing now is bringing more creature comforts to both the human and
equine customers."
Finally,
thanks to the addition of the eighth week to this year's circuit, HITS
has made some extra special changes to the schedule and class
offerings. Highlights include more Saturday night classes, increased
Grand Prix prize money during Week III, the return of the $10,000
USHJA/Software Solutions International Hunter Derby, new hunter
classics for both Children and Adults, the addition of the Ronnie
"R.W." Mutch Equitation Classic and of course, the season's grand
finale, the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by
Great American Insurance Group, which will close out the season during
the new Ocala Winter Celebration on Sunday, March 15.
"I
felt that Ocala was a great product last year and was quite proud of
what we accomplished," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO.
"These additional tweaks we are making for this year, which really came
from customer feedback and suggestions, will help to ensure that 2009
is our best year yet in Ocala. And contrary to what people may be
thinking, early reservations for 2009 are ahead of last year, which to
me speaks to the response to all of our efforts last season."
"Ocala
has always been a beautiful place, and each year HITS continues to
invest in the overall beautification of the Post Time property. I'm
delighted to hear of these great improvements and I
can't wait for the new
season," said Babick. "There's so much to look forward to. I know the
covered bleachers, in particular, will be a great addition for the
customers to enjoy while watching their favorite exhibitors!"
As a result of the increase in early reservations, exhibitors are encouraged to make their plans soon. To help with that,
HITS has some great lodging partners for this year's shows. They
include 12 hotels and one long-term leasing partner. Click here
to view the complete list. HITS, Inc. has negotiated special exhibitor
rates at certain hotels as well, so be sure to check for special HITS
customer rates for early bookings.
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.
Photo Courtesy of Homes to Ranches Realty
An overhead shot of HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida home of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.
2009 DATES
Ocala Pre-Circuit 1
January 14-18 Entry Pre I
Ocala Pre-Circuit 2
January 21-25 Entry Pre 2
OFF-WEEK, January 26 - February 1
Ocala I, February 3-8
Entry | Schedule
Ocala II, February 10-15
Entry | Schedule
Ocala III, February 17-22
Entry | Schedule
Ocala IV, February 24 - March 1
Entry | Schedule
Ocala V, March 3-8
Entry | Schedule
Ocala VI, March 10-15
Entry | Schedule
PRIZE LIST INFORMATION
Prize List
Feed & Bedding Order Form
|
|
