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SAUGERTIES, NY (September 14, 2009)—The $5,000 Marshall & Sterling 3'3" Hunter Derby made its debut during the 2009 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on Saturday and crowned its inaugural winner when Heather Ann Cahill piloted Hullabaloo to the blue at HITS-on-the-Hudson, in Saugerties, New York.
Cahill (Bedminster, New Jersey) had the highest score in both the first and second rounds of the popular class that featured 51 starters in the first round and an additional 12 that came back for the handy round on a course set by Jerry Dougherty. "I couldn't be happier that this class was offered at the Finals," said Cahill. "The numbers speak for themselves. There were more than 50 horses that competed and everyone had a great time."
Hullabaloo, is owned by Elizabeth Kalaris and is a relatively new ride for Cahill. "He is one of the best horses that I have ever had the privilege to ride," she said.
Also excelling in the exciting class was Winston, shown by Brian Feigus (Colts Neck, New Jersey). When the class was complete, they took second place. Lucy Wise piloted Timeless to the yellow ribbon and taking fourth place was Jen Bliss (Katonah, New York) aboard Mozambique. Rounding out the top five was Sophie Cohen (Greenwich, Connecticut) and her horse Hero. "I don't think Sophie ever had so much fun at a horse show," said trainer Cynthia Williams. "It was a great week for her and she is just thrilled."
©Lili Weik Photography
HITS' Kristen Vale joins Heather Ann Cahill for the win shot after the $5,000 Marshall & Sterling 3'3" Hunter Derby.
©Lili Weik Photography
HITS' Kristen Vale congratulates Brian Feigus for his second-place effort in the $5,000 Marshall & Sterling 3'3" Hunter Derby.
©Lili Weik Photography
HITS' Kristen Vale congratulates Lucy Wise after taking third place in the $5,000 Marshall & Sterling 3'3" Hunter Derby.
In other action at the 2009 Finals, the exhibitors from Hunters Crossing Farm continued to bring home the hardware. Under the guidance of trainer Robert Beck, Coreen Gilligan (Long Valley, New Jersey) rode Hidden Spring's Basil to the Championship in the Children's Hunter Pony Division. The New Jersey based barn has won numerous ribbons at the Finals making it a week for them to remember in the Hudson Valley.
"I had so much fun jumping and galloping in the Grand Prix Ring," said Gilligan. "Riding with Robert is fun. He always makes sure we are prepared and ready when we come to the ring."
"We are very serious when we come here," said Beck. "We are a goal orientated group and the Finals is something that we always have our eyes on from the start of the year."
©Lili Weik Photography
HITS' Kristen Vale congratulates Coreen Gilligan after winning the Children's Hunter Pony Championship.
Other winners on Saturday include:
Children's Hunter Horse: Modigliani, ridden and owned by Mira Hopkins (Greenwich, Connecticut)
$7,500 Children's Jumper Classic: Rain or Shine, ridden and owned by Tara Corr (Goshen, New York)
Marshall & Sterling Adult Medal: Ashley Billman (New York, New York)
For a complete list of results from the 2009 Finals, click here.
©Lili Weik Photography
Tara Corr on course in the $7,500 Children's Jumper Classic.
©Lili Weik Photography
Tara Corr is congratulated by a group of supporters after taking the $7,500 Children's Jumper Classic.
©Lili Weik Photography
HITS' Kristen Vale and Marshall & Sterling's Mary Moeller congratulate Mira Hopkins after winning the Championship in the Children's Hunter Horse Division.
Show jumping at the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals continues today and the competition is highlighted by the Marshall & Sterling Children's Medal-Ponies, Marshall & Sterling Children's Medal-Horses and the Central Equine Junior Medal.
During the year, riders from coast to coast compete at more than 1,100 Marshall & Sterling League member horse shows to earn points for a place at the National Finals. Since its inception in 1991, the Marshall & Sterling League Finals have provided the goal that has fueled the competitive spirit of child and adult riders at all levels of competition.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling has been recognized by IIABA as one of the nation's top "Best Practice Agencies." The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact Mary Moeller at 800-836-3046, extension 224.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.
Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.
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