PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 1, 2010

OCALA, FL (February 1, 2010)—The $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby made its' anticipated return for week two of the HITS Ocala Pre-Circuit, with Samantha Smith of Wakefield, Rhode Island and Ksenyio taking home the blue ribbon for the win.

"I was pretty nervous since it was my first time doing this," said Smith. "He usually does the Low Juniors Jumpers, so I’m very proud of him winning this Hunter Derby." She plans to continue having Ksenyio compete in both the hunter and jumper divisions.

Smith took her mount in the first round for a well-placed score of 83, which sent her into the second round knowing she had a chance to win.

"He’s been having trouble landing on his right lead but today he was really balanced and I knew he could do it – he didn’t miss any lead changes," praised Smith. "I was a little nervous about the coop and hand gallop jumps but he did great. I’m just so proud of him!"

Smith scored an 84 in the second round for a combined score of 167, which was the win.

Placing second was Charmed ridden by Amanda Holstein of Indianapolis, Indiana, who was in a hurry to catch a flight home! With a score of 81 in the first round and 84 in the second round for a combined 165, Holstein wrapped up the Pre-Circuit with the red ribbon.

Starting off the first round over a challenging course designed by Rian Beals, was Robin Swinderman from Morriston, Florida and INXS, who wasted no time in becoming the leader of the group with a top score of 87. Swinderman appeared to have the lead advantage going into the second round, but a second-round score of 75 for a combined 162 settled her into the third place spot.

The Devoucoux Hunter Derby is the newest addition to the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, as competitors flock to compete in this exciting event that will be one of many highlights throughout the circuit. During the AA-rated circuit, the Devoucoux Derby will double in prize money to $10,000.

"I’m very excited right now by this win and I’ll be here the entire winter circuit to compete," said Smith.

This year, the all-new Devoucoux Hunter Derby will be a featured event at both the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California, and represents the 13th division to count for points in the Marshall & Sterling League. In addition to the $10,000 classes at HITS winter shows in Ocala and Thermal, qualifying classes for the Devoucoux Hunter Derby will also be offered at the HITS Culpeper and HITS Saugerties shows this spring and summer. HITS has also invited a select number of additional horse shows in the Northeast to add the Devoucoux Hunter Derby to their show schedules in order to facilitate the growth of the class and to provide further qualifying opportunities for the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals. The Devoucoux Hunter Derby Finals will be offered at the 2010 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on September 16-19 in Saugerties, New York. For a complete list of horse shows offering the Devoucoux Hunter Derby for Marshall & Sterling points, please click here.

The six week AA-rated circuit at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida begins Tuesday, February 9 with the Ocala Winter Classic. The highlight of the first week will be the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby, a $25,000 HITS Grand Prix on Thursday, and the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health on Sunday. All Grand Prix events at HITS Ocala are Qualifiers for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, which will take place on September 12 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. Also, during the first rated week there will be an invite-only sponsor reception at the Hilton Ocala’s Arthur’s on Thursday, February 11, as well as a special VIP catered lunch by Pi on Broadway on Sunday, February 14.