OCALA, FL (January 23, 2012) – The ladies flexed their muscles in the hunter ring on Sunday as they swept the top eight ribbons in the $2,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix. Robin Fairclough of Newton, New Jersey aboard Lisa Kerkorian's Falcao took home the victory, which also served as the first qualifier for the 2012 Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix, set to take place during the HITS Championship Weekend September 7-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida designed the two-round classic for a field of 20 competitors. At the end of the first round, the top 12 scores returned for a second round to produce a two-round total score and winner.
“This was a great class,” said Fairclough. “The course was done nicely and it's a fun class for the hunters to compete in.”
Fairclough had the best first round score of 87 and secured the win with a second round score of 87 for a total score of 174.
Second place was awarded to fellow New Jersey native and top hunter rider Amanda Steege of Bedminster aboard Tony Arena's Majestic. She also picked up the fourth and fifth place ribbons aboard Randi Vladimer's Duval and Jennifer Ritucci's Swing Time, respectively.
Third place was awarded to amateur rider Laura Linback of Mundelin, Illinois aboard Woodrun's Flirtini. Linback had a successful day on Sunday, also finishing in fourth place in the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health .
The ladies of HITS Ocala left no ribbons unaccounted for as Jen Alfano of Buffalo, New York aboard Helen Lenahan's Sting finished in sixth place and Ontario's Cathy Inch finished in seventh and eighth place in the irons of Katriina Ruotsalo's Wiroko and Rainier, respectively.
“I was able to compete in a few of these classes over the summer in Saugerties,” said Fairclough. “It would be nice to qualify for the [Diamond Mills] $500,000 [Hunter Prix] Final this year. I think it's great for the sport and certainly has a lot of people who are excited to come out and qualify week after week.”
Fairclough is excited for a great season at HITS Ocala. “Ocala is a second home for me so it's great to be back here in the beautiful weather. This was a great start to the year and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season,” she said.
The $2,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix will return next Sunday to highlight the hunter competition during the second unrated pre-circuit week at HITS Ocala. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be featured each week throughout the seven A and AA-rated weeks of competition, which begin January 31 and run through March 18. As the season continues, professionals, juniors and amateurs will each have an opportunity to qualify for the richest Hunter class in the world and be a part of one of the most exciting classes offered at HITS Ocala.
© ESI Photography.
Robin Fairclough aboard Lisa Kerkorian's Falcao on their way to winning the first Devoucoux Hunter Prix of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.
© ESI Photography.
Robin Fairclough accepts first place honors from HITS' Lisa Engel after winning the $2,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala.
About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the second annual Diamond Mills $500,000 3'3” Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the historic Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place as part of HITS Championship Weekend from September 7-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
About HITS, Inc.
HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. In 2011, HITS hosted the richest weekend in show jumping with the return of the Pfizer Million and the introduction of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. In 2012, the historic weekend will get even sweeter with the addition of the $250,000 HITS 3' Hunter Prix Final September 8-9.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com . Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter !
Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com . |
