Saugerties, NY (May 30, 2016): Jumper exhibitors vied for the money in the $15,000 KindredBio Open Jumper Prix and the $10,000 Marshall & Sterling/TuffRider/EquineCouture Child and Adult Jumper Classic.

$15,000 KindredBio Open Jumper Prix 

Horses and riders showed up to the Grand Prix ring at HITS-on-the-Hudson I to battle it out for a blue-ribbon title in the $15,000 KindredBio Open Jumper Prix, newly sponsored by Kindred Biosciences, Inc. 

Laura Chapot, of Neshanic Station, New Jersey, was on fire in Week I at HITS Saugerties. After snagging the blue ribbon in both the $10,000 Brook Ledge Open Welcome and the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, Chapot returned to the ring to capture three spots in the top five with not only the first, but second- and fifth-place prize as well.

“I’d like to thank Kindred Bio for sponsoring this class,” said Chapot. “It’s great to have them here at HITS and let’s hope we have them around for long time in the future.”

Nine horses and riders had clear first rounds and moved on to the immediate jump-off over Saturday’s course designed by Marina Azevedo of Campinas, Brazil.

“[Marina] always does a fantastic job,” said Chapot. “It’s a nice class for the 1.40 meter horses as well as a young horse moving up; it was challenging in spots, but it never over-faced anyone.”

Chapot and her winning mount Out of Ireland, owned by The Edge, made out with the first clear jump-off round. Chapot and the powerhouse bay mare blazed through the course, turning on a dime to save time at every opportunity. They crossed the timers in 31.216, where the lead would remain.

“She has just stepped up to the upper levels—she won a small Grand Prix last year and had a great round today,” said Chapot of Out of Ireland. “She’s enthusiastic and a very fun ride; she’s fast but it’s all about keeping her head in it, and not getting ahead of herself.” 

Next of the clear jump-off rounds was Sarah Segal of Flemington, New Jersey aboard Zelda, owned by T.K. Farm. Segal and Zelda put in a speedy trip, the seconds were dwindling down as they crossed the timers without fault in 33.276, which would eventually earn them third-place.

Megan Bash was next to contend the jump-off as she piloted Pourkoipa Fontaine, owned by Cleveland Equestrian. They were quick and clear, but their time of 34.989 was not quite enough to move up the leaderboard. It was enough however, to keep them in the money with the ultimate fourth-place.

Chapot followed with Umberto, owned by Mary Chapot, to test her own leading time. They clocked in just a second behind in a fault-free 32.659, earning them the second-place spot.

More talented contenders entered the ring including Matthew Williams and Debbie McCarthy Connor. They each had four-fault rounds, but stayed in the ribbons with their speedy rounds earning sixth-place and seventh-place, respectfully.

The final trip belonged to Chapot aboard Zealous, owned by Mary Chapot. With two leading times in the books, Chapot took to the shortened course to once again challenge her own rank. Their round was lightning-fast with another lead on the horizon, but a rail for four faults sealed the placings. They stopped the clock at 31.585 to garner fifth-place.