Todd Minikus Takes Top Two in $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix Presented by Zoetis
SAUGERTIES, NY (June 3, 2014) – Two weeks ago Todd Minikus would have never thought he’d be standing in the Strongid® C 2X™ Grand Prix Stadium claiming a blue ribbon with Arino Du Rouet. The nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding, owned by Two Swans Farm, became the ride of Minikus during the winter circuit. They dabbled in 1.30m and 1.40m classes with mixed results, but “Arino" recently came into his own.
“Since we've been on the road this spring he's really progressed, but I never imagined he would win today – it was basically a chance to get him some mileage,” said Minikus.
Victory was twice as sweet for Minikus in the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix Presented by Zoetis. He not only clinched first with Arino Du Rouet, but was second aboard Aries for Noel Love Gross, topping a field of 27 original starters. “Aries is an experienced horse who has had success before, so it was no surprise that he performed well,” said Minikus. “All in all, it was an amazing day for my whole team, especially the people who help me get these horses to top form.”
Course designer Oscar Soberon set a track of 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts, including a double and triple combination. His first time at HITS Saugerties, Soberon was praised for his efforts. “His take on the courses was refreshing,” said Minikus. “He had some different ideas and distances in the lower level classes all week, culminating in a perfect formula today.”
Soberon hails from Monterrey, Mexico and has designed internationally in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Ireland and South America, as well as the Pan American Games, several CSI and Nations Cups. “My goal was to build up to Sunday all week and it was great to see everyone, from inexperienced horses to up and coming riders and seasoned professionals, have a good day,” said Soberon.
After winning the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Friday, Ronan McGuigan of Far Hills, New Jersey hinted at a repeat as the first to go clean with his own Capall Zidane. He was later joined by six more to stage a seven-horse jump-off.
McGuigan wasted no time setting the Great American Time to Beat at 35.59 seconds.
“That pair is so fast together,” said Minikus, after watching from the gate. “I didn’t think we could make the turns he did while maintaining the speed, but a couple jumps came up perfectly, so I could continuing galloping. We definitely took some chances, but it worked.”
Minikus and Arino Du Rouet went second in the jump-off and stopped the clock at 37.61 seconds with five more to go, including Aries. After Sarah Segal of New York, New York was clear in 40.12 seconds and both Russia’s Ljubov Kochetova and Peter Wylde from Lake Worth, Florida picked up faults, Minikus returned with Aries to go clean in 38.78 seconds and bump McGuigan to third.
Segal finished fourth with Robert Segal’s Ramses, while Kochetova’s six faults landed her fifth aboard her own URUS. Julie Welles of Wellington, Florida rode last on Twan for Stephex Stables and Missy Clark. Their eight faults settled them sixth and Wylde seventh.
With several horses jumping in top form, Minikus has the luxury of options for September’s Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix. “A couple weeks ago I was not considering more than one horse, but now it’s a tough decision. I will wait and see how they are doing in September before choosing – given todays' win, you can never perfectly plan where we will be in several months,” he concluded.
©ESI Photography
Arino Du Rouet may be Todd Minikus’ next star after winning the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix presented by Zoetis on Sunday at HITS Saugerties. The pair topped an impressive field to take first and $22,500.
©ESI Photography
Rebecca Doherty of Horseware Ireland and Tony Hitchcock of HITS presented Todd Minikus and Arino Du Rouet with top honors after winning the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix presented by Zoetis on Sunday at HITS Saugerties.
About Horseware Ireland
When it comes to turnout blankets, there is only Horseware Ireland. Founded in 1986, Horseware's acclaimed Rambo Turnout has surpassed even the founders' original goal -- to create a turnout that doesn't leak, doesn't make your horse sweat, and doesn't slip. Named Britain's "favorite turnout rug" for nine consecutive years, Rambo has become an industry leader worldwide. Horseware also offers a range of clothing and accessories for the active, fashion-conscious rider. For more information, visit Horseware.com.
About Zoetis
Building on 60 years of experience as Pfizer Animal Health, Zoetis delivers quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostics products and genetics tests and supported by a range of services. They work every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant. Zoetis produces a comprehensive range of safe and effective products, including equine vaccines, dewormers and sedative analgesics, to help professionals and individual horse owners keep their animals healthy. Both veterinarians and horse owners know and trust the Zoetis will help their horses live longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit Zoetis.com.
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$75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis
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$10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic presented by Bayer’s Legend®
It took significant persuading to get Erin Haas of Ann Arbor, Michigan to even sit on As Di Chupito four years ago. The 16.3 hand gelding didn’t appeal to her little, hot, motorbike-type taste.
“He was standing in the crossties and I was asked to try him. I said ‘no way’,” she admitted. “But I gave in and jumped him around and quickly realized he was my ride.”
As Di Chupito, an 11-year-old Hanoverian by As Di Villagana, may be big but his quick feet carried Haas to a win in Sunday’s $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic presented by Bayer’s Legend®. “Every distance comes up well because he is so easy and quick to adjust – we never get stuck at a half stride distance,” said Haas.
The pair was double-clear in last week’s Junior/Amateur-Owner High Classic, but added speed to the equation this week in an effort to climb the rider standings for the Bayer's Legend ® (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution $250,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix. All high junior/amateur-owner jumper classics at HITS Saugerties are qualifiers for the big-money final at the HITS Championship this September.
“My goal this spring is to qualify for the [HITS Championship] final,” claimed Hass. “That class is great for the amateur level of the sport. It gives us the opportunity to see real prize money without having to move up to the grand prix and compete against professionals.”
Hass topped a six-horse jump-off with Michael Hughes of Allendale, New Jersey finishing a close second aboard Christina Fried’s Cool Z. Hughes, a former Zoetis Million competitor, has also set his sights on the Bayer’s Legend Junior/A-O Prix this year.
Helena Le Picart of New York, New York jumped to third with her own Bon Vivant and Addison Gierkink of Harpswell, Maine was fourth in the irons of Promised Land for Candy Tribble. Sarah Bubbard rounded out the top five on her own Athina Z.
©ESI Photography
Erin Haas and As Di Chupito jump to a win in the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic, presented by Bayer’s Legend.
©ESI Photography
Asia Manning and Lindsay Yandon of HITS presented Erin Haas and As Di Chupito with winner’s awards after the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic, presented by Bayer’s Legend.
About Bayer Animal Health
Bayer Animal Health is amongst worldwide leaders in animal health. Bayer has attained this leadership position by continuously researching and developing products for animal health since 1919. A responsible relationship between humans, companion animals and livestock requires ensuring the health of animals. For more information on Bayer Animal Health, visit bayer.com.
$10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic presented by Bayer's Legend®
| Place | Horse | Owner | Rider | Prize $ | Rd 1 Faults | JO Faults | JO Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | As Di Chupito | North Face Farm | Erin Haas | $2,800 | 0 | 0 | 35.72 |
| 2 | Cool Z | Christina Fried | Michael Hughes | $1,800 | 0 | 0 | 35.75 |
| 3 | Bon Vivant | Helena Le Picart | Helena Le Picart | $1,250 | 0 | 0 | 36.06 |
| 4 | Promised Land | Candy Tribble | Addison Gierkink | $900 | 0 | 0 | 36.64 |
| 5 | Athina Z | Sarah Hubbard | Sarah Hubbard | $800 | 0 | 0 | 37.10 |
| 6 | Classic Care | Linda Langmeier | Mckayla Langmeier | $700 | 0 | 4 | 38.03 |
| 7 | Anabella | Santa Catalina Farm | Andrea Torres Guerreiro | $600 | 4 | - | - |
| 8 | All In | Katherine Strauss, LLC | Katherine Strauss | $400 | 4 | - | - |
| 9 | Fidel Van De Kooldries | Angelstone Farms | Katherine Strauss | $375 | 4 | - | - |
| 10 | Victoria | Santa Catalina Farm | Andrea Torres Guerreiro | $375 | 4 | - | - |
| 11 | Riquita du Rozel | Chelsea Moss | Chelsea Moss | - | 4 | - | - |
| 12 | Tiffany | Kadley Holdings, LLC | Addison Gierkink | - | 4 | - |
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