Abigail Roberts and King of Leon Rule the Ring in ASPCA Maclay at Lamplight Spring Spectacular I

Wayne, Ill. – June 11, 2022 – On Saturday equitation riders took charge in the Main Hunter Ring at Lamplight Spring Spectacular I to compete for the top award in the ASPCA Maclay. In the field of top junior riders, it was Abigail Roberts and King of Leon who ruled the ring to garner the winning title at HITS Chicago Series.

The over-fences phase was first, and although straightforward, the course offered multiple inside options for riders to showcase their equitation skills. “My plan going in was to really just focus on my track and pace, and not let him drift out in the turn so I could keep him straight,” explained Roberts.

 Abigail Roberts and King of Leon. Photo by: Alison Hartwell

Roberts and King of Leon were able to answer all the questions that the first-round course posed and continued to impress the judge with her second-round flat phase where riders had to demonstrate a sitting trot. The duo kept themselves at the top of the leaderboard and earned the winning ribbon. Following close behind in the placings was Saylor Shea and Carlo E taking home second, while Natalie Bertoglio and Django S rounded out the top three.

 Saylor Shea and Carlo E. Photo by: Alison Hartwell

“I chose to do all of the inside tracks because I feel like I know my horse pretty well now and he’s pretty handy,” remarked Roberts. King of Leon is a 7-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by C.J. Towers that Roberts began riding in March and stepped up to the major equitation classes with in May. This week marked their first show at the Lamplight Equestrian Center this year and they were thrilled to begin with a winning performance in the ASPCA Maclay.

“It’s just a great environment to be in,” says Roberts. “I think it’s a great venue and everyone is so friendly and nice here!”

Abigail Roberts and King of Leon. Photo by: Alison Hartwell

One more week of hunter action remains as part of the Lamplight Spring Spectacular Series at Lamplight Equestrian Center during the HITS Chicago Series, which runs through September at the world-class facility. Lamplight Spring Spectacular III will feature another $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, as well as the $1,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive, the $750 USHJA Green Challenge, and the Lamplight 2’6” Hunter Derby.