The $25,000 Alliant Private Client Cup was the feature class in the HITS Hudson Valley Grand Prix Stadium on Thursday, May 30th, during HITS-on-the-Hudson II in Saugerties, New York. It was Colombian amateur rider Joseph Bluman and President Van De Oostdijkhoeve that led the class for the win.
German course designer Martin Otto set the track consisting of 12 obstacles and 15 efforts. In a field of 24 top horse-and-rider combinations, only six went clear to advance to the short course. Out of those six, only four duplicated their fault-free performance. Joseph Bluman and his own, President Van De Oostdijkhoeve, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Corydon x Couleur Rubin) were the fastest, finishing the jump-off in 39.18 seconds.
Joseph arrived in America with “President” one month ago to join his family farm, Bluman Equestrian in North Salem, New York.
“I know the designer, and he’s very good,” said Bluman. “I think it was a fair course. I want to know what the horse is capable of, and I think this is a good start for him. That’s why I came here.”
Bluman bought President in Belgium as a three-year-old, and then imported him to Columbia. For the past four years, they have been building their partnership, now finding themselves in the winner’s circle on U.S. soil for the first time.
“With President, he’s a little bit nervous so I try to keep him calm and relaxed,” explained Bluman. “He has a lot of quality, so he’s a good prospect for us.”
For Bluman, it was an incredible moment filled with joy and excitement toward his blue ribbon at HITS Hudson Valley.
“I’m so happy; I don’t believe that I won here in America,” expressed Bluman. “I was here 12 years ago and it’s completely different. Now the facilities and all around the show are so beautiful. The new updates, arenas, and footing are amazing. I’m very happy, and the show is incredible.”
Irishman Stephen Moore and Colibelle Hero Z, a nine-year-old Zangersheide mare (Comme Il Faut 5 x Rubens Du Ry D’asse) owned by Vlock Show Stables LLC were the runners up in the class. . The pair finished just behind Bluman with a jump off time of 40.21 seconds. Moore’s fellow countryman Paul O’Shea completed the top three aboard Oilily van‘t Eigenlo, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Montender) owned by Trelawny Farm LLC with a time of 41.34 seconds.
Many of the horse-and-rider combinations that contested the $25,000 Alliant Private Client Cup got their week started in Wednesday’s $5,000 Adequan Open Welcome. Twenty riders competed for the blue ribbon with only three of them returning for the jump-off.
Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) took the win on Dylano van de Heide Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Wembley Farms Inc. The pair raced through the timers in38.09 seconds for victory.
Grand prix competition at HITS Hudson Valley continues Saturday, June 1, with the $75,000 CWD Grand Prix, while top equitation, hunter, and jumper classes feature throughout the week.
