The $20,000 Alliant Private Client Cup was the highlight event at HITS Chicago on Thursday morning, July 4, marking the second day of action in the three-week-long Lamplight Summertime Series. Maggie Jayne of St. Charles, Illinois, delivered an outstanding performance aboard Alex Jayne’s homebred eight-year-old American Warmblood mare by Chill RZ, Easter Lily ODF, securing the top spot in the exciting class.
Jayne and Easter Lily ODF were among only two combinations to advance to the jump-off. Demonstrating impeccable precision and speed, the pair earned the only double-clear of the class, finishing with a jump-off time of 41.718 seconds. Their victory was a testament to the mare’s developing talent as well as Jayne’s skill and horsemanship.
“Our goals are just to keep getting comfortable at this height,” explained Jayne. “I just moved her up to the welcome grand prix height last month, and she just turned eight in April. I just had two babies, so she’s not a super experienced eight-year-old. We’re focused on keeping her confident while we move up, as she’s a very clean jumper with great scope.”
Second place went to Danielle Urban aboard Falco De Vesquiere, her own nine-year-old Warmblood gelding by Chacco Rouge. Despite recording the fastest jump-off time of 39.454 seconds, an unfortunate rail relegated them to the runner-up position. Rounding out the top three was Caelinn Leahy with Zarkava, Steve Schaefer’s 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Guidam x Sir Libero), who delivered the fastest four-fault first round in 65.771 seconds.
“Thankfully, I think the course was very easy for her,” reflected Jayne. “Both combinations were on the wall, which could be a little spooky for some horses, but she handled that really well. A lot of people had trouble with that one red vertical, the second-to-last jump. I did feel her study it, so there must have been something about it, but she handled it really well.”
The HITS Chicago Lamplight Equestrian Center is a special venue for the Jayne family, with their Our Day Farm in Elgin, Illinois, just a short drive away.
“We love showing here, and our horses love it too,” said Jayne. “There are always nice course designers and good prize money. It’s very close to our house, and it’s in a fun, inviting town for all exhibitors. We always enjoy showing here.” As the Lamplight Summertime Series continues, competitors and spectators alike can look forward to more thrilling classes, such as Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Saturday’s $35,000 FarmVet Grand Prix, and Sunday’s $15,000 Horseflight Jumper Classic.
