Open jumper competition during HITS-on-the-Hudson III at HITS Hudson Valley in Saugerties, New York, kicked off on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with the $5,000 Adequan Open Welcome. It was top U.S. rider Peter Lutz who claimed the first blue ribbon of the week with Casanova Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Calido 1 x Volante) owned by Libertas Farms LLC. Lutz followed up on his success with a second victory in as many days, this time in the $25,000 Alliant Private Client Cup aboard Katriona.
Katriona was developed as a young horse by Peter Paul Bosch of Bosch Sporthorses in the Netherlands. Bosch, who has been business partners with Lutz for more than 20 years, rode the talented mare as a four- and five-year-old. Even as a youngster, Katriona impressed Lutz, and when she was six, he decided to bring her to the U.S. to continue her training.,
“She has a very strong personality,” said Lutz of the nine-year-old KWPN mare (Kannan x Oklund) owned by Lovsta Stuteri. “She’s very fast, has a lot of energy, and always wants to gallop. She’s always trying to be careful and that makes her a winner.”
The course, designed by Mark McGowan (GBR), consisted of 12 obstacles and 15 efforts including a challenging triple combination and a delicate in-and-out. The triple, set as an oxer followed by a vertical to vertical, was the common fault for the competitors.
“The test is to collect at the B and C elements,” explained Lutz. “That was the challenge of the triple today. The line leading up to the triple was a little bit forward so you had to gallop down and make sure that you arrived with a bit of collection at the triple in order to jump it clear.”
Lutz and Katriona were one of nine pairs to return for the jump-off after posting a fault-free first round. Of the nine, only five managed to repeat their clear performances across the short course, but it was Lutz who was the fastest of the group, crossing the timers in 45.490 seconds.
“My partner, Mary Manfredi, gave me some great advice,” shared Lutz who, alongside Manfredi, operates Lutz/Manfredi in North Salem, New York “There was one inside turn that I’m not sure many others did. My plan was to go inside instead of going fast around the wider turn. It was quite direct, but I think that’s how I was able to make the time.”
After two wins in two days, Lutz now has his eyes on Saturday’s $75,000 SummitMax Grand Prix. He will then look to replicate the week’s success during the HITS-on-the-Hudson Jumper Special on June 19-23, in the Great American Insurance Group CSI2* division.
“We always like coming to HITS Hudson Valley and have shown here quite a bit over the years,” commented Lutz. “The improvements to the show are really incredible and we really appreciate them. We’re very happy to be here, and, of course, it’s always fun to win.”
Just off the pace of Lutz was Christian Coyle (IRL) and Extravaganza Semilly, a 10-year-old Selle Français (Jarnac x Heartbreaker) mare owned by Alexis Bodo. They crossed the finishing timers in 46.46 seconds. Michael Desiderio (USA) completed the top three with Le Muguet, a 13-year-old Belgium Warmblood stallion (Ugano Sitte x Ohio van de Padenborre D’02), he owns in partnership with his wife Sydney Schulman Desiderio.The pair finished the short course with a time of 47.27 seconds.
HITS-on-the-Hudson continues Friday, June 7, with the $5,000 USHJA National and Jr/Am National Hunter Derbies as well as the $15,000 STX Open Speed.
