Lauren Tisbo Grabs the Blue in the $100,000 Hudson Valley Jumper Classic

Saugerties, NY (September 11, 2016): As the CSI-5* week at HITS Saugerties continued, thirty four descended on the Grand Prix Ring at HITS-on-the-Hudson for a chance at taking home the top prize in the $100,000 Hudson Valley Jumper Classic. The stacked order-of-go was filled with contenders for the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix on Sunday, September 11. 

Spectators from near and far watched to see who would take home the blue, both on the grass berm surrounding the ring, and a packed VIP tent. A webcast on HITS TV live-streamed the excitement for viewers at home. The team to beat proved to be Lauren Tisbo of Wellington, Florida, and Coriandolo Di Ribano, owned by Tequestrian Farms, LLC.

“I couldn’t do this without my team,” said Tisbo. “My grooms and barn manager are great, I couldn’t do it without them.”

Four advanced over the first round course to contest the jump-off set by German course designer, Werner Deeg, where Lauren would earn the blue ribbon as the only clear round. 

“I thought the course was a challenging 1.50 meter course,” said Tisbo. “For most of the horses in the jump-off it was a good test. The horse I won with today is a 9-year-old stallion that I got in February. I’m still settling in with him and getting to know him, I’ll be riding a different horse in the Million, but this guy is an amazing horse and I think he has a really bright future ahead of him.”

First to re-enter the ring was Todd Minikus from Loxahatchee, Florida, piloting Arino du Rouet, owned by Two Swans Farm. They took to the jump-off on a quick pace, and conquered each fence until the penultimate fence came down— costing those four faults as they stopped the clock in 49.660 seconds. As the quickest time with four faults, Minikus would still take home the second place prize.

Following Minikus was Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, New Jersey, and ISHD Dual Star, owned by Mary Chapot. A heart-breaking rail at the first fence, followed by an unfortunate rail at the last fence would ultimately settle them in fourth place.

Defender of Wednesday’s $34,600 Saugerties Jumper Classic title, Ali Wolff of New Albany, Ohio, was next to try her luck on the course. Wolff and her mount, Quirie 2, owned by John Wolff, would too have the rail at the first fence, but finished the rest of the course clear to stop the clock in 55.450 for third.

Saving the best for last in this case, Lauren Tisbo and Coriandolo Di Ribano entered as the last in the jump-off order. Tisbo knew that a clear round would lock in the victory, so being careful within the time allowed was the top priority. The crowd held their breath as they took off for the final fence, landing with the rails up to a round of applause; they stopped the clock fault-free in 55.85 for the win.

To watch all the action in the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix LIVE on HITS TV, please click here.