Stephen Foran sailed to the win on Karma Balia Blue.

It was Classic Day on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at HITS Chicago in Wayne, Illinois, and all eyes were on the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium to watch the exciting conclusion of the Lamplight Spring Classic I. Stephan Foran was once again in the winner’s circle, this time topping the $5,000 1.30m Horseflight Jumper Classic 1.30m on his KWPN mare, Karma Balia Blue (Zirocco Blue). 

“Karma Balia Blue is a really cool horse,” said Foran. “I spotted her as a six-year-old in Traverse City, Michigan, and ended up buying her later in the year. She’s extremely talented, and I think she’ll be one of those horses to succeed in everything. She has really started to come into her own this year and is continuously posting impressive results.”

Stephen Foran in his winning presentation.

In a competitive group of horse-and-rider combinations, Foran laid down two flawless rounds. His impressive jump-off time of 43.788 seconds earned him winning honors. Following in second was Adeline Rohrbach on Rarity, an Oldenburg mare by Ravenna of High Dunes, finishing with a double-clear performance and a jump-off time of 45.760 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Addison Parins with Roc of Cashel, an Oldenburg gelding by Roc USA, with a double-clear effort and a jump-off time of 46.679 seconds. 

Adeline Rohrbach and Rarity
Addison Parins and Roc of Cashel

After his successful week at HITS Chicago, Foran expressed appreciation for his team saying, “I am so grateful for my Freedom Woods family. We truly have the best clients, grooms, and horses, as well as my girlfriend, Ashleen Lee, who is the heart of it all. None of this would be possible without them.” 

Foran concluded by noting his love for HITS Chicago: “The environment here is so horse-friendly. The rings are great and so are the courses. It’s the perfect place to develop riders and horses.”