HUNTER NEWS WEEK IV
THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC
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MIDAS
IS GOLDEN! WINS THE $15,777 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY
For Immediate Release: March 9, 2019
Gulfport, Mississippi
The $15,777
USHJA International Hunter Derby welcomed twenty four horse and rider teams to the beautiful grass grand prix field over a course designed by Nancy Wallis and Paul Jewell of Lambertville, New Jersey.
Accolade Farm’s Holly Shepherd aboard Margaret Camp’s
Midas and Jordan Lubow riding her own
Anthemis Z vied for the top honors in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Lubow and
Anthemis Z won their first USHJA International Hunter Derby Week II of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and were primed to try to add another to their roster of wins.
The Classic round saw Lubow and
Anthemis Z take the lead with a score of 178 while Shepherd and
Midas finished up their Classic round right behind them with a score of 176.5. Thom Brennan and Anita Ledsinger’s
Able followed with less than a ten point spread with their Classic round score of 169 and Shepherd and Barbara Risius’
Longstreet earned a 166 as did Christina Fisher and her own
Levland.
The bonus options made all the difference in the Handy Round. Shepherd and
Midas earned 16 handy bonuses and 6 option bonus points for a total Handy Round score of 196. Lubow and
Anthemis Z finished up only two points shy of the winning score after earning six option bonus points and 14 Handy bonus points for a total score of 371.5, finishing in second place.
“
Midas is only 6 years old and this is only his 3rd Derby. He’s very handy and has a lot of heart. I knew my coach Dennis Murphy would want me to go for it and not hold back. Both Jordan and I had the same game plan,” said Shepherd.
“The horses were good. They are both [
Midas and
Anthemis Z] super scopey and brave,” commented Shepherd. "There were more rails down as is expected as in any International Derby, but the course was just beautiful and the footing was great. There was a hard trot fence and the inside and outside options were all good. Honestly, I think the fact that I have a little more mileage in the jumper ring gave me the advantage. Jordan went around a jump whereas I took the inside turn. She [Jordan] rode really well and you could just hear how impressed the crowd was watching her go. It was just an excellent day for both of us, a spectacular day for the horses and I hope that we continue to be neck and neck in future derbies,” said Shepherd.
“Jordan has been an awesome addition to the Accolades team and her horse is something special. She rides so well and she really came to the right place at the right time,” said Shepherd.
Allison Ventura’s
Helen, ridden by Miguel Ventura of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, finished in third place with a total of 354 points and
Longstreet, owned by Barbara Risius, ridden by Shepherd placed fourth.
Chello, owned and ridden by Kara Jones of Cornelius, North Carolina, finished in fifth with their score of 348.5 and Anita Ledsinger’s
Able, ridden by Thom Brennan of Charles Town, West Virginia, took home the sixth place ribbon with their combined score of 345.
Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia picked up both seventh and eighth place ribbons with Rebekah Warren’s
Cassico and Christina Fisher’s
Levland, respectively.
Rutherford, owned and ridden by Sophia Zuckerman of Germantown, Tennessee, placed ninth and Wind Haven Farm’s
Olivander, ridden by Callie Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana placed tenth. Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama piloted Missy Nolen’s
Man Up to an eleventh place finish and Holly Shepherd in the irons of Mary Antonini’s
High Society wrapped up the class with twelfth.
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Shepherd also received a gift certificate for a set of shad belly points from Awards Sponsor Point Made. Point Made specializes in custom reversible shad belly points made longer than normal that cover your shirt and your belt. Riders can choose any fabric and the backside is the traditional canary. Material varies from a silky material to cotton and can be customized to the riders' tastes. The longer shad belly points create a more professional, traditional and flattering look. For more information, email
tasselrunfarm2@gmail.com.
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MADDRIX RIDES
CYPRESS
TO WIN $3,000 MARSHALL & STERLING CLASSIC HUNTER DERBY
The popular $3,000
Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby welcomed sixteen horse and rider teams to the course designed by
It was a battle between well-known hunter riders Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama and Missy Nolen’s
Cypress and derby queen Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama in the irons of Amy Valiollahi’s
Energia. Shepherd has won the
Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby for three consecutive weeks.
Shepherd and
Energia were in the lead after the Classic round with a score of 85. Maddrix and
Cypress followed them and posted a score of 88, setting the new lead. Shepherd and
Energia earned a handy score of 83 and then last to go Maddrix aboard
Cypress, finished with a handy score of 86, taking the blue ribbon and leaving Shepherd and
Energia in second place.
Maddrix commented, “I didn’t really see Holly’s handy round. I knew we were really close in our classic scores, so I just went in and tried to be as handy as I could. I got the insider turn to the trot jump and that was pretty tricky but it worked out well for us,” he said.
Maddrix has been riding
Cypress for two years and they have just started their third year together. “He [
Cypress] does the conformation hunters and the adult amateurs with Missy Nolen. He’s a pretty solid horse and just beautiful. He really jumps better on the outside course and it was designed beautifully,” he added.
“I had never done a
Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby before but we already jumped the lines in the international derby. We got to use the whole field and there was lots of room in between the jumps to get a good gallop going. The jumps were beautiful and the weather was perfect,” he said. “It was a great day.”
Leigh Schiff’s
Presumed Innocent, ridden by Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia followed with a third place ribbon.
Convinced, owned and ridden by Cassidy Bosch of Mclean, Virginia followed with a fourth place ribbon and
Amina, owned by October Hill Farms, Inc. and ridden by Amanda Comly of Sache, Texas, placed fifth. Curtin returned to the ring for the six, seventh, eighth and tenth place ribbons in the irons of Rebekah Warren’s
Ulta, Amy Squier Perez’
Commentary, Aidyn Gallaher’s
Coletto and Rebekah Warren’s
Say So, respectively.
Contemporary, owned by Amanda Shaw of Ellisville, Missouri and ridden by Ashley Shaw placed ninth and Riley King of Washington, DC, in the irons of Rollin Sykes’
Privilege earned an eleventh place finish they also won the
Marshall & Sterling Non Pro 3’3” $150 Rider Bonus. Micaela Kennedy’s
Ravello, ridden by Holly Shepherd wrapped the class up with a twelfth place finish.
Riley King and Rollin Sykes’
Privilege won the
Marshall & Sterling 3’3” $110 Non Pro Rider Bonus. Margaret Weaver and her own
Vuitton won the 3’3”
Marshall & Sterling $75 Non Pro Rider Bonus.
The
Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus was won by Cassidy Bosch with her own
Convinced. Emma Rheinheimer in the irons of Wind Haven Farm’s
Psychedelic won the $150
Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus. Meredith Huddle and her own
Nautical won the $100 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Marshall & Sterling Hunter Classic Derbies at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and Classic Company shows in 2019.
Marshall & Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs and those who just plain love horses.
Their client service and claims team is dedicated exclusively to support their horse insurance clients. One quick call to their office will provide instant answers to your questions. Claims are handled quickly and efficiently. They work to exceed every customer’s expectation for quality and service.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options, uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance is your true advocate when it matters most—when you apply for insurance, and when your horse has an accident, becomes sick, or injured. For more information, visit them on the web or call their office at 800-836-3046.
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The Groom’s Award, sponsored by Tustin Farm was awarded to Tito Aguilar of New Vintage Farm. Aguilar won a jacket and $400 for presenting the best groomed horse. Aguilar has worked for New Vintage Farm for ten years and loves grooming and watching the horses do the big classes like the International Derbies, the Derby Finals and of course, Indoors.
Mario Morenn of Vineyard Haven Farm won the second place prize of $300 and Ashley Ziegler of Grant Seger Sport Horses won $200 for her third place finish.
Jesus Amaro of Oak Haven Farm won fourth place and $100. Josette Ward of Castlemain Farm place fifth.
“It is so important to recognize the grooms in this class,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company. “They are the unsung heroes of the horse shows and their efforts and hard work are greatly appreciated by all,” he said.
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$1,000
Zone 4 Child Adult Handy Hunter Champion
Cassiko, owned and ridden by Abigail Whitmer
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$500
Zone 4 Childrens Handy Hunter Pony Champion
Forget Me Not, owned by Madison Keese and ridden by Ashlen Ross
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UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTED HUNTER FEATURES:
$10,777
USHJA Intl Hunter Derby - Week 6
$15,777 Green 3’/3’3” Classic - Week 5
$1,500
USHJA Pony Derby - Weeks 3 & 5
Green 3’/3’3” Incentive and Challenge Classics each week
Green 3’6”/3’9” Incentive Classics each week
Multiple Division Classics each week
$5 Green 3’ & 3’3” and Young Hunter Division Entry Fees
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HIGHLIGHTED JUMPER FEATURES:
Grand Prix each week (held on the Incredible Grass Field)
Welcome Class each week
Open Jumper Classic each week 1.25 m
Multiple Division Classics each week on the Incredible Grass Field
$5 Young Jumper Division Entry Fee
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JOIN US ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST!
The
Gulf Coast Winter Classic has two weeks added to make this year’s show a lucky 7 weeks of competition. Weekly $25,000 Grand Prix and a $10,000
USHJA International Hunter Derby Week VI along with weekly $5,000
Marshall & Sterling Hunter Classics (along with Non-Pro Rider Bonuses) offer something for everyone in your barn. Come and see why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
The
Gulf Coast and
Classic Company’s philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From lead line to Olympic level grand prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry.
Service is what sets the
Gulf Coast and
Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. Consistently awarded the
USHJA's Member Choice Award for providing excellent customer-friendly competitions, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company produced events each year.
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Already known as the crown jewel of the Gulf Coast, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino continues to raise the bar yet higher. Named one of the “South’s Best Resorts” by Southern Living, MGM Resorts International’s AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort features 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, nine restaurants, exciting nightlife and an 85,000-square-foot gaming area including Mississippi’s first sports book. The resort also offers live entertainment in its 1,550-seat theatre, an upscale shopping promenade, a world-class spa & salon and Fallen Oak, a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course. For more information and reservations, call (888) 567-6667 or visit
www.beaurivage.com.
875 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, MS 39530
888-464-2556
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Poised among 26 miles of pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and premier among hotels in Gulfport, MS, Courtyard Gulfport Beachfront makes your stay on the Gulf Coast unforgettable. Enjoy our Gulfport, MS hotel's deluxe amenities with access to many recreational activities.
1600 East Beach Blvd
Gulfport, MS 39501
228.864.4310
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Comfort Inn & Suites Crystal Inn Sportsplex Closest Hotel to the Horse Show Grounds Comfort Inn & Suites Sportsplex has been completely renovated and is offering special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show rate of $75 per night. Rate Code LHorse
Free Hot Breakfast
Choice Privileges
Indoor Pool
Fridge and Microwave
7 Miles to the Showgrounds
9379 Canal Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-822-9600
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Harrah’s Gulf Coast is a Caesars Entertainment property. Located on the beaches of Biloxi, Mississippi, the resort completed a $14 million hotel renovation in Spring 2016 and features a 33,000-square-foot casino that boasts 800 of the newest and hottest slot machines, 35 action-packed table games and five dining amenities: Magnolia House, a fine-dining restaurant by Celebrity Chef Kelly English, the 24-hour restaurant, Steak ‘n Shake, Chef Thomas Genin’s The Blind Tiger - Biloxi Beach, Flavors Buffet and an upscale sports bar and lounge, Mix & Mingle that connects to an outdoor pool oasis. The restaurants complement Harrah’s Gulf Coast’s other award-winning amenities, including Grand Bear – a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course - the 16,000-square-foot relaxation retreat Bellissimo Salon & Spa, complete with a fitness center and The Great Lawn, a 10.5 acre event venue that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring Total Rewards®, the most inclusive loyalty program in the country, guests have access to exclusive benefits across the country with the ability to redeem offers and reward credits at any of the 40 destinations within the network. For more information, please visit
HarrahsGulfCoast.com.
280 Beach Blvd.
Biloxi, MS 39530
228-436-2946
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The
Hilton Garden Inn Gulfport Airport is conveniently located in close proximity to all the Gulf Coast offers! Spacious rooms, onsite dining and bar, relaxing pool, fitness room, well-equipped office center, and complimentary airport shuttle are just some of the amenities the Hilton Garden Inn offers its guests. Friendly and courteous staff and well appointed and immaculate rooms will greet you upon your return from a busy day of competing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics!
14100 Airport Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-863-4996
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Located right next to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport,
Residence Inn Gulfport-Biloxi Airport is an all-suite hotel. If you're looking for an extended-stay hotel on the Mississippi Coast, you'll find convenience and great amenities. Enjoy a spacious studio, one or two-bedroom suites offering separate living, eating and sleeping areas, complimentary high-speed Internet, full kitchens and luxurious bedding. Enjoy complimentary hot buffet breakfast daily, The Mix social hour three nights a week, grocery shopping service, fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle, and seasonal outdoor pool.
The Residence Inn is pet-friendly!
14100 Airport Road
Gulfport, Mississippi 39503
228-867-1722
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Gulf Coast Classic Company | 228.832.2745 | info@gulfcoastclassiccompany.com GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
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