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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blenheim EquiSports
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P: (949) 234-1695
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Jamie Taylor and Catira Take First in the
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
presented by THIS
Highest Placing Junior and Amateur, Winning Owner and Trainer, and Best Turned Out Horse recognized
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Katie Taylor and Catira
March 31, 2017 - San Juan Capistrano, CA -
Of the thirty-two entries who competed in this afternoon's $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Blenheim Spring Classic II, Jamie Taylor and Sue Lightner's Catira took home the blue ribbon, topping the leader board through both rounds. The pair's grace and handiness earned them a first round high score of 91 and second round score of 87.5, securing them the overall title.
The derby, presented by THIS, afforded trainers, owners, grooms, and other riders opportunities to shine alongside the winner. Augusta Iwasaki earned The Plaid Horse Highest Placing Junior Award with a 7th place finish aboard Iwasaki & Reilly's Boris. The One K Helmets Highest Placing Amateur Award went to Justine De Mayo, who rode Skarlett 36 to a top 12 finish, picking up 11th overall. Ariana Marnell's Imagination, ridden by Taylor and groomed by Luis Gonzalez, was deemed the best turned out horse with the EquiFit Groom's Award for Best Turned Out Horse. Both the Balmoral Winning Owner Award and the Blue Ribbon Blankets Winning Trainer Award were presented to Sue Lightner for her horse Catira's success.
Augusta Iwasaki won the Plaid Horse Highest Placing Junior Award
with Iwasaki & Reilly's Boris
Justine De Mayo won the
One K Helmet Highest Placing Amateur Award
Ariana Marnell's Imagination won the EquiFit Groom's Award
for Best Turned Out Horse
Taylor and Catira have been competing together since last year, when the duo took on the Pre-Green Hunter ring and ventured to Kentucky for the Pre-Green Incentive Championship. They have since moved up to the Green Hunter 3'6" Division. The 10-year-old mare has been successful in her relatively short yet blossoming hunter career and could not have a better pilot than Taylor, who has now won upwards of five USHJA National Hunter Derbies, including one at the Blenheim June Classic III show last summer.
"I enjoy training young horses and experiencing their progression in understanding an idea I've been working on," Taylor said. "It's also fun to look at old photos and videos - it makes you notice the changes and development you otherwise may not have noticed day-to-day."
With the Blenheim Spring Classic II now well underway, it's time to look forward to the weekend's special classes, which include the second $25,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix of the year and the first ever Blenheim EquiSports-hosted USHJA Pony Hunter Derby.
Winning rider Jamie Taylor and Catira with Ashley Marzano and Melissa Brandes
RESULTS
$
5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Place - Entry - Name - Rider - Owner - Overall Score
1.
644 - Catira - Jamie Taylor - Sue Lightner - 178.5
Photos by McCool
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Taylor Harris Insurance Services is proud to sponsor Blenheim EquiSports. THIS is there for you every step of the way to ease the process of insuring your horses - from guiding you through choosing coverage and handling your paperwork, to responding quickly and knowledgeably as changes and needs arise.
Call Taylor Harris Insurance Services, who will welcome the opportunity to provide you with a quote and deliver you the first class service that is their tradition. More at thishorseinsurance.com.
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Blenheim EquiSports, an equestrian event management company based in San Juan Capistrano, CA, produces events in three locations: San Juan Capistrano, Del Mar and Las Vegas, NV. The events include USEF "Premier" rated hunter-jumper shows featuring multiple grand prix events, a Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League event, USHJA International Hunter Derbies, Pony Finals, Medal Finals and more. More at
showpark.com
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