TRES BON!
Allen Nabors Pilots
Bon Chatsworth Pierre to the win in the opening $25,000 Domino's Grand Prix
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For Immediate Release: February 18, 2019
Gulfport, Mississippi
The
Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit kicked off this week and welcomed Allen Nabors and
Bon Chatsworth Pierre to the Winner’s circle Week I of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, in the $25,000
Domino’s Grand Prix Sunday afternoon.
Nancy Wallis of Lambertville, New Jersey designed the course and of the 14 horse and rider teams entered, only five advanced to the jump off with a time allowed of 41 seconds.
“The courses were great all week. Nancy did a fantastic job,” commented Nabors. “The Grand Prix course was actually quite technical, but left a fair number for the jump off round,” he added.
Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri was the first to tackle the abbreviated course in the irons of Helen Gilbert’s
Clearwater 5. According to Nabors, Hicks was the one he was most concerned about. “I was worried about Shannon’s round because she is so fast on that horse. When she had a rail at the second fence, it took the pressure off of me,” he said.
Hicks and
Clearwater 5 had four jump faults at the second fence but were eliminated at the last fence which had them finish in fifth place overall.
Nabors and
Pierre were next to go and turned in a clear round in a time of 37.066 seconds. “He went really well, “commented Nabors. “It was his [
Pierre] first time jumping on grass and I thought the footing was fantastic,” he said. “I’ve never been to Spruce Meadows, but everyone says this grass grand prix field is as close as you’re going to get in the States. It was amazing and my horses jumped really well on it,” he said.
“The course was designed really well. Nancy Wallis designed a bending 5 which got a lot of the riders. There was one stride going toward the water tower and into the pagoda and then a bending five around the pagoda to a vertical with a wall in the middle of it, which wasn’t there during the week, so I was definitely kicking to that one,” he said. “
Pierre can be very spooky so I rode him in a few classes out there during the week, but he really loved it,” he said.
According to Nabors,
Pierre was supposed to be an event horse. “He was too spooky for it and that’s how I ended up with him. He’s a cool, little horse. He’s maybe 16 or 16.1 hands, but I’m 6’1 so he feels little to me, “he laughed. “He is very spooky from the 1st warm up jump. Sometimes he comes out like he’s never seen the ring but he always jumps and he’s very careful,” he added. “This is the second grand prix we have won. I got him as a 6 year old and showed him as a 1.15 m horse. I showed him at the 5 Star in Tryon and we won the 7 Year Old Finals on him there and a $25,000 Grand Prix last year. He was 9th a few weeks ago in Venice but honestly, I haven’t been showing him much in the grand prix lately,” he said.
“I came to Gulfport because it’s a great place to develop the younger horses and I’m getting
Pierre ready to do a 2 Star in Tryon. I have six horses here with me and I’m working on all of them. I have lots of 7 years olds and sale horses that just got sent to me which I’ll show this week. We’ve been selling a lot this winter. I sold three in Venice Week 1 and I’m just trying to regroup,” he added. “The footing here in the grass grand prix field is better than most sand rings I ride in at any show. The drainage is excellent and the entire field is just perfect,” he said.
Junior rider Beezy Sambola of Covington, Louisiana and Rachael Murphy’s
Fons Van T Geyzeven followed in the order, but despite their clean round in 39.066 seconds, their time would see them finish in second place.
Brian Murphy of Berryville, Virginia in the irons of his own
Fire followed Sambola, but four jump faults and three time faults for their time of 43.455 seconds, awarded them a fourth place ribbon.
Hicks and Helen Gilbert’s
Ypsilon sat in the enviable last to go position, but four jump faults and one time fault for their jump off round in 41.342 seconds had them finish in third place overall.
Holly Shepherd from Grand Bay, Alabama and Loretta Paterson’s
Manchester picked up a sixth place for their four fault first round in a time of 28.153 as well as a twelfth place ribbon in the irons of Patterson’s
Sky High. Murphy returned for a seventh place ribbon in the irons of Light Speed Equestrian’s
Ambassador Van Berkenbroek Z and eighth was awarded to Lincoln Case’s
Canebrake, ridden by Whitney Boyce-Petrey of Covington, Louisiana. Collin Reynolds of Oxford, Pennsylvania, piloted his own
Semi-Automatic C to a ninth place finish while Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia rode Lee Cesery’s
Quantos to a tenth place ribbon. Gianna Aycock of Argyle, Texas and her own
Flex A Tia placed eleventh.
Nabors said, “My parents live in Orange Beach and they never come out to watch me show, but they came to watch me ride yesterday so that was really cool. They came out and watched the whole class and even got in the picture with me. If I never win one again, at least they got to see me go and take place in the awards which was really fun.”
“I’m excited to be here in Gulfport and it truthfully has never looked so green. And, not just green on the grass grand prix field, but everywhere! My RV spot and the entire grounds look just beautiful. It’s as green as summer in Florida,” he commented. “And, I’d also like to thank my sponsors
UVex helmet, gloves and sunglasses as well as
CWD. I use all of those Uvex items every day and I wouldn’t ride in anything else but CWD,” he said. “I am truly thankful for their support.”
Domino's Pizza is the title sponsor of the Week I $25,000 Domino's Grand Prix. Founded in 1960, Domino's is recognized as the world leading pizza delivery service operating a network of company-owned and franchise-owned stores in the United States and around the world.
The Clothes Horse, makers of fine horse wear and drapes, is the Official Sponsor of all Grand Prix Champion Coolers at this year’s Gulf Coast Winter Classic.
Customization is what they are about and they provide excellent service and fast turnaround time as well as complete attention to detail! Visit them online at
theclotheshorse.com.
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Welcome to the Gulf Coast Winter Classic!
Shannon Hicks and
Clearwater
Win the $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome Classic Week I
Jumper action kicked off the opening week of the
Gulf Coast Winter Classic with the $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome and saw fifteen horse and rider teams compete for the blue over a course designed by Nancy Wallis of Lambertville, New Jersey.
The first round was set with a time allowed of 82 seconds and ten advanced to a second round opportunity.
First to advance was Kara Jones of Cornelius, North Carolina and her own
End Game who turned in a clear second round in a time of 36.212 which beat the time allowed of 42 seconds. Breezy Sambola and Rachael Murphy’s
Fons Van T Geyzeven followed with a four fault second round in a time of 33.48 seconds which would finish them in eighth place. Next to go, Shannon Hicks and Helen Gilbert’s
Clearwater 5 put in a clear, lightning fast round in a time of 31.99 which would put them in the lead and move Jones and
End Game to finish in sixth place.
Brian Murphy and his own
Fire followed with a clear round in a time of 36.171 seconds which finished them in fifth place overall and Allen Nabors and
Bon Chatsworth Pierre followed with a clear second round in a time of 33.830, finishing them third overall. Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s
Manchester challenged Hicks with a clear second round in a time of 33.024, but would settle in for the second place ribbon. Collin Reynolds and his own
Semi Automatic C finished with a clear second round in a time of 40.969 seconds, putting them in seventh place overall. Hicks returned to another second round opportunity in the irons of Helen Gilbert’s
Ypsilon, but their clear round in a time of 35.004 would have them finish fourth overall.
Shepherd and Patterson’s
Sky High had four faults in their second round and finished in ninth and Gianna Aycock and her own
Flex A Tia finished their second round with eight jump faults for a tenth place finish.
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Marshall and Sterling Insurance $3,000 Classic Hunter Derby Win Goes to Holly Shepherd and
Energia
Ten horse and rider teams competed in the opening week of the $3,000
Marshall and Sterling Insurance Classic Hunter Derby and awarded
Energia, owned by Amy Valiollahi and ridden by Holly Shepherd the blue ribbon for their overall score of 82.
Vegas De Gravelotte, owned and ridden by Cassidy Spencer of Ballwin, Missouri, finished in second place for their overall score of 78.5 and also won the $250 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus.
Anthemis Z, owned and ridden by Jordan Lubow of Grand Bay, Alabama, took a third place ribbon for their overall score of 77.5.
Fourth place was awarded to Chacco B, owned by Castlemaine, LLC and ridden by Francesca Senior of Jackson, Mississippi, for their combined score of 77.5.
Shepherd returned for a fifth place ribbon in the irons of Sally Power’s
Cantaloupe VI for their combined score of 77.5 and
On the Catwalk, owned by Right Lead Equine and ridden by Jodi Bondar of Pensacola, Florida, placed sixth for their combined score of 73.5.
Riley Townsley of Lake Charles, Louisiana, piloted her own
Sir Hansel to a seventh place finish with a combined score of 68.5 and also won the $250 3’ Non Pro Riders Bonus.
Fate, owned by Michael Cline and ridden by Alisa Berry of Verona, Virginia earned an eighth place finish and also won the 3’3” $75 Non Pro Rider Bonus.
Amanda Shaw’s
Contemporary, ridden by Ashley Shaw of Ellisville, Missouri, earned a ninth place finish and also won the $75 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus.
Wayfarer, owned and ridden by Meredith Mouney of Metairie, Louisiana, placed tenth and also won the $150 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus. For more results, please visit
horseshowsonline.com
Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Marshall & Sterling Insurance Hunter Classics 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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HIGHLIGHTED HUNTER FEATURES:
WCHR Event - Week 3
$10,777
USHJA Intl Hunter Derby - Week 2
$15,777 USHJA Intl Hunter Derby - Week 4 (held on Grass Grand Prix Field)
$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 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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