Event Raises Record Amount for Women's Health
Bristol, WI – September 8, 2014 – Top show jumping riders from the Midwest mounted up in support of philanthropy for the 5th $75,000 Evergreen Invitational at MK Pritzker’s beautiful Evergreen Farm in Bristol, WI. The top ranking event is hosted in partnership with The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and has raised $4 million to date for historically underfunded programs and research for women’s health services throughout the Chicago area. The special equestrian event raised a record $1.4 million this year making the overall total $5.4 million for women’s health programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
The show jumping kicked off with the $25,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic sponsored by H n’ D Stables. Twelve young riders tried their skill and luck on the beautifully designed Ken Krome course set in the grass Grand Prix field. Seven horse and rider combinations were able to maneuver the course without faults, moving on to the jump off phase.
Giavanna Rinaldi won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. Photo: Andrew Ryback/ChicagoEquestrian
Left to battle it out for the fastest clear round was Laura Linback of Mundelein, IL, qualifying both of her mounts, Attention Please and Carmina, Paul Yanke and Chill Haze, Giavanni Rinaldi and GPS Brilliant Disguise, Kenzie Donovan and Boomerang, and Anna Helllene and Wocello.
Giavanna Rinaldi, Chicago, and her big gray mount proved to be the fastest, earning her the top prize. Rinaldi was the youngest competitor in the ring at just 15-years-old. She is no stranger to the winner’s circle, since joining the Our Day Farm team and training with the Jayne Family, Rinaldi has moved up the ranks from the Children’s Jumpers to the Grand Prix ring at some of the biggest competitions in the country, including Wellington, FL.
“The competition was quite tough,” said Rinaldi. “There were some great competitors on the field. The whole event is so much fun! I think it's such a great place to show and it's extremely beautiful! I would definitely come again. It was really exciting to have Guy McLean there too for entertainment because the things he does with his horses are amazing!”
The feature event of the day was the $75,000 Evergreen Invitational Grand Prix presented by Northern Trust. A record setting 700 spectators sat on the edge of their seats watching the amazing horses jump around the hefty course. One by one the course took its toll, leaving four horses victorious to move on to the jump off.
Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W put in two double clear rounds. Photo: Andrew Ryback/ChicagoEquestrian
Once again, Laura Linback qualified both of her horses, HH Dauphin and Whittaker MVNZ, who was the winner of the Evergreen Invitational in 2012. Kaitlin Campbell of Georgetown, KY and Rocky W joined Linback in the jump off along with Alex Granato of Wellington, FL, and Mullaghdrin Rado.
Rising to the occasion with the fastest clear round and earning a big check was Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W. Rocky W, the 16-year-old, Holsteiner/Dutch, gelding has won two other Grand Prixs this season with Campbell. With Rocky W being an older horse, Campbell uses some strategy when planning his schedule. She tries to pick special classes and saves his jumps for competition.
“He doesn’t like to think he’s older,” said Campbell. “I’ve had him since he was eight so we’re veteran partners. He loves a big crowd, it really pumps him up.”
Campbell was second to go in the jump off following Linback’s clear jump off round on HH Dauphin. Campbell knew Linback’s second mount was a previous winner of the class and knew Linback would be fast. Campbell and Rocky W clocked around in 38.652 seconds.
“I wanted to put the pressure on Linback for her second ride,” added Campbell.
Linback unfortunately had 8 faults in the jump off on Whittaker MVNZ but had a quick time of 39.414.
Alex Granato and Mullaghdrin Rado finished second in the Evergreen Invitational Grand Prix. Photo: Andrew Ryback/ChicagoEquestrian
Going last and giving them a good run for their money, Alex Granato and Mullaghdrin Rado, owned by Page Tredennick, came close with a time of 39.833 and no faults for the second place ribbon.
“Going last in the jump off, I knew I had to be clean,” said Granato. “Kaitlin and Laura were both quick and clean. Kaitlin was leading so I tried to stay a little faster across the ground but on a different track for better footing. My horse gave me a great effort everywhere. He jumped really big out of the double so I didn't make the same turn as Kaitlin on the backside, which added a few seconds.”
All the riders rave about the hospitality of the Evergreen Invitational. There is a complementary rider tent that provides breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. On Friday night, exhibitors enjoyed an appreciation party with food and cocktails. On the day of the Grand Prix, riders are invited to walk through the Promenade of Shops before, during and after the show. Retailers included Graff Diamonds, Ralph Lauren, Mezlan Shoes, Lake Forest Sportscars and more.
Millcreek Hunt demonstrated the talents of the hounds. Photo: Andrew Ryback/ChicagoEquestrian
“The stabling is nice, the stalls are ready for us and there is food all day long,” said Linback. “The hospitality is fantastic. It’s one of the best events we go to.”
Also making an appearance and adding to the day's entertainment was the Millcreek Hunt who galloped across the field with hounds in tow and equestrian entertainer Guy McClean amazed the spectators with his horse training talent with bridleless horses performing patterns and tricks. VIP table patrons enjoyed delicious food and drink, shopping, entertainment and more while raising funds for a great cause.
Guy McClean amazed the audience with bridleless horses. Photo: Andrew Ryback/ChicagoEquestrian
Although the winners of the Evergreen Invitational go home with a nice check, the big winner of the day is Northwestern Memorial Hospital, thanks to MK Pritzker’s outstanding effort.
For more information or sponsor opportunities, please visit www.EvergreenInvitaional.org.
Results
$25,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame JR/AM Jumper Classic
1. GPS Brilliant Disguise Giavanna Rinalsi
2. Boomerange Kenzie Donovan
3. Chill Haze Paul Yanke
4. Emilios Kenzie Donovan
5. Carmina Laura Linback
6. Wocello Anna Hellene
7. Attention Please Laura Linback
8. Winchester Emma Sargent
9. Ad Fundum Ericka Baran
10. Lalique Brooke Cudmore
$75,000 Evergreen Invitational Grand Prix
1. Rocky W Kaitlin Campbell
2. Mullaghdrin Rado Alex Granato
3. HH Dauphin Laura Linback
4. Whittaker MVNZ Laura Linback
5. Southern Pride Karen Cudmore
6. Imprimis Cara Cheska
7. Morocco Lisa Goldman
8. Centurion B Lisa Goldman
9. Rivierra Schuyler Riley
10. Springfield Tennessee Nick Novak
Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography for Chicago Equestrian and may only be used in relation to this release.
Please visit www.Andrewrybackphotograpy.com to purchase photos.
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