Wayne, IL - June 6, 2015 - Jumping a national standard $50,000 grand prix is a feat of its own. For Dorothy Douglas and S&L Elite, jumping to the only double clear effort of the $50,000 Barrington Saddlery Grand Prix at the Showplace Spring Spectacular Horse Show marked a moment Douglas will always remember.

"This is definitely a highpoint," eventual winner Douglas said. "Doing all of these classes, competing in them, is a highlight for me. I just started competing in the grand prix last year, and every single class I get to jump, and jump clear, is a highlight. Today really stands out for me-It was a special win."

Twenty-six riders attempted to master Danny Foster's (CAN) technical track Saturday afternoon, with only five riders moving into the speed round: Martien Van Der Hoeven, Giavanna Rinaldi, Dorothy Douglas, Wilhelm Genn and Hunter Holloway.

"It was tricky, you had to be very careful," Douglas said. "My horse jumped so great though that it seemed as though he could have handled anything."

Foster used 16 efforts to test horse and rider alike with a meticulous track that offered no leniency to contenders. Riders were faced with turns, a tight triple combination, large square oxers and a daunting 6-foot wide triple bar. Faults fell throughout the course, and as only five riders attempted the shortened track, the design would give no leeway as Foster continued to challenge the athletes.

Douglas was the only one to produce a clear over the short course, posting a conservative but competitive time of 47.557 seconds. Trainers Mike McCormick and Tracy Fenney stood ringside urging her to pick up the pace as the notoriously careful rider cleared each fence.

"My plan was to first go clean; I am notorious for going too slow in the jump-off," Douglas laughed. "I wanted to jump clean, stick to the plan and go as fast as I can so I could hold my spot no matter what."

Douglas only began showing in the grand prix in 2014, working with S&L Elite to move from the Level 3 Jumpers to the higher ranks of competition. The 10-year-old gelding has been right with Douglas every step of the way, consistently posting clear rounds for the native-Bostonian.  

Dorothy Douglas and S&L Elite

Wilhelm Genn and Welcome COR rode to the second place honors as the fastest four faulters of the competition. His time of 44.912 seconds would have knocked Douglas from the lead; however, an unfortunate rail would keep him from the winner's circle. 

Rising talent and junior rider Giavanna Rinaldi finished in third place with four faults in 45.509 seconds aboard GPS Brilliant Disguise, while fellow junior rider Hunter Holloway and I Love Lucy followed closely behind in the fourth place. Martien Van Der Hoeven and Wilkina Lithya secured the fifth spot with four faults in 49.666 seconds. Kelsey Thatcher finished in sixth place with one time fault aboard Dulf Van Den Bisschop.

"I am very happy with the result of the class today," course designer Danny Foster remarked. "It is a national standard, there are good people here, and I wanted to set up the circumstances for the top riders to showcase their skills. I am from the old school of thought; I think that if you jump a clear round in a grand prix, it is an accomplishment."

Barrington Saddlery sponsored the highlight event of the week, and owner Cynthia Baer said, "It is an absolute joy to be involved with a sponsorship for Showplace Productions. They are so committed to putting on a great production for all the riders, the venue is gorgeous, and I could not think of a better partnership. It is amazing to see how the equestrian community comes together. This show provides us with the opportunity to reach out to the equestrian community on a multigenerational level."

While the action in the $50,000 Barrington Saddlery Grand Prix was unfolding, VIP table holders and their guests helped raise money for Assistance in Healthcare, a non-profit solely for the purpose of raising funds to support cancer patients and their families.

Many of the exhibitors and spectators stayed after the grand prix concluded to watch a 37-year drought end as American Pharaoh and Victor Espinoza captured the victory during the Belmont Stakes, making history as the 12th Triple Crown winner. Golf carts, cars and horses filled the Grand Prix Ring as the action unfolded, with cheers echoing throughout the Lamplight Equestrian Center.

Douglas concluded, "This place is absolutely beautiful. We went back to Texas and told everyone about it. The management, the facility, everything is over the top. We came back this year and brought all of our Texas friends. I can see us coming back here for years to come, this is the kind of show where everyone comes together."

$2,500 Puddle Jumpers Classic - Sponsored by Littlewood Farm & The Stoeckel Family

Chloe Jhin and Serendipity

Eight-year-old Chloe Jhin raced to the top finish Saturday during the $2,500 Puddle Jumpers Classic, sponsored by Littlewood Farm and The Stoeckel Family. Aboard Serendipity, a feisty gray mare with a niche for speed, Jhin dominated the class as the youngest exhibitor, posting a clear jump-off time of 26.861 seconds.

"She is my favorite horse in the whole world, and she is my first jumper horse. She is my favorite because she is brave, can go fast and make great turns. I'm really excited right now; this is my first big win doing the Puddle Jumpers, today we just went smokin' off," Jhin described.

The local rider, from Lake Forest, Illinois, has been riding since she was 4 years old, and is surrounded with the supportive team from Messenger Hill Farm, as well as her family, who never misses a show.

Alicia Kalinich and Playboy posted a jump-off time of 27.464 seconds to seal the second place rank, while Payton Kelly and Nektar were awarded the third place for their clear time of 28.932 seconds.

$2,500 Modified Children's Classic

Maggie Bresch and Keepen Posted

Maggie Bresch and Keepen Posted were untouchable during the morning's $2,500 Modified Children's Classic. They posted a blazing time of 27.980 seconds to ride to the victory in the Grand Prix Ring. The chestnut flew through the course with ease as Bresch rode him through tight turns to slice the time and finish four seconds ahead of fellow contenders.

Jenn Vyla Carter and Bishopshall earned the second place with a clear jump-off completed in 31.997 seconds, while Emily Britton and Legado posted the only other double clear of the classic event in 34.146 seconds.

$2,500 Modified Adult Classic

Kaytlin Calamos and Tuxedo

Kaitlyn Calamos and Tuxedo have built a solid partnership over the last three years, and today it showed as they captured the win in the $2,500 Modified Adult Jumper Classic. They showed to a speedy jump-off time of 27.846 seconds, nearly a second ahead of second place rider Nicole Wagner and A Consul Drummer who finished the shortened course in 28.450 seconds. Madeline Reich and Top Gun IV rounded out the top three with a clear time of 61.349 seconds.

"He loves his job," Calamos said of Tuxedo. "He is one of the most wonderful horses. He is great at sighting the jumps, and he helps me when I don't spot it. He has made me a much better rider."

Calamos has not shown in about four months, yet the pair did not hesitate to lay down a tidy and quick jump-off. They took the inside turn towards the beginning of the speed track, and they stayed tidy and tight to shave the seconds.

"When it comes to the jump-off, he is always ready. He always goes after the time, makes sure I am with him, and is quick with his turns. As soon as he sights it, he is going after it. As long as I am with him we are right on point all the time," Calamos described.

Calamos has trained with Lynn Jayne for 10 years, and she credits her success in and out of the show ring to her trainer.

$1,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's Jumper Classic

Celia Bresch and One Direction

Speed was the name of the game during the $1,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's Jumper Classic. One Direction, with Celia Bresch in the irons, would don the classic's tricolor. They slid into the lead with a clear jump-off time of 33.571 seconds, 1/10th of a second ahead of Emily Smith and Aviara. Olivia Lawton and Cassandra Dreams finished third in 35.644 seconds.

$1,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Classic

Kelsey Concklin and High Rustler

Kelsey Concklin and High Rustler snatched up the $1,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Classic win Saturday afternoon. They crossed the finish in 32.618 seconds, only 3/10ths of a second faster than second place finisher Sarah Fisher and Casanova W. Lauren Hurst and Carice took the third place with a clear but conservative jump-off in 39.012 seconds.

Sunday will wrap up the first week of the Spring Spectacular Series with jumper classics for children and adult, as well as the $10,000 NAL & M/S Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic and the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Event, the $10,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Wisconsin Equine.

For more information on the Showplace Spring Spectacular Series, please visit: www.showplaceproductions.com. 

 

Junior Hunters Take the Stage Where Hunter Holloway Continues Hot Streak  

By: Elaine Wessel 

Hunter Holloway with Any Given Sunday and Cascina

$500 Take 2 TB Jumpers Classic 

$1,000 Littlewood Farm & The Markman Family Pony Hunter Classic (L,M,S)

$20,000 Nutrena Open Welcome Stake

$500 Take 2 TB Jumpers Classic