Articles: Horse News

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Traverse City, MI - July 22, 2011 - Today's Feature Horse Shows by the Bay Jumper Event in the Grand Prix Ring wrapped up with Alejandro Karolyi emerging the victor on Vichy. Karolyi, who makes a return visit to Horse Shows by the Bay after attending the inaugural event in 2004, rode to the blue ribbon win for owner Torrey Pines Stable of Schonberg, Ontario, Canada.

The course, designed by Michel Vaillancourt, was held under Table II 2a/b which meant that once going clear, riders had the option of either jumping off immediately or coming back after the first round was held in its entirety. A total of seven went clear, with three staying in while the additional four returned after round number one.

Nick Novak, who eventually placed second, opted to stay in on Springfield Tennessee so it was this pair who jumped clear in a time of 36.783 that were the ones to beat for the riders who chose to return.

Karolyi and Vichy made quick use of the shortened track just beating out Novak to finish without fault in 35.675. "It was a nice course, Michel did a really great job," noted Karolyi of his triumphant turn in today's class. "There wasn't a huge amount of clear rides, and I wish everyone had been able to make it to the jump-off, but the course still jumped super, and it was scopey enough, but with my horse everything came nicely. I think the triple combination was a little tough, but overall for us it was a nice ride. It was comfortable for my horse out there."

Karolyi added, "It's the first week I'm here, so it was my horse's first turn in that ring. I've had her for five months now, since Florida. She started out as a bit of a speed horse, and she has come up to the grand prix level very nicely. Her biggest asset is that she is a really quick turner, so the jump-off was perfect for her because it was a turning jump-off in a lot of areas. She rolled back really fast to one jump, and then rolled back really fast to another, so we were in the clear."

Placing third was Denise Wilson on Blue Gate Farm's Delphine Van Het Orshof, who also opted to return for their jump off effort. They also finished double clear in a time of 37.652.

The starting lineup of 33 entries included Olympic Medalists Chris Kappler and Lisa Jacquin, plus the first and second week's Grand Prix winners Brian Shook & Blythe Marano, among many talented others.

Besides winning first place prize money and bragging rights, the pair also won a set of Veredus Carbon Gel Open Front Boots courtesy of English Riding Supply. Veredus is the Official Show Jumping Boot of Horse Shows by the Bay Series III. Each Jumper Classic winner will be receiving a pair of these boots that utilize the most modern, innovative material to give the maximum protection to the best equine athletes in the world.

Exciting Show Jumping action resumes tomorrow with the feature event of the day - the Low & High JR/AO Jumper Classics - starting at 2pm.

For more information please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com or call 231-267-3700. For more information on the Veredus Horse Boot Line visit www.englishridingsupply.com .