Articles: Horse News
Christopher Payne and Dominus Dominate Second Day Hunters At Kentucky Summer
Horse Show
Christopher Payne and Dominus swept the Performance 3'3" Hunters on the
second day of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Photo By: Ashley N. Williams
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Lexington KY - July 26, 2012 - The quiet morning greeted professional riders
at the Stonelea Arena for the second day of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show,
where spectators gathered to watch as top hunter riders competed for the
championship prizes. Prince navigated Ace of Spades to the Performance 3'6"
Hunter Championship with three blues. Christopher Payne led the way with
Dominus in the Performance 3'3" Hunters, dominating with a clean sweep of
the division. Payne also took a second championship tricolor aboard Lugano
in the Regular Conformation Hunters, as well as the Combined Hunter
Championship with Holden.
Christopher Payne and Dominus, owned by Maria Takacs of Rumson, NJ, were
named the victors at the end of the day in the Performance 3'3"
Hunters. They caught the attention of their competitors, yesterday, when
they were awarded two first place ribbons in the over fences. Their success
continued into the afternoon where they swept the second day of the
division, and earning the championship. Rebecca Conway and In To the Blue,
owned by Moonlite Beach LLC of Encinitas, CA, took the reserve championship.
"It felt amazing to sweep the division," Payne smiled. "Dominus felt great
through the handy and I knew he would grab the attention by delivering his
signature style in the arena. We had a great final round in the ring, and he
jumps brilliantly, as well as being beautiful between the jumps."
Payne continued, "He's light in the mouth and responds well to the leg, a
true delight to ride-smooth and easy. He is fairly new to us, and I only
began showing him in Florida over the winter; however, he has come so far,
and I think today is a true testament to his potential."
Earlier in the day, Payne also earned the Performance 3'6" Hunters
championship aboard Lugano, owned by Susan Moriconi of St. Louis, MO. They
were awarded with the first and fourth place awards over fences, and the
first place finish for their efforts in the under saddle. Katherine Newman
rode Lovely Charity, owned by Freedom Group of Middleburg, VA, came in
narrowly behind the team with their impressive scores from yesterday's
rounds, as well as her additional second place over fences and first place
handy honors in today's division.
"Lugano is a great horse, and I felt he rode his best for me out there
today," Payne described. "He understands my commands in the moments I give
them, he's very responsive and usually delivers what you expect of him."
Payne's winning streak continued as Holden was presented with the Combined
Hunters Championship in the first division of the day. Payne exhibited
Holden, owned by Susan Moriconi, to excellent ribbons on both days of
competition. Holly Orlando and Cornerstone, owned by Westerly Farm of
Unionville, PA, took the reserve championship for their efforts over the two
days.
"I'm from Cincinnati, Ohio, and coming to Kentucky is always such a great
escape. It has a wonderful facility, and I always look forward to the
shows. I have clients out here, and I love having the opportunity to show
right along with them."
Kimberly Prince showed Ace of Spades, owned by Emily Moran of McClean, VA,
to the Performance 3'6" Hunter Championship. Terry Brown directed Nice,
owned by Lori Christman of Atlanta, GA, to the third place honors in all
classes today, to score the reserve championship.
"My horse was absolutely beautiful today, he rode perfectly and it was so
much fun out there," Prince explained. "I don't get to show him very much
anymore, I showed him a lot last year but his owner is Emily Moran, and she
shows him in the Amateur-Owner divisions. It was kind of a treat to ride him
today, and it was great fun."
Prince concluded, "We show every week, but Kentucky is one of my favorites.
I come here every time they have a horse show, so I feel really comfortable
here. The footing is so nice and the ring is so beautiful."
Tomorrow, the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions will begin in the Stonelea
Arena, and the champion and reserve championship honors will be awarded on
Saturday for their divisions. The week holds many highlights, including the
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby to be held Sunday
afternoon.
For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series or to download the
prize list, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
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