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May 23, 2006 - Lexington, KY - The second week of the two-week all Hunter Legacy Cup ran May 17-19 as part of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows in Lexington. While the first week was all about the Professional riders, week two showcased the 3' and 3'6" Non Pro divisions, featuring Junior and Amateur riders. The Legacy Cup took place May 10-19.

"He wanted to win," commented Jennifer Waxman after she rode Saloon to victory in the Non Pro 3'6" Finals which was a combined class of Juniors and Amateurs. She also won the Junior Finals and was named the Leading Non Pro 3'6" and Leading Non Pro 3' & 3'6" Rider. Waxman also won the Go Round but on a different horse (Sister Parish). Both horses are owned by Whitney Roper, who won the Belcort Perpetual Trophy because Saloon's 267 total was the highest cumulative score. Rio Renoir ridden by heart surgeon Brad Wolf won the Non Pro 3'6" Amateur Finals, the Leading Amateur Rider and the Non Pro 3'6" Go Round. The Non Pro Team Award went to Ashland Farms after their students totaled the most money ($11,231). Ken & Emily Smith won the Week Two Leading Trainer Award.

As the Leading Non Pro Junior Rider, based on money won and selected from both the 3' and 3'6" divisions, Jennifer Waxman was presented with the Signature Trophy in honor of Weatherly Stroh's Large Junior Working Hunter who dominated that division in the Midwest from 1987-1991. Wolf received the Jeannie Geiger Memorial Trophy for his Leading Rider honors.

The top 25 riders had to qualify from a field of 31 to compete in the Finals by first riding in the Non Pro 3'6" Go Round. With the add back of $200 from their entry fees, the purse for the Non Pro 3'6" division totaled $10,400, with $8,900 earmarked for the Finals. The winning horse received $3,216.

While Waxman believed that Saloon wanted to win amateur rider Frances Briggs "had a premonition" that she would have a Red Carpet victory in the Pro 3' Finals. Her dream came true and she led in both the Non Pro 3' Finals and the Amateurs. And it was a spicy hot victory for Wasabi and Barri Platt in the Non Pro 3' Junior Finals on May 18th.

The top 25 riders had to qualify from a field of 42 to compete in the Non Pro 3' Finals by first riding in the Go Round. That class was won by Espresso ridden and owned by Alexa Weisman. Winner of the Non Pro 3' Junior Go Round was Manolo, also ridden and owned by Barri Platt. The Amateur section was won by Espresso. The purse for the Non Pro 3' division totaled $12,000, with $10,500 earmarked for the Finals. The winning horse received $3,520.

The Legacy Cup is unique in that it focuses on being different than the other typical Hunter classes. Riders receive more money and prizes thanks to an add-back format and the support of sponsors. The Non Pro 3' Go Round was sponsored by Louise Serio/Derbydown, Inc. The Non Pro 3'6" Go Round was sponsored by Lee Cesery. An anonymous Friend of the AHJF and the Legacy Cup provided each of the grooms of the top three placed horses in each class with a $100 cash prize. Lisa Cudahy provided her namesake Perpetual Trophy to the Non Pro 3' winner. The Lindner Family sponsored the Perpetual Trophy in their name to the winner of the 3'6" division. Gifts to the horses and riders were thanks to Essex Classics and Malvern Saddlery and EMO Insurance sponsored the ribbons.

JENNIFER WAXMAN AND BRAD WOLF ARE THE STARS IN THE NON PRO 3'6" DIVISION

Jennifer and Saloon are no newcomers to the winner's circle. Last year they won the Leading Junior Non Pro 3'6" honors. In the Finals they went early but maintained their lead right to the very end.

"He felt awesome and he was jumping great," commented Jennifer. She explained that they had opted not to show Saloon during that week and so he was fresh and alert for his final competition of the week.

Although Jennifer had the leading ride on Sister Parish in the Go Round that class took place during the day. With this class taking place at night it was just a bit different for the horse. "It's late at night and there are a lot of distractions," she explained. Sister Parish also hit a top rail early in the course. They ended up out of the ribbons but even though Sister Parish didn't make the final cut, Jennifer did.

"Saloon knew this was an important class and he gave it 150%," said the 15-year-old junior rider and freshman. In addition to Sister Parish and Saloon she was also riding the 6-year-old Zoom, who Jennifer explained, "doesn't have a lot of experience. I'm so proud of him. He was so good and he tried so hard." They finished 3rd in the Non Pro 3'6" Finals and 2nd in the Juniors.

As Jennifer was leaving to go celebrate she suddenly stopped. She had one more thing she wanted to say. "I really want to thank my parents and Whitney and Mrs. Roper, and my trainers Ken & Emily Smith," she concluded.

Brad Wolf was back in the operating room at 6:30 a.m. on Monday morning but for the final day of the Legacy Cup his mind was focused on Rio Renoir.

"I really wanted to ride him well and not let my horse down," said the 46-year-old about his 8-year-old Canadian-bred, 16.3H, bay gelding, who had won the week before with Nicole Simpson in the irons.

"I'm really happy and proud of my horse," he added. "He is just an amazing jumper. He gives 100% every time."

Brad admitted that riding is a big break from doing surgery and a great stress reliever and when he's on his horse nothing else matters. He doesn't get to ride much but when he does he tries to do his best and winning is a great perk for Brad.

RED CARPET SHINES IN NON PRO 3' FINALS AND AMATEURS - WASABI WINS JUNIORS

Frances Briggs couldn't say enough about Red Carpet's canter. "It just takes you on vacation when you go around the ring. He has a great rhythm and he is so athletic. He's got red carpet presence," she explained.

The 43 year old who has four sons explained, "I am a nervous person," but her trainer Tom Wright knows how to pick horses that are ideal for her and Red Carpet is a perfect example.

Frances was thankful to her trainer for her 7-year-old, chestnut gelding but also appreciative of her stable manager, Darren Teodoro, noting that the victory was truly a team effort and she recognizes the importance of those who work behind the scenes.

"I wouldn't be standing here today if it weren't for them and I want to thank the people who make it as easy as possible for me to show up and focus on my riding."

She was also grateful that an anonymous "Friend of the AHJF" gave the grooms of the top three winning horses each $100 in cash.

Barri Platt was equally as thrilled with Wasabi's victory in the Junior Finals. She said that her 15.1H, 11-year-old Oldenburg/Paint, mare was "unbelievable. She always gives 110% no matter what."

When they entered the ring Wasabi was "a little fresh." Yet, that usually is helpful to Barri because it perks her horse up and makes her more alert.

The 17-year-old, who is home schooled, started riding when she was ten and admits that when she first started riding Wasabi, "I couldn't stay on her," but now they are a perfect match.

ESPRESSO AND MANOLO WIN GO ROUND

Alexa Weisman, 19, rode Espresso, a 16.1H, 8-year-old, black, Westphalian mare who Weisman said "is the most comfortable horse I have ever ridden. She picks up her canter and she stays the same the whole time."

Their winning Go Round was one of the best rounds Alexa has ever had on the mare, who was also feeling good. "She is the best when she is a little spooky because it keeps her going forward and then her jump is higher and prettier," explained Alexa, which was just what the judges' were looking for.

Barri proved herself in both classes of the Non Pro 3' division. Not only did she win the Junior Non Pro 3' Finals, but she won the Junior Non Pro 3' Go Round on Manolo, who finished 6th in the Junior Finals.

ABOUT THE LEGACY CUP

The two-week Legacy Cup was developed to benefit the show hunter sport with a unique format, unprecedented rewards and a pleasant environment to showcase the hunters. It is the brainchild of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. (AHJF).

The Legacy Cup includes two professional and two non-pro divisions; one at 3' and one at 3'6". In addition the format allows for multiple awards within each class and division. The Non Pros also presented separate ribbons to the top Juniors and Amateurs. Each division has a Go Round and a Finals.

Each Go Round offers a guaranteed purse of $1,500. Go Rounds rank the top 25 horses for a clean slate Final. The 2007 Legacy Cup entry fee was $400 of which 50% went directly to the division purse and 50% to the AHJF for the expenses associated with the event. In addition the Legacy Cup Committee committed an added purse of $13,000.

For more information about the Legacy Cup and complete results and photos visit www.legacycup.com or contact the AHJF (335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369), Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.com, email: ahjf@earthlink.net.