Lexington, KY - May 17, 2007 - Cloudy skies and a chilly temperature greeted exhibitors this morning at the Kentucky Spring Classic Horse Show, now underway at the Kentucky Horse Park. Hunter championships were determined for the professional hunter divisions in the Stonelea Arena, and the day started off with the First Year Green Working Hunters.
Scott Stewart earned the tricolor for his great rides aboard Perfectionist. After winning both classes yesterday, the pair finished with a first and two seconds today, securing the championship.
"Perfectionist is six years old," commented Stewart. "I've had him for a couple of years. He did Pre-Green [Hunters] about four or five times last year. He did well throughout Palm Beach. He was reserve champion a few times, and this is his first time being champion. He had a month off to relax, and he liked the jumps here," he laughed.
He added, "The lines were a little bit going, which was nice, and with the brush in front of the jumps, the jumps were a little more to jump than normal. It's so easy for him that the harder the course, the better. So, he really liked it."
The reserve championship in the First Year Green Hunters was pinned on the bridle of Walk The Line, ridden by Sandy Ferrell.
This week the Green Conformation was combined with the Regular Conformation Hunter division, and West Point came away with the overall championship. Ridden by Stewart, West Point won first and second in previous classes and won first, third, and seventh today.
"I've had West Point since he was two years old, and he's seven now," said Stewart. "He's great. He really jumped well this week. He can sometimes over-jump, but he liked the environment, and he went nicely."
Popeye K and Tommy Serio, who were last week's champions, finished with the reserve.
In the Second Year Green Working Hunters, Sweet Addiction and Chris Payne won both classes yesterday and received top ribbons today as well. The duo came home with the championship award, and Serio took another reserve for his rides aboard Good Will.
After a rain delay, the Regular Working Hunters concluded in the Stonelea Arena. Serio and Game On, who were first and second yesterday, were presented the championship after they led the way with three blue ribbons. The reserve championship went to Rob Bielefeld and his horse Paramount, who took first and second yesterday and two seconds and a third today.
The Kentucky Spring Classic Horse Show will continue tomorrow with the Junior and Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions. The competition runs through Sunday, May 20, and will showcase the adult amateurs and pony hunters on the weekend.
For full horse show results, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
