CONYERS, GA (March 23, 2006) — Thunder is shaking the ground daily since over 1,000 horses stormed into the Georgia International Horse Park for two weeks of USEF AA rated events hosted by the Classic Company. Kicking the event off was legendary Grand Prix rider Joe Fargis on board Edgar 12 for owners Mary B. Schwab and Oeji Farm, winning the first Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake sponsored by EMO Insurance.
Out of a starting field of 39 fierce competitors only 11 accomplished clear first rounds on course designer Buddy Brown’s challenging layout of 12 obstacles. “The course was well done, it’s exactly right for the competition,” Fargis felt. Asked about his partner of 8 years, Edgar, Joe’s eyes sparkled as he spoke of the 17 year-old Hanoverian gelding. “He did everything I asked. A lot of times that doesn’t happen, but you try your best and ask your horse to do certain turns and certain strides. He did it all.”
Brown’s time allowance of 79.00 seconds seemed a little tight to some but this pair’s clean first round time of 77.38 helped to loosen the nerves of riders to follow. The second round of 7 jumps with lots of quick bends and a time of 43 seconds allowed were no scare for Fargis and Edgar, who went clear in a blazing 37.13 seconds to victory. After the presentation of the Welcome Stake, winner Joe Fargis was asked for the best piece of advice to give today’s up and coming riders, “Never give up – never give up.”
Finishing a close second was Canada’s Jonathon Millar riding Noble 1 for owner Kelly Soleau with a second round clear time of 37.15. Following third was sister Amy Millar with her mount Costa Rica Z in a clean time of 37.28. Rounding out the fourth and fifth spots was rider-owner Tracy Magness in the irons of Tarco Van Ter Moude with a time of 38.23 and Kilpatrick in a time of 38.54.
The first Hunter Champions were also named this afternoon. Daniel Geitner and Southern Style claimed the tri colors for owner Kiara Barnett in the First Year Green Hunter. In the Second Year Green Hunters it was again Daniel Geitner riding Remedy for owner Margaret Edge taking top honors. Russell Frey and Sinners Prayer for owner Bridget Moseley were named Conformation Hunter Champions, while in the Regular Working Hunter Division it was Sequel with owner-rider Terry Brown taking the number one spot.
Chairman of the Atlanta Spring Classics Bob Bell commented, “I was very pleased when presenting the ribbons today to such an outstanding group of riders, and this is just the start of the event! It’s going to be a truly fun show!”
The Atlanta Spring Classics continue through April 2nd with showing taking place Wednesday through Sunday each week. Classes begin daily at 8:00AM until approximately 4:30PM and the public is invited. Admission is free and each Sunday afternoon will host an exciting $25,000 Grand Prix jumper event. For more information or results on the Spring Classics visit www.ClassicCompany.com or call the show office at (770) 602-2510. |
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