SAUGERTIES, NY (May
26, 2006)-Callan Solem seized the top prize in the
$25,000 HITS Grand Prix that took place today, kicking
off the 2006 HITS Saugerties Spring Circuit when
she powered past the timers on Allison.
Solem,
of Colt’s Neck, New Jersey posted the fastest
jump-off time of 45.590 out dueling three other
horses in the second round on a perfect day at
HITS’ state-of-the-art equestrian facility in
Saugerties, New York. Quiet Winter Farm owns the
horse.
“It
was such a great day to come out and ride,” said
Solem, of the season's first 80-degree weather
here in the Hudson Valley. “Then to come out and
win the Circuits first major event just makes
it even sweeter.”
Solem
was the seventh of 24 entries to tackle course
designer Danny Foster’s 13-jump, first-round course.
She and Allison completed the journey in
86.394. She stood as the only perfect rider for
10 rounds until Laura Chapot and Samantha
advanced to the second round with a time of 80.019
shattering Solem’s mark. Two rounds later, Judy
Garofalo went clear in 89.291 on her mount Oliver
III . The last rider to advance to the jump-off
was McLain Ward who successfully negotiated Foster’s
course in 85.631 with Pazitano finally
scoring one for the men.
Everyone
except Chapot went clear in the eight-hurdle jump-off.
She clipped fence six claiming fourth place and
$2,000 in prize money. Garofalo, an amateur ride,
was second winning $5,500 and Ward claimed third
securing $3,250. Ward was also 11th
on Larioso.
“I
was shooting to have a jump-off of six to eight
horses,” said Foster. “But the four that advanced
were very impressive. For the first Thursday out
here, it was a very good day. We had great weather
and good competition.”
The next Grand Prix event of the Circuit will take place on Sunday, May
28th at 1pm. Spectators will enjoy world-class
show jumping competition as riders compete for
top honors in the $75,000 EMO
Grand Prix.
Admission to any of the HITS Horse Shows is just $5.00 on
weekends for adults. Children under the age of
12 are admitted free. Tickets are available at
the gate and 100% of all admission proceeds benefit
Family of Woodstock. For more information, please
call the HITS Horse Show Office at 845.246.8833
during the week and 845.246.5515 on weekends.
©Lili Weik Photography
06
Callan
Solem rides Allison to a victory in the
$25,000 HITS Grand Prix
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