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Saugerties, NY (August 14, 2012) HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that the application for 2012 HITS Championship Weekend press credentials is now available online. Throughout the weekend of September 7-9, HITS will proudly present a host of events including the $30,000 Pfizer Million Wild Card Qualifier and the return of both the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix and Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. New this year will be the inaugural HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final, while the National PHA and Marshall & Sterling Medal Finals make their debut inside as part of the weekends events. Famed recording artist, Michael McDonald will cap the weekend with a live performance following the Pfizer Million.
The weekend will get underway Friday, September 7 as qualified hunter riders compete for a place in the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final with the first of three preliminary rounds.
Also on Friday, the $30,000 Pfizer Million Wild Card Qualifier will give one lucky rider, not already qualified, a last shot at the Pfizer Million. A press conference will be held following the qualifier in the HITS Press Lounge with a representative from Pfizer Animal Health as well as Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO of HITS, Inc., the winner of the Wild Card class and course designer, Olaf Petersen, Jr. The National PHA Junior Medal Final will also take place Friday evening in the all-new indoor tent.
On Saturday, all Diamond Mills and HITS Hunter Prix riders will return for their second round. A press conference will be held Saturday afternoon in the HITS Press Lounge featuring the leaders from both classes. Saturday evening will welcome the popular Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final to the indoor tent.
Sunday, September 9 will mark the biggest day in American show jumping to date. Gates at HITS-on-the-Hudson will open to the public at 8 am as the top 25 riders from the first two rounds of the HITS $250,000 and Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Finals move on to Sundays third round. Four will be selected to advance to the final round and compete for top prizes. A press conference will be held upon completion of the classes in the HITS Press Lounge with top finishers, Struzzieri and course designer Jerry Dougherty.
Prior to the start of the Pfizer Million, set for 2 pm, HITS welcomes the return of The West Point Equestrian Team to lead the opening ceremonies and present the American Flag. A press conference will be held after the Pfizer Million in the HITS Press Lounge with the top finishers, Pfizer Animal Health representatives, as well as Struzzieri and Petersen, Jr. before Michael McDonald takes the stage at 5 pm.
Throughout the weekend, press will have access to ringside seating with wireless internet, photography pits within the rings and an air conditioned lounge with writing stations, refreshments and wireless internet. Finally, press will have the opportunity to apply for access to VIP tents for the purposes of interviews and photography.
HITS continues to put American show jumping on the map and welcomes exhibitors, spectators, press and sponsors alike to enjoy this exciting weekend. For more information on HITS Championship Weekend, please visit HitsShows.com.
For the Press Credentials Application, click here.
A limited number of press credentials will be issued. Please complete and submit an application by Friday, August 31 to Lindsay Yandon at HITS via email: Lindsay@HitsShows.com or by mail: Lindsay Yandon, HITS, Inc. 319 Main Street Saugerties, New York 12477.
HITS Championship Weekend Fast Facts
Where:
HITS-on-the-Hudson
454 Washington Avenue Extension
Saugerties, New York, 12477
Phone: 845.246.8833
Office: 845.246.5515 (During Horse Shows)
Tickets:
Tickets for Saturday and Sunday of HITS Championship Weekend are $25 in advance and $30 at the door the day of and include admission to the Michael McDonald concert. All seats are general admission/festival seating. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000 or the HITS Corporate Box Office by calling 845.246.8833 or visiting 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477.
When:
Wednesday September 5 through Saturday September 8 HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII Full Horse Show
Friday, September 7 HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final round 1
Friday, September 7 Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final round 1
Friday, September 7 $30,000 Pfizer Million Wild Card Qualifier
Friday, September 7 National PHA Junior Medal Final
Saturday, September 8 HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final round 2
Saturday, September 8 Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final round 2
Saturday, September 8 Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final
Sunday, September 9 HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final rounds 3 & 4
Sunday, September 9 Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final rounds 3 & 4
Sunday, September 9 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix
Sunday, September 9 Michael McDonald Live in Concert
Who:
Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix
Top 40 riders from Pfizer Million Rider Rankings
5 additional riders may be chosen at the discretion of HITS management
1 Wild Card slot will be awarded to the winner of the $30,000 Pfizer Million Wild Card Qualifier, if not already qualified
Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final
75 riders based on the Hunter Prix Rider Rankings
5 additional riders may be chosen at the discretion of HITS management
1 Wild Card slot awarded to the winner of the Wild Card Qualifying Class at HITS VII
HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final
75 riders based on the Hunter Prix Rider Rankings
5 additional riders may be chosen at the discretion of HITS management
1 Wild Card slot awarded to the Winner of the Wild Card Qualifying Class at HITS-on-the-Hudson VII
VIP Tables:
VIP Tables include seating for eight with an additional pass for the rider, and are available for the week of HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII and Pfizer Million Weekend. VIP Tables are $2,500 for the week and include brunch daily and lunch on Sunday. HITS expects these tables to sell out quickly, but will give priority to riders who purchase their table along with their entry. For more information on reserved VIP tables, please contact: Tony@HitsShows.com.
Directions:
The HITS Saugerties Show Series is held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York, located just two miles from Exit 20 on the NYS Thruway.
Cars From The North: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.0 miles. Turn right onto Peoples Road and go 0.9 miles. Turn left after train tracks onto Canoe Hill Road and go 0.5 miles. Canoe Hill Road becomes Krout Road - 0.8 miles. Show grounds will be 1.8 miles on right.
Cars From The South: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn left onto Ulster Avenue and go 0.2 miles. Turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.0 miles. Turn right onto Peoples Road and go 0.9 miles. Turn left after train tracks onto Canoe Hill Road and go 0.5 miles. Canoe Hill Road becomes Krout Road - 0.8 miles. Show grounds will be 1.8 miles on right.
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