Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Sovereign Can’t be Caught in the $50,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix at Lamplight Summertime II

Wayne, Ill. – July 16, 2023 – On Sunday, top horse and rider combinations gathered at HITS Chicago where Lisa Goldman-Smolen subsequently showcased her winning relationship with her veteran mount, Sovereign, by once again winning the $50,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix. On Goldman’s heels was Summer Hill with La Belle SCF finishing second, and Jaclyn Duff with Eblesse rounding out the top three. 

Lisa Smolen-Goldman and Sovereign 

"I really love the Goldmans, they’re such fantastic horse-women and take exceptional care of all their animals, Mary is one of the best trainers and Lisa is one of the best riders out there,” explained Sovereign's owner, Barbra Disko, following Smolen's win.

The course for the Douglas Eliman Prix this week was designed by Thomas Hern Jr. from Plymouth, Massachusetts. The first round featured 12 obstacles with many bending lines, three in-and-outs and a few technical roll-backs, before finishing on a triple bar towards home. The jump-off gave riders the opportunity to make tidy turns and let their horses gallop on some longer approaches before finishing on two newly introduced fences. 

Lisa Smolen-Goldman and Sovereign

Smolen and Sovereign were the second in the order-of-go and were the first pair to go clear. They returned to be the first up in a competitive group of horse and rider combinations to navigate the jump-off. Goldman and Sovereign mastered their second round, going double clear and clocking in at an impressive time of 40.838 seconds. Goldman also made the jump-off with her second mount owned by Barbra Disko, Ivaro N, but had an unfortunate rail at the first fence and respectively landed in seventh place as the second fastest 4-fault score.

Summer Hill with La Belle SCF were the very last to go in the tiebreaker and clocked in at a time of 42.860 seconds, stealing the second place prize. Jaclyn Duff and Eblesse ended their jump-off with a time of 44.822 seconds, securing them third place.

Summer Hill and La Belle SCF

“We would just like to give thanks to Barbra Disko for being a wonderful owner of these fabulous horses, our sponsors for their constant support, all the kids from the barn that always lend a helping hand, and the HITS Staff who just make the show such a wonderful experience every time,” Trainer, Mary Goldman, noted after her daughter’s win. 

Smolen and Mary Goldman have been coming to the Lamplight Equestrian Center their entire life, which acts as a second home to them every summer. “Lamplight holds so many fond memories for me, it will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Smolen. “I love Lamplight, everything here is so amazing, the landscaping, the courses, the competitors, all the staff and especially the footing,” concluded Mary Goldman.

Jaclyn Duff and Eblesse

One more week of show jumping action remains at HITS Chicago for the Lamplight Summertime. Next week’s competition will feature the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, as well as Friday’s $25,000 HITS Grand Prix and $25,000 International Hunter Derby before the venue moves on to its Equifest Show.