2006 Sunshine Circuit ~ No Yellow Brick Roads for Elton with Henry Pfeiffer aboard!
Green Cove Springs, FL – Sixteen year old Henry Pfeiffer of Temperance, Michigan riding Elton a 9-year-old Warm Blood gelding for owners Fox Meadow Farm won the Jacksonville Winter A – Z $15,000 Open Welcome presented by the Outback Steakhouse. The starting field of 29 competitors were blessed with perfect weather and a unique challenge from course designer Allen Rheinheimer for the opening event of week four of the Jacksonville Winter Series.
Rheinheimer, with a big smile said of his 10-obstacle first round layout,”They can consider this a mid circuit warm up course!” Starting with an oxer for fence one and offering up only one triple combination and a time allowed of 76 seconds, the course did appear simple enough for most of the riders. “This is a WELCOME”, he laughed, “and that’s how they should feel…today” The second round of 6 jumps however gave a hint of what may be in store for this weekend’s featured event, with a real decision making or breaking choice at the second fence, a vertical. Riders could take the “scenic” safe route wide around another jump and depend on pure speed to make up the extra distance to the third jump or attempt a hard sharp turn off the fence narrowly avoiding a rub of a nearby standard as well as having enough momentum to clear the number three fence. The time allowance for this feat was 40 seconds.
The first round provided just what the designer wanted, 18 comfortable clear rides. Pfeiffer and Elton’s time of 70.991 was among the first clean. “Just a big equitation course” is how Henry thinks of any class he competes in. Coming into the jump off behind some blistering paces as well as the advice of his trainer, Polly Howard, Pfeiffer did what only three of the seasoned pros had managed and piloted Elton through the tight turn of fence three. The gamble paid off with a winning time of 28.192. “Never any second thoughts” he replied about following the pros, “I can be just as good if I pay attention and ride well.”
The second place winner was Tarco Van Ter Moude with Tracy Magness in the irons for owners Mr. and Mrs. John Bartko with a jump off time of 29.609. Coming in third was owner-rider David Q Wright riding Step Right Up with a finishing time of 30.817 seconds. Fourth position went to Roberto Teran and Polyfax for owners King Ridge Stables with a time of 31.201. Rounding out the top five was Tracy Magness again for owners Mr. And Mrs. Bartko with Pax Mundi in 32.804 seconds.
From the Hunter divisions it was owner- rider Kate Conover of Ocala, FL and Cadence taking the championship in the 1st Year Green Working Hunters for week four of the winter series. Rider Keith Hastings and Bocelli, owned by Elizabeth Tarumianz are 2nd Year Green Working Hunter champions for the second week in a row. And owner Lee Cesery’s Cachet with Holly Shepherd in the irons were named champions in the Green Conformation Hunters.
There is still another week for exhibitors and spectators to take the chance on winning a 2006 Pontiac Torrant SUV, generously contributed by the Coggin Automotive Group of Orange Park, Florida and valued at over $25,000. A gift of $20 for one raffle ticket or $100 for six tickets could make you a winner. All proceeds will be donated to the Marine Corps Reserve Association Foundation. The drawing will be held on Saturday, February 4th during the Grand Prix.
This Saturday evening at 7:00PM the spotlight turns on the Hunters with a $25,000 Open Hunter Classic sponsored by OakLeaf Plantation. This special event is to kick off the 2006 Horses Helping Horses program, which debuted at the 2005 Atlanta Summer Series with proceeds going to the benefit Old Friends Equine Retirement Facility in Midway, Kentucky.
On Sunday, January 29th a complete day of fun begins at 9:30AM with pony rides, a petting zoo, special barn tours and even a free lunch for the kids provided by Winn Dixie until 1PM. Radio Disney will broadcast live from the event. Next at 11AM the annual Silent Auction benefiting the Jacksonville Zoo begins followed by the Outback Steakhouse luncheon at 11:30AM, tickets for the Outback lunch are available by calling the zoo at 904-757-4463 ext 200. The 1:00 hour will see the return of a spectator favorite, the Celebrity Ride featuring local TV, radio, politicians, and sports personalities mounting up on some of the talented horses from the show in a truly special exhibition guaranteed to entertain the crowds. The main event, the $35,000 Grand Prix of Jacksonville benefiting the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens starts at 2PM with a showcase of top ranked riders and horses trying to conquer course designer Allen Rheinheimer’s challenge for the big pay check.
The Jacksonville Winter Series continues until February 5th with classes Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 9AM until about 5PM except for special events mentioned on Saturday evenings. Admission to the shows are free, a $5 donation is requested for special events, which in turn is given to the series’ various charities. Following the Jacksonville Winter Series the Sunshine Circuit continues with three weeks of USEF AA rated competitions in Pensacola, Florida at the Escambia Equestrian Center. This portion of the circuit will be dedicated to the communities of the Gulf Coast so devastated by Hurricane Katrina with special guests from Gulfport and fund raising events to further aid those in need.
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