History Repeats It’s Self~ Southern Style
Concord, NC – Hunt Tosh of Ocala, FL winner of the Inaugural $100,000 Queen City Hunter Classic in 2005 claimed the grand prize again. This year he partnered with Kiara Barnett’s 7-year old Westphalian gelding, Southern Style to take top honors in the featured event presented by Hunters Lane Farm and the Hunt Family to benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital of Charlotte,NC.
Returning for it’s second year, the Queen City Classic’s history making $100,000 Hunter Classic lived up to it’s new reputation of spotlighting the best of the best with 25 of the nations best horse and rider combinations exhibiting their talents. Course designer J.P. Godard saved his ultimate test for the finale event with a layout of 11 jumps asking the riders some tough questions with bending lines and a field that consisted primarily of big oxers for the three divisions, 1st Year Green at 3’6 heights, 2nd Year Greens at 3’9 heights and the Regular Working Hunters at the 4’ heights.
“Great course!” today’s winner commented of his ride, “Went really well in the first round, he jumped nice and high.” Hunt and “Friend” as he known at the barn were 4th in the order and left the first round with the highest score, an 89.66, well above the determined cut off mark of 77.33 from which 15 horses would be asked to return for the final round. The 23rd horse in the first round was 2005 USEF Horse of the Year Grand National Regular Hunter Champion Sequel owned and ridden by Terry Brown of Canton, GA who followed closely behind with a score of 89.16.
Coming back in reverse order for the final round, the 4’ Regulars started off what would become a truly exciting finish. Brown and Sequel’s performance landed them in the top spot with an 88.66 score and a total of 177.82 that held the position until the very last rider. Hunt and Friend’s second efforts scored 89.50 securing them the win with a total of 179.16. “What a good horse!” trainer Robbie Hunt said of the winners, “and one of the most talented riders ever in the irons, Hunt did a great job. The whole staff did a beautiful job of getting them prepared.” Hunt added, “I only wish the owner Kiara Barnett could have stayed to see this but unfortunately she had to leave for home on Friday.”
Finishing in third was Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY riding Once and Again for owner Meredith Lipke Bartonlone with a total score of 173.08. Terry Brown, both owner and rider for Showcase, Ltd. claimed the fourth position as well with Apropo and a total of 172.08. The top five was complete with Jennifer Alfano aboard Valentine for owner Barbara Kearney and a total of 172.00. Jennifer also received the 2006 Sportsmanship Award presented to trainers as determined by the votes of officials, exhibitors, and fellow trainers.
Earlier in the day saw the Pony Hunters take the limelight with the $10,000 Classic sponsored by John Deere and a field of 23 competing for the big prize and bragging rights of best pony. Alise Oken of Charlotte, NC and her 11-year old VA bred Welsh pony, Lands End Mad Hatter lovingly known as Bubba, won the rights and big prize. However, in keeping with the idea of the major events to benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital in her hometown Alise donated her winnings to the hospital. Director of Fund Development Libby Currier said of the gesture, “What a wonderful surprise that was. Truly a sweet and caring young lady. We so appreciate her generosity.”
Co-Chairman of the Queen City Classic events Robbie Hunt beamed at the announcement that the 2007 planning was well under way. “We’re already in the works for next year and are looking forward to growing this event for the hunters even more. Possibly a date change and extending the event to two weeks. The support for this event is just wonderful and we are so thankful to all the exhibitors who help make it a success.” He concluded, “Can’t wait to see everyone back next year!”
For more information and results on the Queen City Classic visit www.queencityclassic.com.
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