“The Betsy” is the final Grand Prix, and a World Cup qualifier worth $50,000, in the Hagyard Challenge Series held here at the Kentucky Horse Park. Fittingly, on this first day of autumn, and a chilly evening at that, the class moves indoors into the Alltech Arena for the final leg which also hosts a gala evening and fundraiser in memory of the late Betsy Fishback. Betsy, a keen equestrian, lost her battle to cancer early in 2009 and was married to Dr Fishback, a vet at Hagyards Equine Hospital. All proceeds are donated do the Markey Cancer center, and in it’s first two years it has raised almost $200,000.
Canadian Olympian Mac Cone, the winner of the inaugural “The Betsy” Grand Prix, above on Unanimous collected 12 faults. Before representing Canada, he was a US citizen, winning Nations Cups for America.
The field was full of experienced riders, and young talent and even for an out-and-out eventer was thrilling to watch. Also, it was held in the evening, under lights, (and they served drinks!), and it was free! I fail to understand why every seat wasn’t full and there weren’t people queueing out the door. Here’s a sample of some of the action:
Shane Sweetnam, who’s back in Kentucky after competing internationally abroad for Ireland, on neighbouring Spycoast Farm’s Little Emir, 12 faults.
Lauren Tisbo and La Centa, also 12 faults
Kate Levy and the slightly unconventional but hugely scopey Vent du Nord, 4 faults
For Russia, Ljuobov Kochetova on Royce. An unlucky rail, but we all wanted this horse!
Royce again!
Jonathan McCrea on Colorado. Christine McCrea, not sure if it’s his sister or wife, had two in the jump-off, the only other rider to do so with McClain Ward, eventually finishing second to him.
Colorado again, such good form, although one rail down and one time meant they didn’t go forward to the jump-off
Margie Engle won The Betsy last year, and the Hagyard Challenge series, and spent her winnings on this lovely horse, Indigo, who came from Australia. Although they were the first combination to jump clear, just one time fault kept them out of the jump-off.
Charlie Jayne, who grew up doing hunters and jumpers, and whose sister Maggie is a very good hunter rider, riding Uraya for a clear. Uraya was one of those horses who came in fly-bucking all the way down the long side to the first fence, jumped beautifully, then walked out as cool as a cucumber – game face!
The on-form Kent Farrington riding Uceko, clear
Uceko
Loved this pair – living in the US but clear for Ireland, Richie Moloney and Slievenorra
Young Rider Blythe Morano, who I’ve admired during the summer, just one time fault on Urban, another beautiful round
My 2010 radio show spotlight show jumper and still holds a soft spot in my heart, Angel Karolyi for Venezuela and James T Kirk! Two down and a time fault for 9 faults
Angel and James T Kirk
France’s sole entry – Marie Hecart and My Self de Breve, two down.
Beezie Madden and Danny Boy, also 8 faults
Brazil’s Paulo Santana on Taloubet, two down.
Todd Minikus and Pavarotti (retired on course)
Leslie Howard and Utah, 8 faults. Leslie has represented the USA in the Olympics, WEGs and PanAm Games as well as on multiple Nations Cup teams, and has more individual successes to her name than I have time to list here.
Who put the Aussies in charge of dragging the ring?!
MClain Ward goes last in the jump off and wins the class, and the series convincingly on Pjotter Van Zonnehoeve, a great prep for Mclain before he heads to the PanAms in Guadalajara. Early reports suggest about $100,000 has been raised this year for the Markey Cancer Center, and it was a wonderful evening’s sport. Go jumping and eventing!
