OCALA, FL (February 10, 2009)-With four Grand Prix classes on the books at HITS Ocala, the race for the Catena Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider Award is heating up. Maryland ‘s Tracy Magness used a first-place finish in Thursday’s $25,000 HITS Grand Prix and a red-ribbon effort in Sunday’s $50,000 EMO Grand Prix to become the early favorite.
Magness may have the early lead, but the circuit features some fabulous women riders such as Tracy Fenney, Mary-Lisa Leffler, and Callan Solem, who had two horses in the top five of Sunday’s $50,000 EMO Grand Prix.
The presentation of the Catena Leading Lady Rider Award will take place following the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, on Sunday, March 15.
The leading female Grand Prix rider on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will receive a timepiece from Catena, USA , with 29 hand-cut diamonds and a white mother-of-pearl dial containing 12 diamonds.
The Sanctuary Welcomes Exhibitors to HITS Ocala
The social calendar at HITS Ocala moved into full swing on Saturday night during The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Center Exhibitor Party. Exhibitors were treated to refreshments, dinner, exhibitions and seminars. More than 150 exhibitors enjoyed a great evening at The Sanctuary. For more information, please visit sanctuaryequinerehab.com
The Sanctuary is located just down the road from HITS Post Time Farm and all exhibitors are encouraged to see what The Sanctuary has to offer during their stay in Ocala .
Looking Ahead
Show jumping action at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is underway this week with the Ocala Winter Festival, and features a full week of classes, including Sunday’s $50,000 Duggan Brothers Equipment Grand Prix.
On Thursday evening, fine equestrian works will be on display at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club during the second annual Equine Art Reception, presented by Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. This year will feature a silent auction that will benefit The Humane Society of Marion County. The invitation only event will take place from 6-10 pm at the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club on Highway 27.
The fun doesn’t stop there though! On Friday night, the Central Equine Relay and Exhibitor Mixer takes the stage. During the Central Equine Relay, teams of three riders will compete in a Nations-Cup style class under the lights in the Grand Prix Ring.
VIP Patrons this week will be treated to a special brunch hosted by On the Flipside Café on Saturday. On Sunday they will embrace the flavors of Brazil during the lunch hosted by Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse
Don’t forget – this Saturday is Valentine’s Day! Treat that special rider to something special! Order flowers from HITS Ocala ‘s Official Florist, Brick City Florists, by calling 352.629.2028 or order online by visiting brickcityflowers.com. And every week, VIP table patrons are encouraged to order flowers from Brick City Florists for their tables overlooking the Grand Prix Ring.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.
Media should contact Chris Mayone at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.