OCALA, FL (February 18, 2010)–HITS Post Time Farm wrapped up a strong week of AA-rated show jumping this past Sunday, as the show grounds were buzzing with action for the opening week of the season.
The big news for the rated circuit is that HITS Ocala will host a total of 12 qualifiers for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will take place on September 12 in Saugerties, New York. The first Grand Prix win of the AA-rated season went to 2009 HITS Ocala Champions Laura Linback and As Di Villagana. The duo won the big finale last March the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group. In Thursday’s $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, they beat out 23 pairs to take the blue.
“We are very happy to be back in Ocala jumping outdoors after being inside for the past several months in Chicago,” said Linback, of Mundelien, Illinois. “It was nice to get a win on the first real go of the season.”
On Sunday, Kent Farrington made his return to the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and his way to the winners’ circle when he mastered Leopoldo Palacios’ course in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Riding Up Chiqui, Farrington beat out a field of 29 to capture the blue and a first-place $15,000 check for owners Boone/Dobbs/Farrington.
“The last time I was in Ocala was many years ago,” said Farrington, of Greenwich, Connecticut. “The show grounds are very nice and much bigger than I remember. The Grand Prix ring was really nice. They [HITS] have done a great job in making it special and the footing in the ring was excellent.”
Long-time HITS Ocala exhibitors Tracy Fenney and Callan Solem were also in hot pursuit for the blue, finishing in second and third place on MTM Farm’s MTM Timon and Quiet Winter Farm’s Allison, respectively.