2005 Press Releases

Thomas, Bass, Watridge and Serio Ride the Winners on the First Day of the Fourth Legacy Cup
By Diana DeRosa

Legacy Cup
May 12, 2005

May 12, 2005 -- Lexington, KY -- On May 12th, 2005 the Pro 3' and 3'6" First Go Rounds of the fourth Legacy Cup took place at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows in Lexington, KY. When it was all over Louise Serio rode Paladijn, owned by Bryan Baldwin, to win the $1500 Pro 3'6" First Go Round earning $450 of the total purse; Lauren Bass rode Jivago, owned by Candace Lubar, and Savannah, owned by Lippman Media to first ($150) and second ($110) place finishes in the $500 Restricted Pro 3'6" First Go Round; Morgan Thomas rode Nairobi ($450), owned by Kimberly Wang Limited, to win the $1500 Pro 3' First Go Round; and Chad Watridge rode Rhinestone Cowboy, owned by Kimberly Koloff, and Remington, owned by Ashley Deflin, to win first ($150) and second ($110) in the $500 Restricted Pro 3' First Go Round.

ABOUT THE LEGACY CUP
The Legacy Cup takes place over two weeks and is paired with the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, one of the nation's top AA rated hunter events. Over the four years of its existence, the Legacy Cup has been fine-tuned but always remains focused on its original goal, which is to present an innovative, high paying, exhibitor-friendly event.

The 2005 Legacy Cup offers five divisions. There are two professional divisions; one at 3' (sponsored by Montoga Inc./Geoff Teall) and one at 3'6". Within the pro division new or developing Restricted Riders are also recognized. The Restricted Division was sponsored by Texas Supporters. A Restricted Pro Rider is a new professional or one who has not consistently won at upper levels of show hunter riding. Additionally, the status is based on Legacy Cup money earnings. Riders who have won more than $5,000 or who have placed first or second in Legacy Cup Pro 3' or 3'6" Finals are ineligible. There are also two Non Pro divisions; one at 3' and 3'6", and the Legacy Cup Pony Hunter Division.

Each division offers one go-round to rank the top 25 horses, based on their composite scores, for a clean slate final. All rounds are judged numerically by multiple sets of two judges positioned around the ring.

THE ADD-BACK CONCEPT
The 2005 Legacy Cup entry fee is $400-50% going directly to the division purse and 50% to The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation for the expenses associated with the event. This allows for substantial prize money with less expense to the exhibitor.

Changes for the 2005 event include a continued emphasis on the add-back concept. There is a guaranteed purse of $1,500 for each go-round. However, all final round purses pay 50% of the division entry fee. This builds money awards which grow with each horse entered.

For the Pro classes that took place on March 12 the breakdown was as follows. A total of 49 horses entered the Pro 3' division and the $1500 purse for the first round was distributed through tenth place. The purse for the Finals will be $9,800 based on the add-back system and the division total for Pro 3' will be $11,300. In the 3'6" division again the first round purse was $1500 and with 44 horses entered, the Finals purse will total $8,800, with a division total of $10,300. All the Finals purses will pay out through the 20th place.

Also in the professional division is a Pre-Green Incentive (sponsored by Janet Read), a Leading Trainer Award (sponsored by EP Bishop Company - this award goes to the trainer whose students and horses accumulate the most money), the Belcort Farm Perpetual Trophy (for the owner of the horse that produces the highest single round score), the Walter J. Lee Perpetual Trophy (for the Pro rider who accumulates the most money throughout the 3' and 3'6" Pro competition).

In the Non Pro divisions, overall ribbons and separate ribbons are awarded for both juniors and amateurs in all classes. There are leading Non Pro rider awards in each division and a Legacy Cup Non Pro Team Award (to the barn whose students accumulate the most money in the Non Pro and Pony divisions).

THE LEGACY CLUB
While the competition is the nucleus of the event, the social aspects have become something that the exhibitors look forward to. This year there are even more chances for spectators and exhibitors to have the opportunity to mingle with their family, friends and fellow horsemen. One request by exhibitors was to provide a better selection of food on the showgrounds. As a result, the AHJF introduced the "Legacy Club," a private members-only area for sponsors and table holders, which has been organized by Kim Tudor. The "Club" overlooks the arena on one side and the rolling hills of the Kentucky Horse Park on the opposite side. The décor includes flowers, a chandelier, white picket fencing and more. A buffet lunch is served daily as well as dinner for each of the evening performances. Some of the other specialty events will be a pizza and ice cream party. The grand finale will be a thank you "Champagne Brunch," which will take place on the final Sunday, May 22. Each day a hot and cold buffet is provided and includes gourmet soups, croissant sandwiches as well as a wide selection of other delectables. All the meals are home made by J.C.'s Catering. The meals are a connoisseur's delight and have received high marks by everyone - especially those who are used to the typical horse show food. All the tables were sold out before the show began. The AHJF also includes a general exhibitor tent where anyone can pick up cold drinks, snacks and fruit.

For Tudor, this is her first time at the Legacy Cup and she is impressed. "The fact that the Legacy Cup is paired with a topnotch horse show and on one of the most impressive places around (The Kentucky Horse Park) makes it extra special."

Executive Director Michele Perla adds, "Our second year with the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows continues to prove that this is a perfect match for the Legacy Cup. This venue has allowed for both growth in the number of competitors who compete at this event and in the sponsor support. Hugh Kincannon, Show Manager of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, sees and appreciates the value that the Legacy Cup brings to his horse show and has supported our efforts 100%."

Legacy Cup action continues through May 22. By the time this year's event has concluded over $50,000 in purses will be distributed. For more information about the Legacy Cup contact the AHJF (335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369), Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.org, E-mail: AHJF@earthlink.net.