2005 Press Releases

Nassau and Polaroid Steal the Show for Day Two of the Legacy Cup
By Diana DeRosa

Legacy Cup
May 13, 2005

May 13, 2005 -- Lexington, KY - Nassau ridden by Havens Schatt and Polaroid with Michael Tokaruk in the irons were the big winners in the Pro 3' Finals on the second day of the fourth Legacy Cup, which took place at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows in Lexington, KY on May 13.
Nassau won both the Pro 3' Finals and the Pre Green Incentive. The nine-year-old gelding was purchased by owner Gina Marie Mondel just before Christmas and Schatt says, "He's great to ride. He's pretty consistent and he knows his job."

Mondel, who shows him in the adult divisions added that Nassau is "really lazy but he's a very kind horse and very generous." She looked at her dad (Jack) and her grandfather (Duke) while talking about the horse she loves and added, "My dad's very supportive."

Nassau had shown in the Non Pro class the day before but after competing all day in other classes that laziness came into play. "Yesterday he had a light rub. He wasn't as sparky as he was tonight. He jumps better when he is fresh."

Polaroid and Tokaruk, who placed ninth in the Pro 3' Finals, also won the Restricted Pro 3' Finals and was the Restricted Pro 3' Champion. The 16.3 hand, 7-year-old, bay gelding was purchased in Holland and the Legacy Cup was only his third horse show with Tokaruk aboard.
"He is very slow and almost goes around like an equitation horse," explained Tokaruk. "He's got an amazingly slow and rhythmic canter. He's a long horse, so you have to keep him together. He's still learning and this is the first time he's ever shown indoors. He's really a great horse and he's only going to get better," said the rider who hails from Tennessee.

Both Schatt and Tokaruk gave the Legacy Cup high marks. "It's a great idea," commented Schatt. "It really showcases the hunters and gives up and coming professionals a chance to be recognized."

Tokaruk added, "I am inspired by what the AHJF has done especially as a young professional trying to work my way up the ranks. To be able to come to a show that rewards me as a young professional is very gratifying; that even within the professional division there are different levels of professional riders has definitely inspired me."

Tokaruk concluded saying, "One day I want to be standing here as the Overall Pro Champion!"

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.