Back to Results Index

RED CARPET AND WASABI WIN NON PRO 3’ FINALS FOR JUNIORS AND AMATEURS AT THE LEGACY CUP

Red Carpet & Frances Briggs Photo ©Diana DeRosa

May 17, 2007 – Lexington, KY – Amateur rider Frances Briggs had a Red Carpet victory in the Pro 3’ Finals at the Legacy Cup by winning both the Finals and the Amateur division. And it was a spicy hot victory for Wasabi and Barri Platt in the Non Pro 3’ Junior Finals on May 18th. The Legacy Cup is part of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows taking place in Lexington, KY, through May 19.

The top 25 riders had to qualify from a field of 42 to compete in the Finals by first riding in the Non Pro 3’ Go Round. That class was won by Espresso ridden and owned by Alexa Weisman. Winner of the Non Pro 3’ Junior Go Round was Manolo, ridden and owned by Barri Platt. The Amateur section was won by Espresso. The purse for the Non Pro 3’ division totaled $12,000, with $10,500 earmarked for the Finals. The winning horse received $3,520.

The Legacy Cup is unique in that it focuses on being different than the other typical Hunter classes. Riders receive more money and prizes thanks to an add-back format and the support of sponsors. The Non Pro 3’ Go Round was sponsored by Louise Serio/Derbydown, Inc. Gifts to the horses and riders were thanks to Essex Classics and Malvern Saddlery. Other sponsors include Lisa Cudahy for the Lisa AH Cudahy Perpetual Trophy and EMO Insurance sponsored the ribbons.

RED CARPET WINS FINALS AND AMATEURS – WASABI WINS JUNIORS

Wasabi & Barri Platt Photo ©Diana DeRosa

Frances Briggs couldn’t say enough about Red Carpet’s canter. “It just takes you on vacation when you go around the ring. He has a great rhythm and he is so athletic. He’s got red carpet presence,” she explained.

She also admitted that she “had a premonition” that this would be her 7-year-old, chestnut gelding’s night. The 43 year old who has four sons explained, “I am a nervous person,” but her trainer Tom Wright knows how to pick horses that are perfect for her and Red Carpet is a perfect example.

Frances was thankful to her trainer for her horse but also appreciative of her stable manager, Darren Teodoro, noting that the victory was truly a team effort and she recognizes the importance of those who work behind the scenes.

“I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for them and I want to thank the people who make it as easy as possible for me to show up and focus on my riding.”

She was also grateful that an “Anonymous Friend of the AHJF” gave the grooms of the top three winning horses each $100 in cash.

Barri Platt was equally as thrilled with Wasabi’s victory in the Junior Finals. She said that her 15.1H, 11-year-old Oldenburg/Paint, mare was “unbelievable. She always gives 110% no matter what.”

When they entered the ring Wasabi was “a little fresh.” Yet, that usually is helpful to Barri because it perks her horse up and makes her more alert.

The 17-year-old, who is home schooled, started riding when she was ten and admits that when she first started riding Wasabi, “I couldn’t stay on her,” but now they are a perfect match.

ESPRESSO AND MANOLO WIN GO ROUND

Espresso & Alexa Weisman Photo ©Diana DeRosa

Alexa Weisman, 19, rode Espresso, a 16.1H, 8-year-old, black, Westphalian mare who Weisman said “is the most comfortable horse I have ever ridden. She picks up her canter and she stays the same the whole time.”

Their winning Go Round was one of the best rounds Alexa has ever had on the mare, who was also feeling good. “She is the best when she is a little spooky because it keeps her going forward and then her jump is higher and prettier,” explained Alexa, which was just what the judges’ were looking for.

Barri proved herself in both classes of the Non Pro 3’ division. Not only did she win the Junior Non Pro 3’ Finals, but she won the Junior Non Pro 3’ Go Round on Manolo, who finished 6th in the Junior Finals.

ABOUT THE LEGACY CUP
The two-week Legacy Cup was developed to benefit the show hunter sport with a unique format, unprecedented rewards and a pleasant environment to showcase the hunters. It is the brainchild of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. (AHJF).

The Legacy Cup format is different than other show hunter events. The divisions include two professional and two non-pro divisions; one at 3' and one at 3'6" and the Legacy Cup Pony Hunter Division. In addition the format allows for multiple awards within each class and division. In the Pro 3' division Restricted Riders were also recognized. A Restricted Pro rider is a new professional or one who hasn't shown or won at the upper levels of show hunter competition. The Go Round determines which riders come back for the Finals.

Each Go Round offers a guaranteed purse of $1,500. Go Rounds rank the top 25 horses for a clean slate final. The 2007 Legacy Cup entry fee is $400 of which 50% goes directly to the division purse and 50% to the AHJF for the expenses associated with the event. The 2006 Legacy Cup proved to be very successful and on the heels of that success, the Legacy Cup Committee again committed an added purse of $13,000 to the 2007 event. This added money, combined with 50% of the division entry fee, means even more money to the exhibitor and the amount increases with each horse entered.

For more information about the Legacy Cup and complete results and photos visit www.legacycup.com or contact the AHJF (335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369), Phone: 508-835-8813, www.legacycup.com, E-mail: AHJF@earthlink.net.

To view photos check out the following website:
http://www.presslinkpr.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=50422