As the Lexington National moved into the second day of competition, the $5,000 Hyperion Stud Welcome Classic was the highlight of the jumper events in the Dee Dee Arena.

Addison Reed, aboard Reed Training & Sales’ Doc Di Villigana were the first horse and rider pair to post double clear rounds and set the time to beat with their own 41.362 seconds. The lead would be short-lived two rides later when Julianna Thornbecke and her own Andromeda Z posted double clear rounds with a second-round time of 41.33 seconds, taking the lead and setting the new time to beat.

The next horse and rider pair to go clear in the first round was Marylisa Leffler of Brookville, Maryland and Rolling Acres’ ZaZa Z. The duo turned in double clear rounds and with a lightning fast second round in 38.729 seconds, took the lead.

David Matisz and his own Fuego followed with double clears, but their second-round time in 43.304 seconds would earn them a fifth overall. Matisz also earned an eighth place with his own Zorba TT.

Lizzy Traband and LL Show Jumpers, LLC’s Topgear SR Z sat in the enviable last to go position. The pair posted double clear rounds with a second-round time in 41.039 seconds, earning second place and securing the win for Leffler and ZaZa Z. Traband also placed sixth with Blue Chip Bloodstock’s Ochocinco BC, after earning four jump faults in the second round.

Thornbecke finished third with Andromeda Z, and also seventh with Zoe Martin’s Kings’ Treasure EVO. Reed finished in fourth overall with Doc Di Villigana and also placed tenth with Reed Training & Sales’ Kletcher. Tiffany Cambria and Sarah Hellman’s Perfect Match D earned ninth overall after earning four jump faults in the first round.

Presenting the awards on behalf of sponsor Hyperion Stud, LLC was Rivers Till. 

Till has been working for Hyperion Stud for about sixth months and said, “Hyperion is the best place I have ever worked for with young horses. Vicky can really cater the program for them and give them the time they need. If they’re ready to go, then she’ll let them go and if they need more time to develop, she’ll do that too. She is an incredible horsewoman and it’s so nice to have someone at the top who understands it." Hyperion has several horses showing at the VHC, including two recent imports from Europe. 

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.

Hyperion Stud is a global operation with horses currently in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. The Hyperion Stud team consists of people with excellent horsemanship, knowledge and a vision which combines breeding and top sport for the growing global equestrian market. 

Their highly knowledgeable team members and equine professionals assist in producing their horses through a carefully selected breeding and development program. They prepare the youngsters in their first phases of education including stallion approvals, mare testing, foal inspections and then on to their sporting career.

Hyperion Stud wishes all riders the best of luck at the Lexington National Horse Show!

For more information, please visit them online.

Ernie Oare was honored in the Winners Ring by employees of the Virginia Horse Center, horse show competitors and owners, and members of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation for his decades of service to the Virginia Horse Center. Ernie has been instrumental in the success of the VHC and recently concluded his term of service from the VHC Board of Directors.

VHC Foundation Board President, Roxanne Booth, acknowledged Ernie and all he has done for the VHC.

The stalls in the Silverbrook barn, facing the arenas, were dedicated to Ernie and Betty Oare for their dedicated years of service to the VHC.

“Betty and I were so surprised when we pulled in the other day and saw the signs,” commented Oare. “That was so very nice of all of you to do that for us.”

Ernie addressed the gathering and said, “I’m in a position now to take credit for everything going right here,” he laughed. "Thank you all for a great ride!” he said.

Triple Crown Derby Day is underway now in the Anderson Coliseum. Join us near the ingate behind the lattice for breakfast snacks, mimosas, donuts, coffee, juices and great hospitality. All are welcome to stop by and visit with Triple Crown representative Katie Wimer and enjoy wonderful hospitality.

Photo credits: KMK Photos

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