Congratulations to Addison Reed of Mechanicsville, Virginia for winning Thursday's $10,000 Welcome Stake 1.35m with Reed Training & Sales, LLC’s Goliath. The pair were the first to go in the Dee Dee arena and after posting a clear first round, set the time to beat in their second round at 33.173 seconds, well within the 45 seconds time allowed.

Reed rode four horses in the Welcome, and advanced three of them to a second round. “I’m a little bit tired right now,” she laughed after accepting her awards.

“I’m lucky, because I’ve ridden Goliath a long time. And I know that if I get his eye on the jump right, and if he’s in the right balance, he can jump from just about anywhere,” she added.

Marylisa Leffler of Brookeville, Maryland in the irons of Rolling Acres’ ZaZa Z posted double clear rounds, but their second-round time in 33.933 seconds would see the pair earn a second placing.

Reed commented, “To beat Marylisa is always a challenge because she is so fast on ZaZa. Being the first to go there was a lot of pressure on me, because there was Marylisa and plenty of other fast people. But when the jumps came up, I just got lucky and that’s just part of the game.”  

Reed piloted Sanmar Farm’s Keina to a second-round opportunity, but four jump faults in a time of 39.231 seconds earned them a third-place ribbon. Her second-round ride on Reed Training & Sales, LLC’s Kletcher also earned four jump faults and their time of 42.107 seconds awarded them a fourth overall.

Kama Godek of Fairfax Station, Virginia and her own Lady Stakkata posted the fastest four fault first round in a time of 65.137 seconds and earned a fifth place.

Cullen Drescher Speckhart of Virginia Beach, Virginia aboard Speckhart Sporthorses, LLC’s Oscars Afterparty finished in sixth with their four fault first round with a time of 69.957 seconds. She also earned a seventh placing with Speckhart Sporthorses, LLC’s Gerry Butler.

Gene Frank of The Plains, Virginia aboard his own Isaak VDL finished eighth overall, and Tiffany Cambria of Upperville, Virginia finished in ninth with Sarah Hellman’s Perfect Match D. Tenth was awarded to Kacy Smith of Ashburn, Virginia and Z41, LLC’s D’Angelo 6, and Reed Training & Sales, LLC’s Doc Di Villigana finished in eleventh.

Reed said, “Today’s win was truly a team effort. I had Derek, Sulu and Sandra Ruiz, all helping me, along with the guys back at the barn.”

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

Photo credit: KMK Photos

Congratulations to Mount Fair Equine, LLC’s Banyan Park, ridden by Megan Young. They won the 3’3 Green Hunter Championship!

According to Young, "Well, obviously Dudley and I have had a long relationship. I have been riding for her for probably ten years. I have appreciated all the opportunities she has given me. She bought Banyan Park about a year ago. He was very green, but we all saw the potential and he was her ride. He's quiet and brave. I have to say that her team, and Maria Shannon (who has been helping her since we are in Florida), has done a great job with him. He was amazing this week, and I just reaped all the benefits from all of their hard work!"

Everyone had a great time at the Markel Welcome Party. Markel representative, Reynolds Martin, hosted a wonderful get together in the Stave Mill Pavilion during the $10,000 Welcome and provided refreshments and snacks [including Chick-fil-A!) for all.

Thank you, Reynolds and Markel, for your sponsorship and support of the Virginia Horse Center!

Markel has been insuring horses, owners, and equine businesses for more than 50 years. 

Markel has various insurance options available such as horse mortality, equine liability, and farm property. Whether you have one horse or an entire stable, keep horses for pleasure or business, Markel has you covered. 

Visit Reynolds Martin, who will be onsite tomorrow and the Markel team this weekend and throughout the Spring Encore, to discuss insurance options with you. Or you can visit Markel’s website to get an online quote 24 hours, seven days a week.

The Triple Crown Derby Day is underway this morning in the Sandy Gerald Ring.

TGIF! Friday is pizza day! Enjoy ringside pizza from Salerno's Wood Fired Pizza and Tap House starting about noon. You're going to love it!

Capture your memories and tag us! We'd love to share your smiling faces!

Offering pet-friendly lodging, as well as an onsite restaurant and bar, The Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center is offering all competitors a discounted lodging rate. Click here for your discounted rate.

This historic hotel has been updated and overlooks the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and is located across the street from the famous Natural Bridge. The entire family will love the amenities this classic hotel offers, about a 15-minute drive from the Virginia Horse Center.

They offer select adjoining suites as well as rooms with terraces. Their management is top notch and prides itself on offering customer service second to none.