Holly Shepherd pilots White Lightening to the win in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
For Immediate Release: February 19, 2017
Gulfport, Mississippi
It was all about the Hunters Week II and Friday was a double header Derby Day at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics!
The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby kicked off the hunter action Week II at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit. Helen Gilbert’s White Lightening, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, galloped away with the blue ribbon after earning the highest Classic and Handy Round scores of 174 and 189.5, respectively, for a combined 363.5.
The second place ribbon was awarded to Fairfax, owned and ridden by Liz Hudspeth of Alpharetta, Georgia after earning a Classic Round score of 160 and a Handy score of 187 for a combined 347.
Love Game, owned by EMC International and ridden by Evan Coluccio of Middleburg, Virginia earned a third place ribbon with their first round score of 162 and Handy Round score of 174 for a total of 336 combined points.
Coluccio returned for a fourth place ribbon in the irons of Larry Antonini’s Six Pack after earning a Classic Round score of 159 and a Handy score of 155 for a total of 314.
Estander, owned and ridden by Leah Toscano of Chesterfield, New Jersey placed fifth after earning 150 points in their Classic Round and a score of 154 for a total of 304.
Gulf Coast Classic Company President Bob Bell and Awards Coordinator Drew Coster greet Holly Shepherd and White Lightening in the winner’s circle
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
In the Black B, owned and ridden by Liana Brown of Carmel, Indiana, took home the sixth place ribbon after earning a first round score of 140 and a Handy round score of 163 for a combined 303. Seventh was awarded to Allure, owned and ridden by Gianna Cobb of Marietta, Georgia for their combined score of 302. Nemesis, owned by Daniel Damen and ridden by Dominique Damica of Berwyn, Pennsylvania was awarded eighth place. Coluccio returned to the arena for both the ninth and tenth place ribbons with Ellen Addison’s El Tindo and Mary Antonini’s Rocking the Boat. Autograph, owned and ridden by Tim Sweat of Milton, Georgia placed eleventh. For complete results, go to horseshowsonline.com.
Jason Berry rode Cammarata to the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby followed the International Hunter Derby and Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia and Kirsten Martin’s Cammarata took the win, besting sixteen horse and rider teams! Enticement, owned by Rebekah Warren and ridden by Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia, were awarded a second place while Kaitlyn Williams of Wayne, Pennsylvania and her won Balouette placed third. Berry returned with EMO Stables’ Capiche to pick up the fourth place ribbon and Katie Thomas’ Yahtzee, ridden by Kelley Buringa of Northlake, Texas, earned fifth place. Liana Brown of Carmel, Indiana rode her own Marengo to a sixth place finish. Curtin returned to the winner’s circle to pick up the seventh place ribbon this time in the irons of Wesley Wilson’s Whitny and Robin Hood, owned by Jacob Brupbacher and ridden by Mary Antonini of New Orleans, Louisiana placed eighth. HC Sport Horses’ HC San Patrignano, ridden by Lucy Heaton of Clarksdale, Mississippi, placed ninth and Katrina Seitz’ Notre Montrachet, ridden by Amy Tilson Ochoa of Zionsville, Indiana finished in tenth place. Lily Gumenick of Richmond, Virginia, rode her own Summit to an eleventh place finish and Hil Cat Farm’s Casting Call, ridden by Catherine Castle of Folsom, Louisiana finished in twelfth place.
For full results, go to horseshowsonline.com.
Awards Coordinator Drew Coster greets Jason Berry and Cammarata in the winner’s circle
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
Tito Aguilar won the Hunter Groom’s Class, sponsored by Sheila and Shirley Murphy
Photo: Bob Bell
The hunter grooms were recognized Friday thanks to Sheila and Shirley Murphy! Tito Aguilar won the class and the cash award! Second place went to Missie Morrissey and third place was awarded to Josette Ward. “The grooms are often the unsung heroes of the horse show world and this class is a great opportunity to thank them for their commitment to the well-being of our horses,” said Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Classic Company.
Kirsten Martin’s Cammarata won the 3’3″ Sidelines Green Hunter, ridden by Jason Berry
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
The $2,000 Sidelines 3′ and 3’3″ Green Hunter took place and for an entry fee of $5, Jason Berry and Kirsten Martin’s Cammarata won the 3’3″ Green Hunter Championship and Julie Curtin and her own Honey Badger won the 3′ Sidelines Green Hunter Championship. Twenty three horse and rider teams competed in Week II’s $2,000 Sidelines Green Hunter Division and it continues to be successful, largely in part of Sidelines Magazine’s sponsorship of the Green Hunter Division offered for only a $5 entry fee. “Sidelines is happy to sponsor this division which is so important to the development of our Hunter horses,” commented Bradley Spragg, Publisher of Sidelines Magazine.
Julie Curtin and her own Honey Badger won the Sidelines 3′ Green Hunter Division Championship
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
Sidelines Magazine is the premier equestrian magazine focused on the people in the equestrian world. From beautiful photography to award winning editorial, Sidelines Magazine is distributed each month to 49 states throughout North America and can be found at the most prestigious equestrian events in the country. Celebrating 29 years as the leading equestrian magazine, Sidelines Magazine embraces the equestrian lifestyle and transports it readers from the sidelines to center ring. Pick up your complimentary copy in the office or view it online for free.
The $2,000 Sidelines Green Hunters is scheduled every week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit and costs only $5 to enter. Yes, Five Dollars! Earn valuable mileage and cash in this generous offering made possible by Sidelines Magazine.
VIP IS OPEN!
Don’t miss the opportunity for the best seats during Sundays’ Grand Prix every week at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit Photo: Lisa Engel
The VIP is open for service on Sundays during the Grand Prix and for only $35.00, you can purchase a ticket to the best seats in the house! Wine, champagne and soft drinks with light snacks will accompany your outstanding ringside views. There are limited seats, so email grace today and reserve.
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!
Gulf Coast Classic Company President Bob Bell and Show Coordinator, Janet McCarroll
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies’ philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From lead line to Olympic level grand prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies offer competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry.
Service is what sets the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. Consistently awarded the USHJA’s Member Choice Award for providing excellent customer-friendly competitions, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company produced events each year.
All sponsorship and media inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel.
All show program advertising inquiries should be directed to Drew Coster.
Exhibitor Information
2017 Gulf Coast Prize List
Grand Prix each week |
Lodging Information
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 
875 Beach Boulevard Biloxi, MS 39530 888-464-2556 Luxury is what it’s all about! Beau Rivage is a 32 story, 1740 room AAA Four Diamond resort. With two gourmet restaurants, BR Prime and Jia, new Casino lounge, Tom Fazio designed Fallen Oak golf course, 85,000 square foot casino, spa, salon and lots of shopping, this is the ultimate destination on the Gulf Coast. Visit the website for a complete tour of the resort. |
Best Western Plus Seaway Inn
9475 US 49 Gulfport, MS 39503 228-864-0050 The Best Western Plus Seaway Inn is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $59 per night. Call for the horse show rate |
Clarion
9445 US 49 Horse Show Rate of $64 per night. The traditional-style rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers; some have seating areas with pull-out sofas and/or in-room whirlpool tubs. Freebies include hot buffet breakfast, an airport shuttle and parking. There’s also an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a furnished terrace, in addition to a business center and meeting space. Pet Friendly. Call 228-868-3300 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate. |
Hilton Garden Inn Airport
14100 Airport Road The Hilton Garden Inn Gulfport Airport is conveniently located in close proximity to all the Gulf Coast offers! Spacious rooms, onsite dining and bar, relaxing pool, fitness room, well-equipped office center, and complimentary airport shuttle are just some of the amenities the Hilton Garden Inn offers its guests. Friendly and courteous staff and well appointed and immaculate rooms will greet you upon your return from a busy day of competing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics! |
Holiday Inn Gulfport-Airport
9515 US 49 The award winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport – Airport is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $89 per night. Book Online or Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate. |
Comfort Inn & Suites Crystal Inn Sportsplex 9379 Canal RdGulfport, MS 39503 228-822-9600Comfort Inn – Closest hotel to the Horse Show Grounds is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show rate of $59 per night or if you stay for a week or longer, the rate will be $54 per night. Pet Friendly.Call 228-822-9600 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate.Click here for reservations |
The Residence Inn
14100 Airport Road Gulfport, Mississippi 39503 228-867-1722 Located right next to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Residence Inn Gulfport-Biloxi Airport is an all-suite hotel. If you’re looking for an extended-stay hotel on the Mississippi Coast, you’ll find convenience and great amenities. Enjoy a spacious studio, one or two-bedroom suites offering separate living, eating and sleeping areas, complimentary high-speed Internet, full kitchens and luxurious bedding. Enjoy complimentary hot buffet breakfast daily, The Mix social hour three nights a week, grocery shopping service, fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle, and seasonal outdoor pool. The Residence Inn is pet-friendly! |
ABOUT THE CLASSIC AND GULF COAST CLASSIC COMPANIES
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies‘ philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Olympic level Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies offer competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry.
Service is what sets the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. Consistently awarded the USHJA‘s Member Choice Award for providing excellent customer-friendly competitions, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company produced events each year.
All sponsorship and media inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel.
All show program advertising inquiries should be directed to Drew Coster.
ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457
