Tuesday, February 28 2017 / Published in General

MATT CYPHERT AND HECTOR VICTORIOUS IN THE $25,000 CWD GRAND PRIX DEDICATES HIS WIN TO JIM CALARESO

Matt Cyphert pilots Hector to the winner’s circle in the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

For Immediate Release: February 27, 2017

Gulfport, Mississippi

Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas and Hannah Donald’s Hector won yesterday’s $25,000 CWD Grand Prix over a course designed by world-renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios.

“I think it’s really interesting how the course designers have such different styles. Last week we had Michel Vaillancourt and he is just brilliant and this week to have Leopoldo [Palacios]! Both are amazing and have such unique styles. We’re so lucky and fortunate to have those experiences with the top designers here in Gulfport,” he said.


*Olympic Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell]*

“Leopoldo used the whole field and you galloped the whole thing. There weren’t a lot of related distances,” commented Cyphert. Of the fourteen horse and rider teams, only three qualified for the jump off and Cyphert had two in the mix.

Cyphert and his own Lochnivar were first to go in the jump off order and turned in a clear round in a time of 49.811 seconds, within the 60 seconds time allowed, setting the new time to beat. “I was first to go and I thought I was really fast onLochnivar and thought he was really good. I’m at the in gate discussing strategy with my girlfriend Kelly and I turned to Pedro Tamayo who is my longtime groom and in charge of Hector and said, ‘I don’t think I can go that fast on Hector‘. Then Jorge [Ludwig] went in and beat our time! Pedro turned to me and said, ‘Well I guess you have to now’,” he laughed. Jorge Ludgwig of Newbury Park, California and his own Lamarque beat Lochnivar and Cyphert’s time with their own 49.042 seconds.

Last to go in the jump off order was Hector and Cyphert. “I’ve had Hector for a couple of years and the Donalds purchased him for their daughter. She did the Young Riders with him last year and then went off to school. So, we just sort of needed him to do something and continue to show,” said Cyphert.

“Leopoldo used a large part of the field for the jump off. There was one set track and we all did the same turns, so I just really tried to let him gallop between the jumps. That was the first time I really called upon Hector and the first time I pushed it with him. He was really good, just wonderful and listening to me, coming back before the jumps. It was a really fast jump off and I went as fast as I could, especially to the last jump which was the CWD jump. When I talked to Jorge after the class, that’s where he thought I caught him,” said Cyphert.

Hector and Cyphert finished their fault free jump off round in a time of 48.207 seconds and took the win! “We will never underestimate Hector again!” commented Cyphert.

” Hector is one of the most athletic horses I have ever ridden and he just covered the ground and jumped out of his skin,” said Cyphert. “The Donalds are fantastic people and clients and I’m so happy for them,” Cyphert added. “It’s a privilege to ride a horse that nice.”

Matt Cyphert and Hector are greeted in the winner’s circle by CWD representative and the Gulf Coast Classic team
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

The class wrapped up with Cyphert taking the first and third place ribbons withHector and Lochinvar, respectively, and Ludwig taking the second place ribbon with his own Lamarique.

Sun Tzu, owned and ridden by Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama picked up the fourth place ribbon as the fastest four-faulter with a time of 82.213 seconds, followed by Laura Connaway of Little Rock, Arkansas and her own Ceralenawho placed fifth with their four-fault first round in 83.852 seconds.

Sixth went to Sara Dees of Chatom, Alabama and her own Clearwater 5 for their four-fault first round in a time of 84.978 seconds. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama earned a seventh and ninth place ribbon with Deja Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS and Loretta Patterson’s Sky High. Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri picked up an eighth and twelfth place ribbon with Helen Gilbert’s Emir D and Al Pacini, respectively, while Dominique Damico of Berwyn, Pennsylvania and her own Canoso placed tenth. Brennan returned for an eleventh place ribbon in the irons of her own and Michelle Guardino-Dettelbach’s Mister Money.

“We were thrilled we won the class,” said Cyphert. “And then the craziest thing happened. I got a call from a friend with some terrible news. He told me that Jim Calareso who owned Fox Creek Mobile Equine Outfitters suddenly died of a heart attack this morning,” he said. “We were crushed. We went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. Jim was such an icon in Colorado. I’ve known Jim for half of my life. He lived life to the fullest, he loved his friends, vacation and the entire equestrian community. His loss is huge to the Colorado horse community and those that knew and loved him,” he said. “So, I am dedicating my win today to Jim. He meant so much to me and others. He will be terribly missed,” he added.

Grand Prix Sponsor CWD, makers of world class saddles and tack, is a long-time sponsor of the Gulf Coast andClassic Company horse shows. CWD, makers of the world renowned 2G saddles also makes a complete line of tack that will help you and your horse meet and exceed your competition expectations. CWD combines 21st century materials with completely new technology. The most innovative saddle craftsmen are proud to say that many of the world’s greatest equestrians ride in CWD.

Champions like McClain Ward ride in CWD, shouldn’t you? Check out their website to see their latest advancements and innovations or, if you’re showing in Gulfport, make sure to stop by their booth on Vendor Row.

The Clothes Horse, makers of fine horse wear and drapes is the Official Sponsor of all Grand Prix Champion Coolers at this year’s Gulf Coast Winter Classic. Customization, excellent service and fast turnaround time, with a complete attention to every detail is what they are about! Visit them online at clotheshorse.com

Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

Penny Brennan won the Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks Style of Riding Award Week III as the rider who exhibits the best American style of riding and possesses the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman. Penny won a beautiful Boy O Boy Bridleworks belt. This colorful new line of woven-ribbon and leather belts, dog collars and accessories are handmade by founder and artisan Amanda Hood in her Middleburg, Virginia studio and can be purchased in the Boutique located in the Arenus Hunter Lounge onsite at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics.

The $8,000 Horseflight Open Welcome took place on Friday and fourteen horse and rider teams tacked the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios. Only four advanced to a second round opportunity. Matt Cyphert and Suzanne Suitles Better Judgement turned in a clear second round in a time of 50.175 seconds, well within the 55 seconds time allowed and set the new time to beat.

Laura Connaway pilots Ceralena over an oxer on their way to the win in the $8,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Week III
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

Laura Connaway and her own Ceralena followed Cyphert and Better Judgement with a clear second round in a time of 48.697 seconds, moving Cyphert and Better Judgement into the second place position.

Penny Brennan and her own Sun Tzu were the next horse and rider team to advance to the jump off round. However, four faults in a time of 46.143 seconds would find them as the fastest four faulter and sitting in third place. Cyphert returned with Hannah Donald’s Hector for their second round opportunity, but four faults in a time of 48.499 seconds would see them finish in fourth place overall.

Fifth was awarded to Dominique Damico and her own Canoso for their first round which suffered one time fault in a time of 86.330 seconds. Holly Shepherd and Hanley Morrison’s SCS Luigi placed sixth after earning two time faults for their first round in a time of 87.199 seconds.

Evan Coluccio of Middleburg, Virginia and EMC International’s Fluttersby placed seventh with their first round in a time of 87.672 seconds which earned them two time faults.

Brennan and her own and Michelle Guardino-Deffelbach’s Mister Money earned an eighth place ribbon after turning in a four fault first round in a time of 82.534 seconds.

Awards Coordinator Drew Coster greets Laura Connaway and Ceralena in the winner’s circle
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

Sara Dees of Chatom, Alabama and her own Clearwater 5 placed ninth after a four fault first round in a time of 84.940 seconds and Jorge Ludwig and his ownLamarique placed tenth. For complete results, visit horseshowsonline.com.

Horseflight is the Official Equine Air Transportation Company of the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies and sponsor of all 2017 Open Jumper Welcome Classics. As a leader in international horse transport with locations in Greifswald, Germany, Califon, New Jersey, Ocala, Florida and Houston, Texas, with branches in Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California, Horseflight coordinates imports or exports anywhere in the world! With weekly flights to and from Europe, as well as the continental United States, Horseflight prides itself on transporting the competitive horse world, one flight at a time!

ARENUS JR/AMATEUR OWNER JUMPER CLASSICS RESULTS!

Gulf Coast Classic President Bob Bell greets Lila Sessums and Jet in the $2,500 Arenus Jr Amateur Owner 1.30 m Jumper Classic winner’s circle
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

Akins and Chasm Z
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

The Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classics 1.20 m and 1.30 m awarded Madison Akins of Bogart, Georgia and her own Chasm Z the blue in the 1.20 m and Lila Sessums of Clinton, Mississippi and her own Jet the win in the Arenus 1.30 m Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic.

Only six riders in the 1.20 m earned a second round opportunity and Akins and Chasm Z were the fastest on the field, turning in a clear second round in a time of 32.341 seconds. Olivia Epple of Palmetto, Georgia and Livhaven Stables’ Corini earned a second place ribbon with their clear second round in a time of 35.446 seconds.

Sessums and Jet
Alison Hartwell Photography

The Arenus 1.30 m Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic had only two horse and rider teams return for a second round opportunity and the first to go in the order,Jet and Sessums soared fault free over the beautiful grass grand prix field in a time of 33.158 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Second place finisher Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana and her ownPhoenix also advanced to the second round. Although their round was fault free, their time of 35.946 seconds would see them finish in second place. For complete results, visit horseshowsonline.com.

Arenus is the sponsor of the Jr. Amateur Jumper Classics at all Classic Company and Gulf Coast Classic show jumping events.

Developed by veterinarians and nutritionists and supported by a team of animal health specialists, Arenus products deliver exactly what your horse needs whether healthy or ill.

Arenus is centered on the core belief of supporting complete animal care solutions, with deep passion and exact science. Brands like Sore No-More, BeneFab by Sore No-More, Equilite Herbals and Assure have offered such solutions for many years and solidified Arenus’ spot in the equine health community.

More information can be found at arenus.com or you can reach out to their friendly customer service staff at 1-866-791-3344.

**BRENNAN AND JAPAN WIN THE $4,777 JUMPER CLASSIC**

Penny Brennan and her own Japan fly over the Horseflight oxer on their way to the win in the $4,777 Jumper Classic Week III
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

The $4,777 Jumper Classic, always a favorite at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, saw eighteen horse and rider teams go for the blue. Penny Brennan and her own Japan rode away with the win after turning in lightning fast double clear rounds in times of 72.675 seconds and 32.643 seconds. Lila Sessums and her own Jet earned the second place ribbon after their double clear rounds and second round time of 35.040. For complete results, please visithorseshowsonline.com.

Gulf Coast Classic President and Drew Coster greet Penny Brennan and Japan in the winner’s circle
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography

Why do riders love Gulfport? Matt Cyphert says, “What’s nice about Gulfport is that we’re all friends and very supportive of one another. We all just want to have a chance to go fast on that field. It’s the best ring we ride in all year and there’s nothing quite like it in the United States! The crowds are fun and I even have a group of local people here that seek me out year after year and cheer me on!”

Join us at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and discover for yourself why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Enjoy your day off and have fun celebrating Mardi Gras!

VIP!

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.

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
USHJA International Hunter Derby II&V
USHJA National Hunter Derby Classes
Hunter and Jumper Classics

Schedule – Week 1

Schedule – Week 2

Schedule – Week 3

Schedule – Week 4

Schedule – Week 5

Schedule – Week 6

Entry Forms

Camper Reservation

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.

Click here to reserve

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.
Just off Highway 49, this airy hotel is a short distance from the Equestrian Center.
Featuring free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels, the contemporary rooms offer desks, coffeemakers, minifridges and microwaves. Suites have in-room whirpool tubs and/or sitting areas. Exterior corridors leading to the rooms surround a courtyard. Amenities include free hot breakfast & parking, an airport shuttle, a pool in a courtyard, and a cocktail lounge. There’s also a business center and a fitness facilities.
Pet Friendly.

Call for the horse show rate

Clarion

9445 US 49
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-868-3300

Horse Show Rate of $64 per night.
Off Interstate 10, this casual hotel is short distance from the Equestrian Center.

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.

Click here to visit hotel website

Hilton Garden Inn Airport

14100 Airport Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-863-4996

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!

Click here to visit hotel website

Holiday Inn Gulfport-Airport

9515 US 49
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-679-1700

The award winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport – Airport is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $89 per night.
You can enjoy a relaxing stay at our Gulfport accommodations, ideally located off I-10 and Highway 49, just a short distance from the Equestrian Center. Also, be sure to enjoy the complimentary airport shuttle provided by our hotel to the nearby Gulfport Airport. While lodging in Gulfport, take advantage of our heated, indoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center and on-site restaurant, which offers a casual dining atmosphere where kids can eat for free.

Book Online or Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate.

Click here to visit hotel website

Comfort Inn & Suites Crystal Inn Sportsplex9379 Canal Rd
Gulfport, 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!

Click here to visit hotel website

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 En gel.

All show program advertising inquiries should be directed to Drew Coster.