Aaron Vale pilots Bonzini S to the win in last night’s $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix, presented by EMO during the Week I Atlanta Summer Classics
For Immediate Release: June 19, 2016
Conyers, Georgia
Last night Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida bested a field of twenty four horse and rider teams and brought home the first and second place ribbons with Thinks Like A Horse Farm’s Bonzini S and Quidam’s Good Luck, owned by Troy Glaus in the $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix, presented by EMO. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the 1996 Olympic Games at the Georgia International Horse Park and to help celebrate, Allen Rheinheimer, Classic Company Course Designer and Technical Coordinator, replicated the 1996 Olympic track, originally designed by Linda Allen.
Rheinheimer set the first round time allowed at 86 seconds and only six horse and rider teams advanced to the jump off round.
Derek Petersen of Archer, Florida in the irons of his own Diamant’s Legacy was the first to go in the jump off after posting a clear first round in a time of 79.271 seconds. However, the triple combination cost him a rail and although they turned in a jump off time of 32.880 seconds, well within the time allowed of 45 seconds, four jump faults would find them finishing in third place.
Gemma Paternoster of Wellington, Florida in the irons of her own Demi, followed Petersen in the jump off order after turning in a fault free first round in a time of 81.353 seconds. They also suffered a rail on the combination element and four faults in a time of 38.696 seconds would see them finish in fifth place overall.
Vale and Bonzini S on their way to the winner’s circle in the Olympic Arena
Vale and Bonzini S posted a clear first round effort in a time of 80.679 seconds and followed Paternoster in the jump off order. The duo posted the first double clear effort in a time of 33.261 seconds and set the new time to beat. “The course was nice and big enough and had a good feel to it,” commented Vale. “But the triple was hard,” he said. “It didn’t look short when you walked it, but it rode short,” he said. “There was a six stride to the triple so I added one because I didn’t want to come in too fast to a short two,” he said.
Jared Peterson of Archer, Florida, in the irons of his father Derek’s Titus 2:11, posted a clear first round in a time of 81.402 seconds and followed Vale in the jump off order. However, a rail at the triple combination with a time of 33.074 seconds would see the pair finish in fourth overall.
Vale was up with his second ride in the jump off, Quidam’s Good Luck, owned by Troy Glaus and posted a clean jump off round in a time of 34.845 seconds. “I rode a little conservative with my second horse just so I could get a clear round,” said Vale. “The two stride was more difficult on the jump off. Derek [Petersen] had it down, Derek’s son [Jared] did, and I thought Kyle might have one down too, trying to beat my first horse’s time,” said Vale. “Turned out, I was right,” he said.
Vale’s prediction was spot on. Kyle Dewar of Ocala, Florida and his own Gomez Van Dehoe sat in the enviable last to go position, but with a rail at the triple combination and at the final fence, eight faults in a time of 33.483 seconds, would see them finish in sixth place overall and send Vale to the winner’s circle with Bonzini S.
Aaron Vale and Bonzini S are greeted in the winner’s circle by Classic Company President Bob Bell, Awards Coordinator Drew Coster, Sponsorship Director Lisa Engel and Parlanti representatives Mike Forsyth and Sky La Morte
“Bonzini has won a few classes before,” commented Vale. “He’s got a lot of ability and tries really hard,” he added. “He’s not always the most clever, but he is kind of putting it together,” he added.
Seventh place went to Glenn Hartigan of Canton, Georgia and his own Z-Coco Cabana after turning in a first round effort in 86.269 seconds which resulted in one time fault. Eighth went to the fastest four-faulter, Jordan Coyne of New Port Ritchey, Florida, in the irons of her own Lazzaro with a first round time of 77.820 seconds.
Hayley Water of Sparr, Florida and Chuck Waters’ Galous, finished in ninth place after posting a four fault first round in a time of 77.948 seconds and tenth place was awarded to Vale and Amatoville Entrprises’ Carlo after turning in a four fault first round in a time of 79.113 seconds.
Taylor Land of Atlanta, Georgia and Jay Land’s Nepal placed eleventh and Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina finished in twelfth place with The Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood.
Aaron Vale rode away with first and second place ribbons in last night’s $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix, presented by EMO
Vale recently lost his home in Williston due to a fire. “My customers set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ site and just the support from everyone in the horse world has made things easier for us during such a difficult time,” said Vale. “I can’t thank everyone enough for their support,” he added. “It’s nice to pick up some prize money and we had a good show last week in Upperville. With more successes like tonight’s in the ring, we will put things back together a bit quicker for us,” he added.
“We have thirty three horses here this week and I’ve been helping out Don too,” said Vale. “The facility is in great shape, the management is friendly and accommodating and we’re enjoying our couple of weeks here,” he said. “The weather was great this weekend and we will be here next week too,” he said.
Kastel Denmark hosted a special Pre-Prix Reception open to all alongside the VIP tent and offered beverages and snacks for the spectators, riders and owners prior to the start of the class.
Gemma Paternoster was awarded the Kastel Denmark Style of Riding Award, presented by Kastel Denmark’s Susan Benson
Kastel Denmark also awarded its Style of Riding Award to Gemma Paternoster. Paternoster was selected by Classic Company show management staff as the rider who exhibited the best American style of riding and possessed the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman. Kastel Denmark is the Official UV protectant shirt of the Atlanta Summer Classics and their line of products can be found at Judys Tack Shop and The Tack Room, official Mobile Units of the Classic Company.
Long time Classic Company sponsor, Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed American casual dining restaurant chain, serving American cuisine, based in Tampa, Florida, with 978 locations in 23 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
EMO is a full service equine insurance company. Your horse is a valuable asset and a considerable financial investment. Protecting that investment with equine insurance has been EMO’s specialty for more than 25 years. They have earned a reputation for providing horse owners with the highest quality of coverage, best customer service and quick claim settlement. That’s why so many horse owners, trainers and farm managers nationwide trust their insurance needs to EMO.
The Atlanta Summer Classics is the first leg of the Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour at the Georgia International Horse Park which kicked off June 15th and runs through the 26th for two weeks of AA show jumping action! Big prize money is up for grabs at the world class facility, home of the 1996 Olympic Games. Have you entered and reserved your stalls? Prize lists and time schedules are online and stall reservation requests can be made by emailingJonathan@classiccompany.com.
Tomorrow features the complimentary USHJA Zone 4 Riding Clinic with Tony Sgarlata as well as the USHJA Children’s/Adult Regional Championships Friday and Saturday. In addition to the Week II $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and the $35,000 Sidelines Grand Prix, the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes place in the Olympic Stadium on Friday. Add the $5,000 Futures Class to that schedule and a class for everyone in your barn and these two weeks are a winner! Continue the excitement as the Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour continues!
The Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour unites three destination-location horse shows and provides the Tour with More!
Atlanta Summer Classics: June 15-26
Ride in the historic Olympic Stadium at the home of the 1996 Olympic Games and be a part of history!
Brownland Farms Mid-Summer Classics: June 29-July 10
Beautiful show grounds and location just a few miles away from America’s music scene!
Charleston Summer Classics: July 12-26
The grand finale! Bring the whole family to the original Show-Cation Destination! Located on Johns Island, adjacent to Kiawah Island and just a short drive from downtown Charleston, the Charleston Summer Classics celebrates its 25th Anniversary and crowns the Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour Champions!
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Celebrate the Olympic Anniversary at the Atlanta Classics!
Ride in Olympic style at the Georgia International Horse Park located in Conyers, Georgia. The International Grand Prix stadium and a multitude of rings, permanent stabling and state of the art facilities provide the perfect backdrop to big prize money, award winning show management, thousands of exhibitors and some of the top horses in the country. Weekly Grand Prix and Hunter Derbies with a class for everyone from lead line to Grand Prix, the Classic Company shows in Conyers are a must on your show calendar.
Connections Housing, Classic Company, and Delta Awards are giving away a free stall each of the Atlanta Summer Classics to one lucky participant who fills out their hotel reservation information. Helping to track the hotel stays will help us with hotel participation.
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(Click on the cover to download prize list) Over $300,000 in Prize Money and Awards |
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Hampton Inn
1340 Dogwood Dr SE
Conyers, GA 30013 770-483-8838 The Premier Lodging Partner of the Classic Company, the Hampton Inn, part of the Hilton family of properties, welcomes you to its beautiful hotel, just minutes from the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Classics! Pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your four legged friends along! The Hampton Inn offers well-appointed rooms complete with refrigerators and microwaves, complimentary Wi-Fi, a free hot breakfast, complimentary afternoon snacks, fitness center and a business center. Be sure to make your reservation for the shows and tell them you are showing at the Atlanta Classics!
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Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham
1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway
Conyers, GA 30013
770-761-9155
Our Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Conyers hotel near Georgia International Horse Park is located on Centennial Olympic Parkway with easy access to Interstate 20. Before you enjoy the beauty and attractions of Georgia, help yourself to our free hot breakfast buffet.
Take advantage of thoughtful conveniences like free Wi-Fi Internet, shuttle service, hot tub, in-room microwaves and refrigerators, convenience shop, fitness center, guest laundry and free parking. Refresh with a swim in our seasonal outdoor pool, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and enjoy a refreshing beverage in our on-site lounge. Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult at our newly updated, pet-friendly hotel.
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Microtel Inn & Suites
1412 Old McDonough Highway
Conyers, GA 30094
770-278-0950
Minutes From Georgia International Horse Park and Stone Mountain Park.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, make Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Conyers/Atlanta Area hotel, near Georgia International Horse Park, your home base for exploring the Atlanta area. Located off Interstate 25, our pet-friendly hotel is minutes from the best Conyers and Atlanta attractions. We serve a free continental breakfast each morning, and offer free Wi-Fi Internet access so you can check directions or catch up on email before you head out. When you return, park your car or oversized-vehicle in our ample free lot and head to our seasonal outdoor pool for a swim. Our on-site fitness center makes it easy to squeeze in a workout on the go. We offer non-smoking and handicapped-accessible rooms as well as suites, and kids 17 an under stay free with an adult.
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ABOUT THE CLASSIC COMPANY
The Classic Company‘s philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Leadline to Olympic level Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, the Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry.
Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is a hallmark of the Classic Company. Awarded the USHJA‘s Members Choice Award for providing top quality, customer friendly show jumping competitions, the Classic Company provides world class show jumping competitions with a class for everyone in your barn. We invite you to experience the Classic Company difference. For more information, visitwww.classiccompany.com.
All sponsorship and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel atlisa@classiccompany.com.
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