Houston was crowned champion of the second annual Totally Thoroughbred Show at Pimlico July 13. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club
(Press Release)—Houston was crowned the overall champion of the Totally Thoroughbred Horse Show July 13 for the second consecutive year today at Pimlico Race Course, edging out Testimonially for top honors. The duo also went 1-2 in the inaugural show last July.
Owned by Megan Sullivan, the 13-year-old was ridden by Courtney Sommers. He qualified for the finals with a second place finish, behind Testimonially, in the three-foot jump class earlier Saturday. Testimonially and rider Kara Evans won three classes during the day.
“I am really proud of him,” said Sommers, who graduated from Hereford High School (class 2000) and Towson University (2004). “Megan had to work today, so I was just helping out. It was a pleasure to ride such a nice horse.”
Sommers teaches riding lessons at Featherdown Farm in northern Baltimore County.
Overall there were nearly 400 entries in 11 classes with 140 Thoroughbred horses participating.
“Things went very smoothly,” said show manager Georganne Hale. “While we didn’t have as many entries as last year, it seemed people were happier because we were more prepared for the numbers by adding another ring and an extra judge.”
Pimlico in all its glory as a show grounds. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club
The event was the brainchild of Hale, the Maryland Jockey Club’s racing secretary, and Adena Springs Retirement Program manager Stacie Clark-Rogers. Part of the Thoroughbred Alliance Show Series (T.A.S.S.), the Totally Thoroughbred Horse Show is one of a handful of shows for Thoroughbreds where each horse shows under its Jockey Club name. Traditional show horses have their names altered often when they change owners or circuits.
More than $10,000 in prize money was paid to the owners of the first three finishers in each class (60%-winner; 30%-second place; 10%-third) and six ribbons were awarded for each class.
All the proceeds will go to two local Thoroughbred aftercare programs: Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue and MidAtlantic Thoroughbred Rescue.
Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club
In his third horse show, multiple Grade 2 winner Mr O’Brien placed sixth in the In Hand class. Now 14, the son of Mukaddamah set a course record while winning the 2004 Dixie Stakes (G2) at Pimlico on Preakness day and also emerged victorious in the Kelso Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park five months later for trainer Robin Graham.
Show Jumping Hall of Famer Rodney Jenkins, now a Laurel Park-based trainer, Lenny Hale, Steuart Pittman and Wendy Davis were the judges.
The sponsors for the Totally Thoroughbred Horse Show were Abba Vet Supply, Adena Springs Retirement Program, Claiborne Farm, Dana Point Farm, Dark Hollow Farm, First Impression Quality Embroidery and Signage, Hess Equine Veterinary Services, Hillwood Stable LLC, Holly Robinson Racing, InCompass Solutions, Kentucky Equine Research, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Maryland Horse Industry Foundation, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Maryland Vet Group LLC, Meyers Feed Company, NextCar, Radisson Cross Keys Hotel, The Equiery, The Jockey Club-T.I.P., The Jockeys’ Guild and Winner’s Circle Partners.
Here is the list of winners: Overall winner—Houston, ridden by Courtney Sommers, owned by Megan Sullivan; Runner-up— Testimonially, ridden and owned by Kara Evans; Third—Midnight Perspiration, ridden and owned by Brittney St Clair; Fourth—Deep Threat, ridden and owned by Lauren Moran; Fifth—Daniel, ridden and owned by Lisa Skala; Sixth—Saratoga Jet, ridden by Sydney Parker, owned by Betty McCue.
Here is a further breakdown of results, by divisions and classes:
Class 1-Old Hilltop Lead Line Presented by The Jockeys Guild (children 5 & under)
* One Division (13 entries) —Deescouraging, ridden by Kathy Dibben, owned by Michelle Miller
Class 2-In Hand Presented by InCompass Solutions
*Division 1 (22 entries) —Campside, ridden and owned by Jennifer Webster
*Division 2 (24 entries) —Chucky Gold, ridden and owned by Terry West
Class 3-Walk/Trot Presented by Meyers Feed Company (children 15 & under)
* Division A (39 entries)—Prideland, ridden by Anastasia Vialov, owned by Betty McCue
Class 4-Walk/Trot/Canter Presented by Winner’s Circle Partners
*Division A (46 entries)— Testimonially, ridden and owned by Kara Evans
*Division B (46 entries)— Daniel, ridden and owned by Lisa Skala
Class 5-Trot or Canter Over 2’ Fences Presented by Dana Point Farm
1. Division A (50 entries)—Saratoga Jet, ridden by Sydney Parker, owned by Betty McCue
2. Division B (51 entries)—Testimonially, ridden and owned by Kara Evans
Class 6-Dark Hollow Farm Hunter Classic Canter Over 3’ Fences
* One Division (62 entries) —Testimonially, ridden and owned by Kara Evans
Class 7-Hillwood Stable LLC Jumper Classic Over 3’7” fences
* One Division (25 entries)—Undisputed Rhythm, ridden and owned by Terry West
Class 8-Pimlico Perpetual Trophy Presented By Gulfstream Aftercare (1st, 2nd & 3rd place horses from classes 4, 5 & 6).
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I can’t wait for these shows/classes to arrive at our Northwest tracks! Emerald Downs has a show coming in October (with an OTTB trainer challenge) and I know that Portland Meadows is also interested! Having many OTTBs throughout the years (and four right now), I am loving hearing about these shows and send my congratulations not only to the winners, but to EVERY participant that shows how wonderful OTTBs can be!!! Thank you!!!