Tracy Fenney is no stranger to the grand prix winner’s presentations that take place at HITS Ocala, and the 2014 circuit is starting off to be no different. She piloted both of her grand prix mounts, MTM Timon and MTM Centano, in Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, and it was MTM Timon who carried her to the blue.
ph. HITS
Twenty-six combinations made up the starting field and jumped a course set by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida. The original track included 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts, including an oxer-vertical-vertical triple combination at the fifth fence.
MTM Timon, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, has been partner to Fenney for countless grand prix wins, as well as jumping at the highest tier of the sport. The pair has had three top-twenty finishes in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix, in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Fenney was one of nine to return for the jump-off and was the last to ride with nothing but the clock standing between her and a win. “You’re never sure if you’re going to win the class, but I ride the best when I’m against the clock,” she said.
Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey posted the Great American Time to Beat at 40.44 seconds in the third trip of the jump-off, aboard The Coverboy Group’s Superbad. Australian rider Scott Keach answered three rounds later with a time of 38.72 in the irons of Coco, owned by Southern Cross.
Fenney rode last and bested Keach’s effort with a time of 38.47 seconds. Keach picked up his second red grand prix ribbon of the circuit, finishing second behind Fenney. Flint finished in third, while last week’s phenom Lisa Goldman of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois settled Mary Goldman’s Centurion B into fourth. Christina Kelly of Keene, Kentucky capped the top five with her own Ushuaia van de Wolfsakker.
Grand Prix competition continues at HITS Ocala this Sunday with the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. The class will take place in the all-new Ocala Horse Properties Stadium and serves as the grand prix debut of the new ring. Throughout the circuit, the Stadium will host select special classes, including the premiere of the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix.
Source: HITS