Tracy Magness and Tarco Van Ter Moude win the final $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix of the season at HITS Ocala
OCALA, FL – If the previous weeks of horse shows at HITS Ocala serve as a prelude for this Sunday’s $100,000 HITS Grand Prix of Ocala, presented by Great American Insurance, Tracy Magness’ name would have to be on the short list of those favored to make the victory gallop.
She cemented her name on that list when she rode her mount, Tarco Van Ter Moude, to victory in Thursday’s $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix at HITS Post Time Farm. Tarco Van Ter Moude is 10 years old and Magness has had him for almost a year. Already at HITS Ocala, the pair has claimed six top-six finishes, including three first place finishes for horse owners Mr. and Mrs. John Bartko.
“She has as good of a chance as anyone to win on Sunday,” said Barbara Bartko. “As far as being the favorite, I don’t know, but she has to be in that conversation.”
“You never know what Tarco is capable of pulling off,” said Magness. “He is the best horse I have ever had and with three wins already this winter, I don’t think a fourth is out of the question.”
On Thursday, she bested 34 other competitors, including six in the jump-off. Magness and Tarco Van Ter Moude were second to go in the jump-off and posted the first clear round, setting the Great American Time to Beat at 38.625.
“The horse was great,” said Magness. “I didn’t want to go blazing fast because I wanted to save something for Sunday. I just figured I would go as careful as I could and leave it out there for someone to beat me.”
Aaron Vale and Copado nearly knocked her out of the top position as they went clear in the last-to-ride spot; however, their time of 39.684 was just off Magness’ pace, putting Vale in second place. He had the ride for Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare and collected $5,500 in prize money. Vale, who has won the last three $100,000 Grand Prix classes at HITS Ocala, was also eighth aboard Gentleman George.
Paul Halpern and Rolls Royce had the third and final clear round. However, their time of 42.994 was well off of Magness’ mark, as they finished in third place for Rebecca Irvine.
Show jumping at HITS Ocala continues all weekend with the Ocala Winter Finals. On Sunday, March 18, the 2007 season comes to a close as competitors will take their best shot at the $100,000 HITS Grand Prix of Ocala, presented by Great American Insurance.
Since its introduction in 1982, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit has become a fixture on the East Coast show jumping circuit. Each winter, the Ocala Circuit attracts national and international participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Classes offered range from Grand Prix show jumping to a selection of divisions for both the beginning and experienced rider. Located in Ocala/Marion County, the heart of Florida’s horse country, the area is home to over 600 horse farms and hundreds of supporting facilities and businesses. HITS moved the Ocala horse shows from the 100-acre Golden Hills International Show Grounds to the circuit’s new home, the 300+ acre Post Time Farm in 2002. HITS Post Time Farm is located just a few miles west of the Golden Hills International Show Grounds on Highway 27. The Post Time Training Center was originally built for thoroughbred racehorses. The facility is professionally landscaped and features gated entrances, 52 miles of four-board fencing, 26 permanent barns that house 500 stalls, numerous paddocks, bridle paths, and additional buildings for the horse show office, restaurant, and on-site school.
In January 2006, HITS entered into a private equity arrangement with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. in Los Angeles. As a result, HITS, Inc. is able to develop and execute exciting operational and strategic initiatives that both solidifies its well-established position as the leader in horse show management and allows for new growth opportunities including the construction of the new HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California. HITS generates significant economic impact in each of its five venues in California, Arizona, Florida, Virginia and New York.
Results
1 Tarco Van Ter Moude Tracy Magness Mr. & Mrs. John Bartko $7,500 0 0 38.62
2 Copado Aaron Vale Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare $5,500 0 0 39.68
3 Rolls Royce Paul Halpern Rebecca Irvine $3,250 0 0 42.99
4 Spitfire Kyle King Linda Opdycke $2,000 0 4 37.06
5 Finete Robin Cox Kyle King $1,500 0 8 38.20
6 Contendress Thomas Feigel Erin E. Stewart $1,250 4
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