Asheville, NC—July 21, 2007— Despite nearly a year’s absence from competition Artur 28 and Jack Hardin Towell, Jr. of the Camden, SC based Finally Farm have answered the burning question of whether fans would ever see the brilliant chestnut back in competition by winning the $25,000 Juan Hernandez Memorial Grand Prix at the Biltmore Summer Classics.
Allen Rheinheimer definitely did his homework after Thursday’s Welcome Stake and decided tonight’s test would be a simple pass or fail exam for the 18 horses stepping into his arena. With 12 obstacles to get past in the first round, including a triple bar and three sets of combinations one of which [9AB] had the “gotcha” effect as it was a big brush oxer into a tall vertical directly ringside of the dining tent. No doubt a few of the horses could have told you just what was on the menu this evening as they hovered above the jumps just long enough to get a good whiff. Just part of the exam as Rheinheimer knew a distraction of the slightest could have costly rails drop. Having another day of crystal blue skies and pleasant temps provided another element of the test as traffic once again stopped, even a tour bus sat idle in the road and folks began picnicking on the embankment across from fences #1, 2, and 3.
Hardin, as he’s known to friends, had three of the starting field and drew the number one spot in the order of go with Iago Du Quesnoy the Warmblood gelding he co owns with Neill Sites. “It was a good course and Iago jumped really well. My only concern was watching the turns of course.” Hardin made reference to the fact that Iago has only one eye after loosing a battle with an infection last fall. Although Hardin is convinced that his partner seems to be performing even better since his return to the ring, a fact proven again as the pair went clean in a time of 89.590, safely below the 92-second allowance. Towell’s friend Daniel Geitner from Aiken, SC was the next to go clear aboard the Mrs. Charles Bostwick entry Sympa in a time of 87.661. As if to raise the bar Hardin’s next mount Sea Cloud 2, owned by Andrea King, also went clear in a time 85.690. “Sea Cloud I have to ride a little softer. He’s fast and isn’t one to be held then pressed.” Hardin spoke of the differences between “Cloud” and “Iago”, “If I push Sea Cloud we just end up in an argument and he’s gonna win everytime.”, he added with a laugh. “Iago likes the help, he likes to be held right up to the jump and then pressed. He’ll jump higher when pressed.” Geinter would bring one more to the jump off party, DFG Stables client Kyle Register’s Trading Places finished round one clear in 87.681 seconds.
Then came the moment Hardin has been thinking, planning, and nervously awaiting, the return of Artur 28 to the field. “I’ve watched every single video of Artur, when he was competing in Europe and here in the US. I studied him. He’s done FEI World Cups, International Grand Prix…he’s jumped things I don’t even know about.” Hardin began about the 16 year-old German Warmblood, “He’s just an amazing horse. In and out of the ring. He and Iago have similar personalities so we’ve been bonding nicely.” The proof of the bond showed in a clean 88.280 first round. “He’s not one that you try to gun, just find and keep a good pace. Trust him, he’ll get you there.”
Nine horses passed the test and moved on to Rheinheimer’s final exam. And what a challenge of the mind it proved to be, starting off fairly straight forward from #1 to #2 fence with a bending turn to #14 and a seemingly simple line to #5, but coming off that oxer was the make or break your ride decision. Know your horse well was the answer as the rider had to either make an extreme hard right into the tall #15 vertical or roll back left around eating up possible precious time. Hardin and Iago were the first to return and the first victim of the hard turn yet even with a total of 8 faults had a blazing time of 40.540 well under the 48 allotted. Daniel Geitner was the first to wisely choose the left turn to clear the obstacle and with Sympa’s big strides made up time finishing clean in 43.766. Hardin took note of the move, “When I walked it I didn’t think of going left, then Daniel went. He told me it was a stride slower but that he thought it was a better set up for the horse. If your horse tends to shift right then that hard left wouldn’t work.” This was the new strategy that put Hardin in the lead with Sea Cloud 2 after a clean round at 41.150 that held until one of the final riders, Christian Currey and Cenzo took the top spot away going clean in 41.099 leaving only Artur 28 to challenge. “I really hadn’t planned on running Artur since Sea Cloud had done so well, but then Christian caught me.” Hardin laughed and added, “Then I thought about who I was riding and realized if I asked him [Artur] he’ll get me there.” From fence #1 until the turning for the last line the only sound audible were the pounding hooves of Artur 28 and as the pair launched over the final jump the crowd screamed knowing the victory was at hand. The clock confirmed what everyone already knew, stopped at 39.233 seconds, Hardin and Artur 28 had their first win.
Galloping past the finish line Hardin seemed both overwhelmed and overjoyed as the reality of winning settled in on him. Adding to the moment were the hoops and hollers coming from “Papa Jack” as he and proud mom Lisa weren’t originally expected at the show until next week and had brought another surprise for Hardin. Big brother Ned Towell made the trip to support his younger sibling. After the presentation and victory gallop the first thing Hardin wanted was the embrace of his family, a few hugs later he was sprinting to the other side of the arena to share a moment with Mrs. Peterson who co-owns Artur 28, she recently underwent a knee surgery so having her attend meant a lot to this young rider. “Mrs P is just so great! I can’t thank her enough for allowing me to ride Artur. She really loves the horses and I’m so happy she could be here today.” Hardin said fondly.
And while Andrea King, trainer and co-owner of Artur, insisted that interviews weren’t for her, “the moment belongs to this super kid and great horse.” Hardin made agruement of that, “Andrea has been a friend of the family for many years and the help she’s given me is wonderful. I’m learning so much from her. I’m very thankful to have her support.” Hardin will return for the second week of competition with all three mounts and both immediate and extended family cheering them on.
Second place went to Christian Currey and Cenzo owned by Mr. And Mrs. Brownlee Currey with the second clear round time of 41.099. Following in third place Hardin Towell aboard Andrea King’s Sea Cloud 2 finishing clear in 41.150. Fourth place went to owner-rider Deborah Connor on Hiberia Rouge going clear in 42.052 seconds and completing the top five was Daniel Geitner piloting Sympa for owner Mrs. Charles Bostwick finishing clear in 43.766 seconds.
The Biltmore Estate Summer Classics continue through July 29th with showing taking place Wednesday through Sunday each week. Classes begin daily at 8AM until approximately 4:30PM and the public is invited. Admission is required to the Biltmore grounds and may be purchased at the gates. Each Saturday evening will host an exciting $25,000 Grand Prix jumper event. For more information or results on the Summer Classics visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 828-225-6202.
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