Wayne, Ill. – Aug. 3, 2018 – As excitement for a weekend full of festivities grew at the Lamplight Equestrian Center Friday, competitors were all bringing their A-game to the arena in preparation. In the Grand Prix Arena, Brian Moggre returned to claim another jumper victory, this time in the Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.30m Jumpers aboard MTM Los Angelos, owned by Major Wager LLC.
Just one day earlier, Moggre set the standard for competition in the $25,000 Welcome Grand Prix, going double clear with MTM Vivre Le Reve to take home the top prize. The 16-year-old junior rider has shown no signs of slowing down in this second week of Equifest, and plans on taking his shot at Saturday’s $50,000 Buck Brother’s Grand Prix with MTM Vivre Le Reve.
Charlotte Novy and Anne Thompson’s Diamond D entered the ring just before Moggre and MTM Los Angelos, making it clear through the first round with a time of 72.798 seconds. The pair returned for their jump-off round focused on smooth execution, successfully navigating the course and claiming the first double clear of the class with a time of 41.867 seconds.
Once Moggre and MTM Los Angelos were on deck, he knew that he would need to be just as careful, and even more quick, to surpass Novy and Diamond D. Moggre and the gelding finished their first trip in 71.465 seconds, leaving all the rails in the cups. Keeping in mind Novy’s time to beat, he efficiently piloted MTM Los Angelos to the second double clear of the class, crossing the timers in a speedy 37.486 seconds.
Novy and Diamond D remained unsurpassed by any other fellow contenders and were ultimately awarded second place in the class, followed by Colby Hassfurther and Zindiloma rounding out the top three as the fastest of the 4-fault rides.
Competition at the Lamplight Equestrian Center for the second week of Equifest will resume Saturday, Aug. 4. The week’s highlight event, the $50,000 Buck Brother’s Grand Prix, is set to begin at 4 p.m. in the Grand Prix Arena.
FROM THE WINNERS CIRCLE
Brian Moggre – Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.30m Jumpers winner
On MTM Los Angelos:
“I imported him in May this year. He’s 6 years old so I’m just getting to know him. He’s absolutely wonderful — I really think he has the star quality that I love to have in my horses, and it’s just been really great getting to know him. He’s been such a pleasure in the show ring, especially for being here for only two months.”
On his rounds:
“Today he felt good. I rode him in the 6-year-old class two days ago and he won that, as well. He won the medium classic last week. In the first round, it’s all about rideability and getting him to become the horse I want him to be in the future. The jump-off is so fun with him because he is game to do whatever. I can find out that if he can do this now, he will step up to the plate when the jumps become 1.40m or 1.50m. It’s just really fun getting to know him and what he’s able to do at such a young age.”