$25,000 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular Crowns a New Champion as Small Gesture Takes Top Call

San Juan Capistrano, CA – In the $25,000 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular at the Blenheim June Classic I, Small Gesture dominated the first round scoring with an impressive 92 from not just one panel, but both panels of judges. Competing fifth out of 30 entries, and holding the lead in Round Two, the refined dark bay, owned by Iwasaki & Reilly, finished with an overall score of 180.5.

French remarked on the ride. “He is nice. Because he did the jumpers, you can sit on him and put leg on and not have to sit chilly. I can gallop up to a single oxer knowing that he will back himself off and jump it great. I couldn’t be happier with his first round.”

Originally purchased to do the equitation division, owners Chris Iwasaki and Liz Reilly recognized the hidden hunter in the horse who has been winning in the Second Year and Junior divisions as well as on the Derby field. Known as ‘Nemo’ in the barn, he will go on to compete at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships later this summer in Lexington, KY, as well as hit the Indoor Circuit in the fall.

Galloping in the Reserve Champion spot was the flashy pair from Northern California, Corriendo Tau and Hope Glynn (pictured right). With ears pricked forward and knees wrapped around his nose, the pure white talent is reminiscent of an adorable large pony hunter. With a final score of 175.5, they also scored well in round one, earning a 90 and 88.

The appropriately named Cy Young, ready to ‘pitch’ the perfect jump each time he leaves the ground, rounded out the top three in the class. Piloted by Tara Metzner, the big-strided bay, owned by Davlyn Farms, finished with a total score of 173.

Glynn’s second gray mount, Lake of Stars, a striking dapple gray owned by Sabrina Hellman, earned the prestigious Shapley’s Best Turned Out Award and ninth overall. Well-deserving groom Leo Lopez was presented with a cash award and a bucket of Shapley’s products by Liv Gude of Shapley’s. For more details, see the full USHJA Press Release here.

Pleased to present the third WCHR week of their 2016 season, Blenheim EquiSports welcomed SmartPak to award the High Score and Grand Champion awards to ponies and horses, plus Equitex and Balmoral Farm recognized the trainer and owner of the Overall Grand Champion in ten WCHR divisions.

PR originally published by Blenheim EquiSports.