Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour Announces Kentucky Summer Week I Champions
O’Brien and Nightshade SCF and Vale with Camiro Blue PS Tie as Champions of the 7-Year-Olds
David O’Brien and Nightshade SCF. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
LEXINGTON - KY– July 28, 2020 – Champions were crowned after the third competition day of the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour during Kentucky Summer I at the Kentucky Horse Park. In an unusual turn of events, Nightshade SCF, a Belgian Warmblood stallion (Baldev x Olisina x Celano) ridden by David O’Brien and owned by Spy Coast Farm, and Camiro Blue PS, an Oldenburg gelding (Cabachon x Chamilda x Chacco Blue) ridden by Aaron Vale and owned by April Miller, tied for the championship.
Aaron Vale and Camiro Blue PS. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
O’Brien and Nightshade SCF participated in Classic Champions educational clinic with Joe Fargis and a panel of experts, including Spy Coast Farm owner Lisa Lourie, hosted by Wellington Equestrian Center, during the 2020 winter season.
In the 6-Year-Old Developing Jumpers, Bradley, a warmblood gelding (Emilion x Warone x Tangelo VD Tuuthoeve) owned and ridden by Sarah Sturges took the championship honors with another of O’Brien’s Spy Coast Farm rides, Octavius SCF, a Belgian Warmblood gelding (Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x Beluga x Cobra) taking the reserve championship.
Sarah Sturges and Bradley. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Parallax SCF, a Belgian Warmblood gelding (Chaqui Z x Vadeline x Placido), owned by Thinks Like a Horse and ridden by Aaron Vale earned the championship of the 5-Year-Old division. O’Brien with Polaris SCF, a Spy Coast Farm Belgian Warmblood gelding (Big Star x Rolette x Lester) earned the reserve.
Aaron Vale and Parallax SCF. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
The tracks for the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour were set by USEF R course designer Bobby Murphy.
Classic Champions is dedicated to providing age-adapted courses to help develop young jumpers. They support the selection of experienced course designers specifically trained to build courses for young horses. The goal is to provide positive educational experiences for the developing horses at top-notch venues.
Classic Champions is the title sponsor for the Developing Jumper Tour held at the Kentucky Horse Park throughout summer. The Tour showcases young rising stars and hopeful contenders for the coming years. The Tour culminates in a Finals week held in the impressive Rolex Stadium during the Kentucky National Horse Show, Sept 16-20.