The landscape of the Pfizer Million took a major turn during HITS-on-the-Hudson IV when Olympians McLain Ward, and Margie Engle each reached the eight qualifying Grand Prix classes needed to become eligible for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson on Sunday, September 12.

Engle of West Palm Beach, FL, and Ward of Brewster, NY, announced their arrival in the standings each with a win of a Grand Prix class at HITS-on-the-Hudson IV. On Friday, Engle delivered the one-two punch when she won the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard Indigo, owned by Gladewinds Farm, Inc., and was second aboard Hidden Creek’s Pamina L, owned by Hidden Creek Farm. Engle makes her debut on the Eligible Rider Rankings holding a tie for the 14th spot and will be at HITS Saugerties this week as she continues to climb the ladder in the standings.

Two-time Gold Medal winner Ward rode Goldika 559 to the top prize in Sunday’s $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Ward now sits in the fourth spot in the Eligible Rider Rankings and has already announced that he will ride his mare Sapphire in the big ticket event this September. Other high-performance riders cracking the standings include David Tromp (35th) and Chuck Waters (37th).

Currently, New Zealand's Guy Thomas and Peterbilt are in second place with $83,950 in prize money won, and Canadian Olympian Jill Henselwood and Bottom Line are in the lead with $104,100 in prize money won. However, with four Grand Prix classes at HITS Saugerties over the next two weeks, including the $125,000 Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, during HITS-on-the-Hudson VI, anything could still happen in the race for the top spot.

Jumping Juniors! Young Rides Excel During the $10,000 USHJA Hunter Derby
Some of the top junior riders on the East Coast flexed their muscles on Saturday night during the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. When the class was complete, 10 of the ribbons in the class were awarded to juniors, including the blue ribbon that was taken home by Lillie Keenan aboard Chansonette Farm’s C Coast Z.

Keenan, who trains at Heritage Farm in Katonah, NY, wasn't satisfied with just one ribbon. The New York City native was also fifth aboard Chansonette Farm’s Genuine, was sixth in the tack of Madeline Turner’s Sir Neel, and 12th riding Chansonette Farm’s Valedictorian. Keenan also excelled during the week when she piloted C Coast Z to the weekly championship in the Large Junior Hunters, 15 & Under.

Gainesville, Florida’s Hasbrouck Donovan rode to the second-place position and kept the momentum rolling for the talented juniors at HITS-on-the-Hudson. Professional Patricia Griffith of White Plains, NY, rode Kenzie Snyders Nicolette to a third-place finish, and the fourth-place ribbon was secured by junior Lexi Manous of Jupiter, FL, who rode her own Kid Rock to the top placing.

Griffith is a professional who rides and trains at Heritage Farm, and Manous competes in the junior hunters under the watchful eye of the trainers at Heritage Farm. Six of the 12 ribbons in the USHJA Hunter Derby were awarded to members of Heritage Farm. For complete results, click here.

Looking Ahead
Show jumping at HITS Saugerties resumes tomorrow with HITS-on-the-Hudson V (July 28-August 1) and will feature two more crucial qualifiers for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that takes place on Sunday, September 12, at HITS-on-the-Hudson.

Grand prix riders will compete in the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, on Friday, July 30, and the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, on Sunday, August 1. On Saturday, July 31, the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby will highlight the week for the hunters.

Arenus will be on-site all of week V welcoming competitors to HITS on-the-Hudson and will sponsor the Arenus Puttin Plus Exhibitor Party located across from the show grounds. The Family Fun Center Puttin’ Plus offers go carts, miniature golf, batting cages and laser tag—all courtesy of Arenus. This will be HITS' second special exhibitor party held at Puttin' Plus and, thanks to Arenus, there will be even more fun this time around. Make sure to pick up your admission bracelets in the show office or from an Arenus representative.

Other Major Award at HITS-on-the-Hudson IV include:
- Arenus Tack Room Award: Stepping Stone Farm of East Greenbush, NY
- Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award: Michael Hughes of Drumnacross Farm, Goshen, NY
- Groom’s Award sponsored by Odor-No-More: Joanne “Joe” Kershaw of Hermitage Farm, Far Hills, NJ

In order to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, a rider must compete in eight or more HITS Grand Prix classes. The top 40 riders, based on money won by horse/rider combination, will be eligible to ride for the Pfizer Million. For more detailed information on the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, including ticket prices and the special concert by music legend John Fogerty, please visit www.HitsShows.com.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS will take the industry to new heights when it hosts the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.