Bob Crandall and Casallo

©Lauren Baker

By Emily Riden

Longtime friends Tim Goguen and Bob Crandall are accustomed to competing against each other across the country, whether they’re in New York, Florida or at the Kentucky Horse Park. On Wednesday, the top riders tied for the Kentucky Summer Classic hunter grand championship, each racking up 50 points by taking home all five available blue ribbons in their divisions.

Crandall and Erin McGuire’s Casallo were the first contenders for the grand championship, adding the final two blue ribbons to Tuesday’s three in the Green Conformation Hunter division. The duo secured the division’s championship, with reserve going to Winn Alden and Elizabeth Nestor’s Covert, who claimed the remaining two second-place spots for a total of five red ribbons.

“Winning all five classes is always great,” Crandall said of his clean sweep. “It doesn’t happen often whether it’s a big or small division, so it’s always great just when you’re happy with your horse. He has just been amazing. It’s been such a treat to have him back, and I thank the McGuires and Jack and Liza Towell for that.”

In the Second Year Green Hunters, Goguen and Saddle Ridge LLC’s Ransom followed suit, claiming the top spot in both the classic and handy hunter rounds for a total of five blue ribbons to earn the division’s championship. The reserve championship went to Isabelle Pott’s Fusagers Carma, who was shown by Jordan Gilchrist.

“Ransom’s just been really steady and consistent through Florida, [the Devon Horse Show] and up here with Vivian [Yowan] in the Junior Hunters and Second Years,” Goguen said. “He’s 6 years old and was reserve at Harrisburg in the First Years and in the Junior Hunters as well. Ransom is just so scopey, and he tries really hard.”

With both Goguen and Crandall tied with perfect scores of 50 points at the end of the day, the grand champion award, sponsored by Visse Wedell for Douglas Elliman Real Estate, was split between the two riders, who willingly shared in the honors.

“I guess if I have to share, sharing with Tim was OK,” Crandall laughed. “Upstate New York reigns again.”

Earlier in the day, Goguen continued his domination of the First Year Green Hunters, piloting Garland Alban’s Capella and Belhaven Stables LLC’s Rookie to champion and reserve champion, respectively.

Goguen and Capella added a first and third to Tuesday’s two firsts and second, edging out the rest of the field to earn the title.

“Capella has been champion or reserve every week that we’ve shown him up north,” Goguen said. “He’s in the same realm as Ransom as far as being very scopey. It’s very easy for him.”

Rookie’s second and fourth place finishes added to Tuesday’s two seconds and first gave him enough points for the reserve.

“Rookie didn’t start until spring here,” Goguen continued. “He has really come along, as well. He’s good going around; he a can jump a very good jump. I think he’s going to win his share in this division, as he’s been doing. We call him a Labrador because he’s so friendly in the barn, and he’ll just get in your lap.”

Rounding out the day were the High Performance Hunters, with the division’s championship going to Fleur De Lis Farms’ Bowie, who was piloted by Courtney Calcagnini. The pair earned two blue ribbons, added to Tuesday’s first and fifths for the top spot. The division’s reserve championship went to Bill Schaub’s Avalon, who was ridden by Molly Sewell.

The junior hunter divisions begin on Tuesday, with the amateurs scheduled to show Saturday and Sunday. The $5,000 USHJA Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby will take place on Saturday.

Media Release

Source: Phelps Media