News
Hough and Quick Study speed to Open Jumper victory
Nov 2, 2012
After spending the summer in Europe, Lauren Hough and Quick Study made a triumphant return to the United States during the Alltech National Horse Show, 129th Edition. The pair bested a 14-horse jump-off with a speedy double clear effort during the $75,000 Double H Farm International Open Jumper class at the Alltech National Horse Show. Ireland's Richie Moloney galloped into second place position aboard Slieveanorra, while Kent Farrington and his young mount Venus left all the rails in place for the third place honors.
Belgium's Olivier Philippaerts was the first to conquer the challenge with Stal De Kalvarie's Denver Van't Goemanshot, but his fault-free round in 44.41 seconds would only be good enough for seventh. Aaron Vale and Palm Sunday, owned by Amen Corner Farm, bested the pair in 42.830 seconds, but their effort eventually placed fifth, with Great Britain's Tim Gredley and Unex Timo IV, owned by Unex Competition Yard LTD, slipping into sixth at 42.88 seconds.
It looked like Ireland's Richie Moloney was going to be the victor after he set a time of 40.66 seconds, well ahead of the other competitors with Equinimity LLC's Slieveanorra. Just prior to Moloney, Kent Farrington had set the time to beat with Venus, owned by Raylyn Farm's Venus at 41.39 seconds. Unfortunately, Moloney and Farrington would have to settle for second and third, respectively, after veteran duo Lauren Hough and Quick Study, owned by Laura Mateo, entered the arena.
Making his first appearance in the United States since this spring, Quick Study was right on point, easily clearing the obstacles in his path to victory. They sliced the single vertical for the combination and deftly maneuvered through the inside turns to one of the final oxers. Hough and Quick Study's swift pace and path added up to the win as they dashed for the cash in 40.51 seconds, one tenth of a second ahead of Moloney.
Hillary Simpson slipped into fourth with Nopus Du Gue Joubert, owned by Quiet Hill Farm. Australia's Matt Williams and Watch Me VD Mangelaar, owned by Samantha Tuerk, had slower round of 45.66 seconds that went into eighth. Margie Engle and Royce, owned by Elm Rock LLC, had the slowest clear round, clocking in a conservative 48.19 seconds. Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W did have the fastest round of the night, but they had an unfortunate rail before the combination for four faults to round out the top ten.
Source: Press release from Phelps Media Group, Inc.