Patricia Griffith of White Plains Takes the Devoucoux Hunter Prix

Patricia Griffith of White Plains, New York is back in top contention for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, after a pair of 90s gave her and Platinum, owned by Lexi Maounis, the Devoucoux Hunter Prix win this weekend.  They topped a field of 38, posting a score of 180 – eight points higher than second-place finisher Laena Romond of Colchester, Vermont and Heritage Farm-owned Shoemaker.

Griffith and Platinum have been here before – they qualified for the Inaugural Final in 2011, as well as 2012 and 2013. She ultimately chose to compete Sienna all three years and won in 2012. This year however, it might be Platinum’s turn. “He’s my choice for the upcoming qualifiers and has real potential to take me to the final this year,” said Griffith of the 13-year-old Warmblood gelding.

“I know him well – rode him as a pre-green and first year. He's lovely, smooth, balanced and really fun,” she said.

“Plus this [Outside] course at HITS is always interesting and you can never take the bank jumps for granted,” noted Griffith. “Last week we had trouble coming down the hill, so focused on it this week and redeemed ourselves.” Griffith put Platinum’s floating stride to work, catching beautiful distances with seamless lead changes throughout.

Fellow Heritage Farm riders have dubbed Griffith’s return to Platinum’s tack a “HITS Saugerties reunion,” and successful one at that. The farm went one-two in the Devoucoux, as Romond and Shoemaker scored a pair of 86s for a total of 172 and second. After a win last week with Cascor's Splendor, David Oliynyk of Franklin, Massachusetts again finished in the top three, this time in the irons of Lori Gaudet’s Generous. He scored an 85.5, which they repeated in the second round.

Heather Caristo-Williams of Saugerties, New York and Cornetto Royal, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Caristo, continued their consistent rounds with scores of 80 and 86—holding them steady at forth.  Morgan Ward of Milford, New Jersey rounded out the top five with scores of 82 and 82.5 on Redfield Farm’s Coke Z.

This weekend marked the completion of spring qualifiers for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final Championship on September 7. Competitors will continue to battle it out for the title, and $500,000 prize, when they return to Saugerties during the HITS summer series July 16 through August 4.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, maker of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. Devoucoux offers a wide range of saddles in many colors and sizes and matching accessories. Devoucoux craftsmen are devoted to creating beautiful products that reflect their obsession with quality and lovingly finished work. For more information on Devoucoux, visit devoucoux.com.

About HITS, Inc.
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.

While hosting the richest weekend in show jumping at HITS-on-the-Hudson, HITS also formed the Triple Crown of Show Jumping. This includes the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Thermal, the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala, Florida and the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties, New York.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!