Saugerties, New York – June 30, 2024 –  Competition during Hits-on-the-Hudson June II at Hits Hudson Valley in Saugerties, New York, came to a close with Cristian Hacker (USA) and Cocaine de Riverland’s stellar performance in the $24,500 Horseflight 1.35m Jumper Classic, taking the win in a competitive class of 40 entries. 

Hacker, 17, of Wellington, Florida, has had the ride on Cocaine de Riverland, also known as “Chanel,” for a year. Together they have competed through the High Junior Jumper division with numerous top placings.  

“The first time I tried her she felt so powerful and I knew she was going to be a great partner for me,” said Hacker of the 12-year-old Selle Français mare (Epsom Gesmeray x Allegreto) owned by CSH Equine LLC. “She really just has a heart of gold and she has been wonderful for me.” 

The course proved to be a challenge for most pairs, with only 10 of the 40 entered advancing to the jump-off. Of those ten, only six could duplicate their clear round. Hacker was fastest of the group, beating out his good friend Caroline Mawhinney (USA) with a time of 44.862 seconds.

Mawhinney and her own Stella Levista, a 16-year-old Hanoverian mare (Satisfaction FRH x Levisto), were just a fraction of a second slower than Hacker in 44.980 seconds.

Third was awarded to Tori Corts (USA) and her own Semi Automatic, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion by Amaretto d Arco, with a time of 45.612 seconds. 

“In the first round I knew I just needed to be efficient, and I needed to be very in the moment and present,” explained Hacker. “I know Caroline and her horse Stella Levista very well, and she’s super fast, so I knew that we had to pull out all the stops for the jump-off.  We thrive on galloping and Chanel’s stride just opens up and is massive so I think that was what put us on top.”

Hacker has not had the chance to show at Hits Hudson Valley for a while now, but he made his return during HITS-on-the-Husdon June II a successful one with a big win. 

“There’s just so many rings to flat in and it’s such a nice, well-run facility,” he enthused. “Plus the Grand Prix Stadium is so fun to gallop around in!”

Final Results– $24,500 Horseflight Jumper Classic –1.35m

1) Cristian Hacker (USA) & Cocaine de Riverland – 44.862

2) Caroline Mawhinney (USA) & Stella Levista – 44.980

3) Tori Corts (USA) & Semi Automatic – 45.612

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photos: © Hits Shows / ESI Photography

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