Wayne, Illinois, USA – July 13, 2024 – On the penultimate day of Lamplight Summertime II at Hits Chicago, the venue buzzed with excitement as competitors prepared for the main event, the $35,000 SummitMax Grand Prix. Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, once again demonstrated her exceptional partnership with Sovereign, claiming the victory with a quick jump-off time of 35.56 seconds.
Out of a competitive field of 19 horse-and-rider combinations, seven found the clear path to advance to the jump-off. Across the short course, just three duos managed to replicate their fault-free performance, but it was Goldman-Smolen that could not be caught.
“I’ve had Sovereign for eight years now with Barbra Disko, and he has become my cornerstone,” said Goldman-Smolen of the 18-year-old Selle Français stallion (Frontal x Galoubet A) owned by Barbra Disko. “He is the most beloved horse in the barn and my favorite to ride. He truly loves his work. Since he’s 18, we carefully select the classes he competes in. He knows when it’s showtime and thrives in the competition environment. He remains calm and focused, regardless of the situation.”
Following close behind Goldman-Smolen was Maggie Jayne (USA) of Our Day Farm in Elgin, Illinois, riding her family’s homebred eight-year-old American Warmblood mare by Chill RZ, Easter Lily ODF. The pair took second place with a double-clear round and a jump-off time of 37.05 seconds.
Rounding out the top three was Rebecca Gutstein (USA) and Get Go, Pinetree Farm’s 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Grey Top x World Diamond O), finishing with a jump-off time of 38.49 seconds.
Goldman-Smolen has spent her entire life competing at Lamplight Equestrian Center, where she secured some of her earliest significant victories.
“I spend the entire summer here,” she enthused. “I love it. I get to go home every night since it’s close to my house, and it holds many cherished memories for me. It truly is one of the most beautiful venues in the country.”
Final Results – $35,000 SummitMax Grand Prix
1) Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) & Sovereign – 0 / 0 – 35.56
2) Maggie Jayne (USA) & Easter Lily ODF – 0 / 0 – 37.05
3) Rebecca Gutstein (USA) & Get Go – 0 / 0 – 38.49
Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows
Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / Phoenix Jeannides
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS USA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: Hits Horse Shows, USEF Rated
JUMPER NEWS USA 