Saugerties, New York, USA – August 31, 2024 – Jumper competition during Hits-on-the-Hudson VII featured the exciting $75,000 Hits Grand Prix on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Twenty-four elite horse-and-rider combinations gathered at the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium to aim for the top prize, but ultimately,it was U.S. rider Jessica Leto (USA) that emerged victorious aboard Mistral.

The course, designed by Argentinian FEI level 3 Course Designer Ivan Tagle (ARG), consisted of 13 obstacles with 16 efforts, including a challenging oxer-oxer-vertical triple combination near the end of the course at fences 12abc. Leto secured victory in the first round, finishing as the only pair to jump clear.

“Because of the time allowed, I took a chance and went for a little bit of a bigger distance into the triple combination,” explained Leto of her fault-free strategy. “Having known Mistral for a little over a year now, I thought he would back himself off of 12b, and then I could just focus on my position and seat. I’m really happy it worked out.” 

Even from the beginning of their partnership, Leto knew her 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Bingo van de Kapel x Darco) would be a star. Now with the addition of top U.S. rider Todd Minikus (USA) to their training team, the pair is looking forward to many more grand prix victories together after marking their first in the $75,000 Hits Grand Prix.  

“I knew the second I rode Mistral for the first time that he was special; He had spunk, but the jump was effortless and like flying,” said Leto. “Now,Todd [Minikus] has been helping us out, and it has been really nice to have that added element. He has lit the competitive spirit behind our team to win, and it has really brought us to the next level.” 

Michael Desiderio (USA) and Le Muguet finished as the fastest four-fault pair. Desiderio guided his 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion (Ugano Sitte x Ohio Van de Padenborre D’02) around the course in 76.211 seconds, securing second place.

David J. Raposa (USA) and Lingote de Oro RFB, an eight-year-old KWPN gelding (Kannan x Heartbreaker) owned by Redfield Farm, took third place with a time of 76.877 seconds and four faults.

Leto, who is based in Wellington, Florida, is a familiar face at Hits Hudson Valley and has spent many weeks at the venue during the 2024 summer season, choosing to extend her stay for the fall series.

“This is actually the venue that I placed in my first five-star grand prix two years ago, so I always like coming here,” noted Leto. “The Hudson Valley area is so nice just to be here, and the restaurants are great. Now Hits has really elevated the facility, and it has been so active and really fun. It has been a treat to be up here.”

Final Results – $75,000 Hits Grand Prix

1) Jessica Leto (USA) & Mistral – 0 – 78.934

2) Michael Desiderio (USA) & Le Muguet – 4 – 76.211

3) David J. Raposa (USA) & Lingote de Oro RFB – 4 – 76.877

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography

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