Wayne, Illinois – May 10, 2025 – The Lamplight Spring Classic I marked an exciting start to what promises to be a thrilling thirteen-week season of competition at Hits Chicago, hosted at the prestigious Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Known for its charm, top-tier footing, and scenic grounds, Lamplight welcomed riders from across the country for the first week of the three-week spring series. Highlights from the opening week included the $24,500 Hits Grand Prix and the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, drawing top talent.

Show jumping competition came to a head on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as top competitors geared up for the first grand prix event of the 2025 season. With multiple entries in the starting field, the $24,500 Hits Grand Prix ultimately welcomed back Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA), no strangers to the Hits winner’s circle, as she took the title position aboard Ivaro N. 

Course designer Jamie Morillo crafted a compelling first-round track that produced only two fault-free efforts to advance to the jump-off. As she has done many times before, Goldman-Smolen executed incredibly fast performances to secure not only first with Ivaro N, but also the third place position aboard longtime partner, Sovereign. 

“I actually got Ivaro N just weeks before I found out I was pregnant with my first child,”  said Goldman-Smolen of Barbara Disko’s 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding by Elvaro, who managed a blazing winning time of 43.126 seconds. “He and I have developed a great partnership and he’s been one that has really stepped up and I’ve even taken into some FEI classes.”

Always a fast pairing, Stephan Foran (USA) and Idool, Freedom Woods’ 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood KWPN gelding by Zirocco Blue VDL, were the only other combination to advance to the jump-off, but finished with a slower time of 50.164 seconds and an unfortunate four faults on course.

As the fastest four-faulter in the initial round, Barbara Disko’s 19-year-old Selle Français stallion by Frontal, Sovereign, rounded out the top three.

Despite taking the winter off as Goldman-Smolen welcomed a new addition to the family, she is one of the most winningest riders at the HITS Chicago venue and was eager to make her return. 

“This facility just feels like home,” she expressed. “The footing was great this week, the grounds are beautiful, and it’s just one of the prettiest shows. I had a lot of fun with the courses the designer made this week, and the team here always makes it so special and family-friendly.”

Goldman-Smolen credits her team at home, with special recognition to Becky Beavers, for keeping both Ivaro N and Sovereign on her roster in top condition, facilitating her successful, quick return to the ring. 

“I think I actually recovered a bit faster this time than with my first child,” explained Goldman-Smolen. “I knew what to expect a bit more this time, and so as soon as everything was done and everyone was healthy, we started planning our spring show schedule!” 

Final Results – $24,500 Hits Grand Prix

1) Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) & Ivaro N – 0 / 0 – 43.126

2) Stephan Foran (USA) & Idool – 0 / 4 – 50.164

3) Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) & Sovereign – 4 – 70.26

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / Andrew Ryback Photography

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Link