Lexington, Ky. – July 31, 2018 – Tuesday brought the return of competition to the Kentucky Horse Park with the first day of the Kentucky Summer Classic. Hunter classes concluded in the Stonelea Ring with the Performance Hunters, where Seaside shined in the 3’6” division to take the lead ahead of Wednesday’s championship crowning. The 12-year-old Warmblood gelding, owned by Eliza Kimball, captured the first place ribbon in the Performance 3’6” Hunter under saddle with Leylan Gleeson, while Michael Murphy piloted the gelding to second place in both over fences classes.
Michael Murphy and Seaside
Murphy only recently started showing Seaside last week at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, where the duo captured top ribbons in the same division. Seaside currently leads the Performance 3’6” Hunter division headed into the classes that will determine the championship, which will be awarded Wednesday after an over fences class and a handy round. He previously claimed the same award in May during the Kentucky Spring Classic with Havens Schatt.
A nice ride for both professionals and amateurs, Seaside also competes with owner Eliza Kimball in the Large Junior 15 and Under Hunter division, and the pair recently claimed the champion ribbon during the first week of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival.
Michael Murphy and Seaside
Hunter competition will continue in the Stonelea Ring with the Green 3’6” Hunters beginning at 8 a.m. The Kentucky Summer Classic will highlight hunter competition with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows, on Saturday, Aug. 4.
View the original article on Phelps Sports.