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the rest of the circuit,” said Richard, smiling
as the champagne flowed in the Oasis Club
after the class. “I am really happy it was
here in the desert at these HITS shows
because I have a long history of wins. A
large portion of that 100 was won right
here at the HITS shows, I think probably
30-40 at least.”
“To win this class and set this record on
Ezrah means a lot to me. I have a Holsteiner
colt at home out of Ezrah and by Ace, that I
have great hopes for. That makes this mare
a part of the family. She won a $150,000
class years ago and is still winning today.
This is the only horse other than Robinson
I would have wanted to be riding when
the record broke,” Richard reminisced.
“Robinson spanned a period of time that
covered ninety of the wins. I won my third
one on him and I won my ninety third one
on him with lots in between. I won thirty
nine Grand Prix’s on that horse; he is the
winning Grand Prix horse in US history.”
When asked about his opinion on starting this circuit with a Grand Prix speed class, Richard said, “I don’t think that
really matters much. We have all done this a long time, we know our horses and if we don’t want to go fast right off the
bat, then don’t! I personally thought it was a
great course and very rideable,” he said, then
laughed. “But of course I won too and that
makes this a course I will never forget.”
“It was really fun watching Katherine Bardis
and Chris Pratt. I am so proud of Chris and
his unbelievable round, he is riding great and
the horse went super. I really thought he
was uncatchable, but somehow I did. As for
Katherine, she has the most uncanny long term
ability to concentrate and not get distracted.
She can keep her focus for an hour and a half
or even longer. That is remarkable.”
“I’d really like to thank everyone connected
with HITS, especially Michael D’Ambrosio
and Tony Hitchcock for the cake, champagne
and photo session,” said Richard with a
chuckle. “I know cake only lasts a few days so
for them to have it here, they were obviously
optimistic.”
Page 50:
Richard Spooner smiles for the win
Previous Page Bottom Right:
Richard Spooner & Ezrah
This Page Top To Bottom:
Richard Spooner & Ezrah; Spooner riding Robinson
for Ezrahs prize
Opposite Page:
Spooner serves up his Celebration cake presented
by Rick Orlando
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