44/ JUNE 2023 THE RIDER


Jenny Karazassis is “Really” the Best in the $35,000 USHJA In- ternational Derby at Blenheim June Classic I


June 16, 2023 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Jenny Karazissis


kicked off the weekend with a win in the $35,000 USHJA


and Really


Hunter Derby held on Fri- day, June 16, at


International the


Blenheim June Classic I. At the end of the first


round, Karazissis and the 2009 Warmblood gelding, an entry of Michelle Cobb, held the top spot in a field of 15 competitors with a com- bined score from the two judging panels of 182. While Karazissis held the lead by a two-point margin, when she came back onto the grass Pacific Field for the handy round following a big score from Skylar Wire- man and West Port, she knew she would have to take some risks to secure the win.


“Skylar did really well,


so I knew I couldn’t just take it easy and still expect to win,” explained Karazis- sis, who was just weeks ago inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. “I planned to go in and give it my all, and Really was right there ready for me.” “It was a fun handy; it


was fun to be able to cut across some of the jumps at an angle and gallop down the bending line,” continued Karazissis in speaking of the course set by designer Scott Starnes. “[Really] is always good at the trot jumps, so I knew he’d come back for that, and it just worked out really well.” The judges agreed.


The pair received a second- round score of 95 from the


Jenny Karazissis and Really. Photo by McCool Photography


The Inspirational True Story Of A Horse And Rider’s Unyielding Faith and Unforgettable Triumphs


Anna & “The Prince” Gina Giudici-Oakes ISBN: 979-8822912366 Publication Date: Avail- able now on Amazon The unbreakable


bond between a rider and their horse is difficult to describe—but


author


Gina Giudici-Oakes cap- tivates readers in her debut Anna & “The Prince,” painting a pic- ture of partnership and love any non-rider can feel in their souls. Gina owns Renan and has taken the mantle of telling his, and his rider Anna’s, beautiful story. When Anna first laid eyes


on Renan, a spirited horse with a heart full of untapped poten- tial, she knew they were des- tined for greatness. Despite the doubts and skepticism of others, they embarked on an extraordi- nary adventure, defying the odds and surpassing everyone’s expectations. “Even when others said to


give up, Anna stayed true to her ‘Prince,’” said Gina. “Together, they set their own course and with hard work, dedication, and


“but we can all find strengths with how we are.” Anna & “The Prince” is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes


and Noble.com.


About the Author Gina Giu-


dici-Oakes is an equestrian and au- thor whose lifelong


love they are amazing!” Anna & “The Prince” is an


enchanting story for young readers that instills the value of self-belief and illustrates the beauty of forging your own path. Anna and Renan’s story proves that miracles can happen when you stay true to your pas- sion—inspiring readers to chase their aspirations and believe in their own unique abilities. Gina hopes the story will


resonate with children, from el- ementary readers to early teens. “We don’t all have to go about [accomplishing our goals] the same way,” she said in refer- ence to the lessons in the book,


dream of owning a horse came true when she met Ben, a dark bay Thoroughbred. Alongside her husband Rodney and their golden retriever, Jax, they run a horse farm where children with- out horses can ride. Gina’s story centers around the partnership and journey between horse Renan and his rider Anna, re- flecting on the joys, challenges, and boundless love in the equestrian world. Gina shares her passion for horses and in- spires readers to pursue their dreams and cherish the connec- tions that enrich our lives.


first panel and a 93 from the second panel after taking all of the high options for a grand total score of 370. “Really is so special,”


continued Karazissis of the gelding that she has contin- ually ridden to great success in the derby ring. “He’s a catch ride for me, but he’s a horse I’m very familiar with


give myself time to heal. I’m really pleased that I’m still able to feel confident, and Really does that for me.”


For the win, Karazissis


received a halter and cool- erette from the USHJA and a Topline Design Ribbon Wreath gift certificate, a Riderzon gift certificate and


sponsored by Mary’s Tack and Feed, was presented to Jessica Smith and Black Emerald, who finished ninth. For the honor, Smith received a one-month sup- ply of Nutrient Scoop from Mary’s Tack and Feed. Competition at


the


Blenheim June Classic I, held at the Rancho Mission


Jenny Karazissis and Really added another USHJA International Hunter Derby win to their impressive resume on Friday, June 16. Photo by McCool Photography


Jessica Smith and Black Emerald were presented with the Leading Amateur Hunter Derby Rider Award, sponsored by Mary’s Tack and Feed. Photo by McCool Photography


and have ridden for a few years now. It’s fun to be back on him. I haven’t shown him since April where we finished second, so I was glad to get the win today.” The victory also marks


a personal success for Karazissis, as it was just her second show back following an injury in January. “It was quite a setback for me, so I didn’t really plan or have any big goals for this year because I just wanted to


a Blenheim EquiSports pic- ture frame. Trainer Devon Gibson was presented with an embroidered tack room pillow from Nick Byassee of Equestrian Design LLC. Finishing in second


place with a total of score of 360.25 were Wireman and West Port, owned Kate Parker, and Michelle Morris and Lykke Li-Terma Z fin- ished in third with a score of 350.


The Leading Amateur Hunter Derby Rider Award,


39th Annual CTHS Awards Dinner Honors Ontario Breeders for 2022 Achievements


The CTHS (Ont) Annual Awards Night recog-


nizing the Outstanding Thoroughbred Breeders of Ontario for 2022 was held June 14th at Woodbine Racetrack. Woodbine Entertainment, The Jockey Club of Canada, Ontario Racing, HBPA and many other Breeders in Ontario sponsored this year’s event.


Jeff Bratt and Robert Geller once again sup-


ported the evening as masters of ceremony provid- ing each award with their insight and knowledge of the stakes winning performances. Thirty-seven awards of Excellence were presented along with seven 25-year member and one 50-year member achievement awards. The 2022 Top Stallion award was presented to


Adena Springs for Silent Name (JPN). Second Place sire was Souper Speedy, followed by Reload in third place. The Top 1stCrop Sire award went to Seattle Serenade. Breeder of the Year for 2022 was awarded to


Frank Stronach. In recognition of Frank Stronach’s gratitude for the Ontario Breeders support of his stallions throughout the years, Frank Stronach awarded a stallion season to three Ontario Breeders in attendance. Congratulations to Franco Meli for winning the Silent Name (JPN) season, Frank Di Giulio for winning the Point of Entry season and Richard Day for winning a season to Shaman Ghost. Many thanks go out to Woodbine Entertain-


ment for their hospitality. Our gratitude and appre- ciation goes to those in attendance for their support of Long Run’s Silent Auction. “It was wonderful to see so many Breeders who consistently support our Industry through their breeding programs”, com-


022 Breeder of the Year Award is Jim Lawson of Woodbine Entertainment and Peter Berringer, CTHS (Ont) President.


Congratulating Frank Stronach on his 2


mented Peter Berringer, CTHS (Ont) President. CTHS Ontario’s next event will be the Cana-


dian Premier Yearling Sale August 30th held at Woodbine’s Sales Pavilion. This year’s Sale prom- ises to offer Buyers a depth of quality yearlings with 23 Ontario Sires and 57 North American Sires being represented. Current entries stand at 250+ making this year’s Sale the strongest in many years. More than ever it pays to Breed, Buy and Race


in Ontario!


Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, continues through Sunday, with high- light events including Satur- day afternoon’s $30,000 June Classic I Grand Prix, a full line-up of World Cham- pionship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition and the Zone 10 Selection Trials for the North American Youth


Championships


(NAYC). To learn more, visit ThePlaceToJump.com.


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