The 2024 HITS Chicago Series commenced with a thrilling start at the Lamplight Spring Classic I from May 8-12. All photos by Alison Hartwell Photography
This kickoff event marks the beginning of a season brimming with excitement at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Over 13 weeks, the series will showcase premier hunter/jumper competitions alongside seven weeks of dressage shows, catering to horses and riders across all skill levels.
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, spectators filled the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium at HITS Chicago to witness the week's highlight, the $24,500 Voltaire Grand Prix. Local equestrian star, Lisa Goldman-Smolen of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, dominated the event, clinching the top spot with Romeo B, and securing a second-place finish with Narcotique B. Stephen Foran earned the third spot, expertly guiding Colour Your Day through the course.
Melissa Strawser of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, showcased her talent in the $5,000 Horseflight Jumper Classic, winning aboard her 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding, Darwin De Mars. This victory marked the second triumph for the duo, who had previously won the $1,500 Alliant Private Client Open Welcome earlier in the week.
Lisa Goldman-Smolen continued her winning streak, delivering a swift performance on Ivaro N to take home the $10,000 STX Open Speed. Similarly, Stephen Foran and Colour Your Day secured another victory, bookending their weekend with success in the $2,500 VitaFlex Open Welcome Stake.
Allison Orth emerged victorious in the $5,000 Alliant Private Client 1.35m Jumper Classic on Friday with Constakko's Boy, closely followed by Stephen Foran on Idool, and Karen McFarland riding L'Albertine Sitte.
The climax of the Lamplight Spring Classic I came on Sunday, May 12, 2024, with all eyes on the exciting competitions at the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium. Stephen Foran returned to the winner's circle, this time leading the $5,000 Horseflight Jumper Classic 1.30m on his KWPN mare, Karma Balia Blue (Zirocco Blue).
In the $2,500 1.15m The League Jumper Classic, Stephanie Renguso earned top honors on her 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, Nora B (USA Aleria M). Meanwhile, Lilah Joy Potempa and Dobelensky captured the lead in the $2,000 The League, presented by Marshall & Sterling, 1.05m Jumper Classic. The $1,500 The League, also presented by Marshall & Sterling, .90cm Junior/Amateur Classic saw Evelyn Morneau and Ehrentanz taking the victory.
As HITS Chicago continues to host its premier events, here are the dates for the upcoming 2024 HITS CHICAGO SERIES:
- LAMPLIGHT SPRING CLASSIC II: May 15-19
- LAMPLIGHT SPRING CLASSIC III: May 22-26
- LAMPLIGHT SPRING SPECTACULAR I: June 5-9
- LAMPLIGHT SPRING SPECTACULAR II: June 12-16
- LAMPLIGHT SPRING SPECTACULAR III: June 19-23
- LAMPLIGHT SUMMERTIME I: July 3-7
- LAMPLIGHT SUMMERTIME II: July 10-14
- LAMPLIGHT SUMMERTIME III: July 17-21
- EQUIFEST I: July 24-28
- EQUIFEST II: July 31 - August 4
- EQUIFEST III: August 7-11
- LAMPLIGHT FALL CLASSIC I: September 11-15
Stay tuned for more exhilarating competition recaps from the 2024 HITS Chicago Series.
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