Seems the momentum from the 2011 HITS Desert Circuit, which had the largest number of entries since 2007 and a sold-out DC V, helped to propel the spring and summer show series in Saugerties, New York and Culpeper, Virginia to equally healthy seasons. Attendance and entries at both Culpeper and Saugerties are fueled by the interest and excitement from two upcoming mega classes – the second-annual Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix and the first ever Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix – which will make for the richest day in show jumping history on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at HITS-on-the-Hudson.
In fact, qualifiers for these two signature show jumping events are breaking records from Thermal to Ocala and continuing east to Saugerties, with scores of exhibitors entering for their chance to compete for show jumping glory. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix continues to draw juniors, amateurs and professional hunter riders, in huge numbers, which is making for some really exciting updates to the Diamond Mills Rider Rankings as we begin to near the end of the qualifying season on Saturday, September 3, 2011.
The Pfizer Million is a beacon for High-Performance riders all season long, attracting both top national and international riders to each of the five HITS venues. West coast riders represent a strong group within the Top 40 Rider Rankings and many are expected to make the trip east to compete for this year’s coveted crown and first-place $350,000 check!
With the summer show season nearing its conclusion, HITS is ramping up the forces for a spectacular grand finale for Pfizer Million Weekend, which will include a spectacular performance by Motown legends, The Temptations. After that, attention shifts to the 21st Annual Marshall & Sterling National Finals, where the top League Members from around the country will gather to compete for year-end championships in more than 13 divisions.
No rest after that event, as the focus shifts into high gear for the 2012 winter season. All indicators suggest another stellar year for the HITS Desert Circuit.
