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HITS Saugerties to Offer Fourteen Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix Qualifiers
Written by: Jessica Nemzoff Client:HITS-on-the-Hudson and Culpepper Release Date:2010-02-09
Saugerties, New York – February 9, 2010- HITS Shows is pleased to announce the dates for HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Show Series, as well as the 20th Annual Marshall & Sterling League National Finals. Throughout the nine-week hunter/jumper show series, May 26 – September 19, 2010, HITS Saugerties will host 14 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix Qualifiers, giving riders the chance to accumulate the Grand Prix classes and the prize money they will need in order to try to qualify for the unprecedented Pfizer Million, which will be held in Saugerties, NY, on September 12.
Two Pfizer Million Qualifiers will be held Weeks I-VI, with a $25,000 Grand Prix every Friday, as well as $50,000 Sunday Grand Prix classes Weeks I and IV, $75,000 Sunday Grand Prix classes Weeks II and V, and $125,000 Sunday Grand Prix classes Weeks III and VI. In addition to the two Pfizer Million Qualifiers, the Open Jumper division will also feature both a $10,000 Welcome Stake and a $5,000 Open Speed every week.
Junior and Amateur Jumpers can look forward to three heights (Low, Medium, and High). Additionally, the Classics will be split for Mediums and Highs each week, with $5,000 each for the Mediums and $10,000 each for the Highs. The Low Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic will offer $2,500 in prize money. Substantial prize money will also be up for grabs in the Children’s/Adult Jumpers as they will have the opportunity to jump for a $10,000 purse Weeks I & IV in the $10,000 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic.
Hunters will have a number of new beneficial additions to the HITS Saugerties schedule. This year, hunter derbies will be featured each week with a $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby Weeks I, II, III, V, and VI, as well as a $10,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA Hunter Derby Week IV. The popular Bit O’Straw Hunter Classic returns again this year, and will take place each week of the series. Additional opportunities to earn Marshall & Sterling League points can be seen every week in both the newly expanded Adequan Hunter Division, which is now a full division with five classes, as well as the HITS 2’6” Hunter Division.
Pony hunters will have their chance to shine in the $5,000 Pony Commotion Hunter Classic Week VI, while the Children’s Pony division takes advantage of the newly split Marshall & Sterling Children’s Pony Medal. Unlike previous years, the M&S Children’s Pony Medal will be split Small/Medium and Large with points being tracked separately for year-end awards, as well as for the Marshall & Sterling Finals.
“Coming off an incredible season in 2009, we are looking forward to another great season in Saugerties,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President & CEO. “We will once again offer circuit discount pricing for stalls, which was quite popular last year and enabled customers to make Saugerties their home base for summer showing. When you average $125 a week for beautiful portable stabling, you simply have the best deal in the sport. The prize list will have some new and exciting offerings across the board, with a little something for everyone. And, last but not least, we are moving forward with some property enhancement suggestions taken from our Trainer and High-Performance Committees that will really dress up the show grounds.”
The HITS Saugerties Spring Show Series will run three consecutive weeks from Wednesday, May 26 through Sunday, June 13. After a short break, show jumping returns to HITS Saugerties for another three weeks starting on Wednesday, July 21 and continuing until Sunday, August 8. On September 1, show jumping returns with HITS-on-the-Hudson VII (September 1 – September 5), which will feature two of the final Grand Prix qualifiers for the Pfizer Million, and HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII (September 8-11), which recently received an FEI rating and will feature two FEI classes, including a World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix and the only Grand Prix Wild Card class for the Pfizer Million.
The week after the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, HITS Saugerties will host the 20th annual Marshall & Sterling League National Finals September 16-19. The 20th Anniversary marks a milestone in the League’s history, as the Finals will highlight the League’s most accomplished riders for 2010 in 14 different divisions. The four-day Finals is cherished by many as it has established itself as a year-end goal and an equestrian tradition. During the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals week, HITS Saugerties will host the Annual Top Ten Awards Dinner, honoring leading riders in each division based on their performance throughout the season.
Nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, just one mile outside the village of Saugerties, the HITS facility features 10 different competition rings, including a spectacular Grand Prix ring, a Main Hunter ring, two jumper rings, four hunter rings, an equitation ring, and six separate schooling areas. This year, exhibitors and spectators can both look forward to new property enhancements that include two new bridges, a ‘horse-only’ path, a ‘golfcart-only’ path, a new jumper ring, and a beautifully landscaped island down the heart of the show grounds.
The prize list for the 2010 HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Show Series (May 26 – August 8) is currently in production and is expected to mail in mid-March. A separate prize list will be produced and mailed over the summer for the HITS Saugerties September shows (September 1-11), the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix (September 12) and the Marshall & Sterling Finals (September 16-19). To request a copy of the HITS Saugerties prize list, please visit HitsShows.com or call 845.246.8833.
In order to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, a rider must compete in eight or more HITS Grand Prix classes. The top 40 riders, based on money won by horse/rider combination, will be eligible to ride for the Pfizer Million. For more detailed information on the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, please visit our website at HitsShows.com.
HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS will take the industry to new heights when it hosts the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.
HITS SAUGERTIES SPRING & SUMMER SHOW SERIES AND THE 20TH ANNUAL MARSHALL & STERLING LEAGUE NATIONAL FINALS FAST FACTS
EVENT:
HITS Saugerties Spring & Summer Show Series and 20th Annual Marshall & Sterling League National Finals presented by HITS, Inc.
WHAT:
Nine-week hunter/jumper horse show series produced by HITS, Inc. that runs from May through September annually. The HITS Saugerties Spring & Summer Show Series offers two Grand Prix events each week. Every Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties from May through September 5 will be a qualifying event for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, which will be held on Sunday, September 12 in Saugerties, New York.
The 20th Annual Marshall & Sterling League National Finals marks a milestone in the League’s history, and highlights the League’s most accomplished riders in 13 different divisions. The Marshall & Sterling Finals marks the final week of the HITS Saugerties season each year and, in addition to the four-day competition, features the Annual Top Ten Awards Dinner, which honors the leading riders in each division based on their performance throughout the season. The League awards more than $30,000 in prize money during the National Finals.
WHERE:
HITS-on-the-Hudson , 454 Washington Avenue Extension , Saugerties, NY 12477
Phone: 845.246.5515 (during horse shows)
WHEN:
Daily, Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during show weeks
HITS-on-the-Hudson I: May 26-30
HITS-on-the-Hudson II: June 2-6
HITS-on-the-Hudson III: June 9-13
HITS-on-the-Hudson IV: July 21-25
HITS-on-the-Hudson V: July 28 - August 1
NY Horse & Pony Show (VI): August 4-8
HITS-on-the-Hudson VII: September 1-5
HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII: September 8-11 (CSI2*-W)
Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix: September 12
Marshall & Sterling League National Finals: September 16-19
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
In addition to the weekly schedule which features 250 different show jumping classes, the HITS Saugerties Show Series offers a wide variety of special events for spectators and equestrians, alike. Some of the most popular events include the annual Purina Mills Kids Day, the World of the Horse Celebration, the Taste of HITS-on-the-Hudson, and the HITS-on-the-Hudson Classic Car Show, to name a few. Be sure to check HitsShows.com for a complete list of this season’s special events.
Weekly Grand Prix Highlights, Presented by Pfizer Animal Health:
Fridays: $25,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, May 30: $50,000 EMO Grand Prix
Sunday, June 6: $75,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, June 13: $125,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix
Sunday, July 25: $50,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, August 1: $75,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, August 8: $125,000 Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix
*Please Note: The Grand Prix Schedule for Weeks VII and VIII are still being finalized. Be sure to check back for updates.
ADMISSION: May 26 – September 11, 2010
Wednesday – Saturday: Free
Sunday: Adults $5, children under the age of 12 get free admission. All proceeds from the gate go directly to Family of Woodstock, Inc., a non-for-profit organization serving Ulster County.
DIRECTIONS:
The HITS Saugerties Show Series is held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York, located just two miles from Exit 20 on the NYS Thruway.
Trucks From The North: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.5 miles Bear slight right at Y, and go 0.1 miles to 4-way stop Turn right at 4-way stop onto Malden Tpke. (County Rt 34) and go 1.6 miles Turn right onto Route 9W South and go 0.4 miles Turn right onto Krout Road Show grounds will be on left
Trucks From The South: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn left onto Ulster Avenue and go 0.2 miles Turn right and follow State Route 32 North for 1.6 miles Bear slight right at Y and come to 4-way stop. - 0.1 miles Turn right at 4-way stop and go 1.6 miles Turn right onto Route 9W South and go 0.4 miles Turn right onto Krout Road. Show grounds will be on left
Cars From The North: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.0 miles Turn right onto Peoples Road and go 0.9 miles Turn left after train tracks onto Canoe Hill Road and go 0.5 miles Canoe Hill Road becomes Krout Road - 0.8 miles Show grounds will be 1.8 miles on right
Cars From The South: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn left onto Ulster Avenue 0.2 miles Turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.0 miles Turn right onto Peoples Road and go 0.9 miles Turn left after train tracks onto Canoe Hill Road and go 0.5 miles Canoe Hill Road becomes Krout Road - 0.8 miles Show grounds will be 1.8 miles on right
SPECTATOR PARKING & ENTRANCE: Gates D or E only. Parking is free May through September 11, 2010.
EXHIBITOR ENTRANCES:
Gate A – Permanent Stabling, Gold Stalls
Gates B & C – Permanent Stabling, Silver Stalls
Gates D & E – Tent Stabling & Ship-In
Gate F – Trailer and RV Parking
THE FACILITY:
HITS-on-the-Hudson, Saugerties, New York
The HITS-on-the-Hudson equestrian facility is nestled at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, just one mile outside the village of Saugerties. The show grounds feature 10 different competition rings, including a Grand Prix ring, a Main Hunter ring, two jumper rings, four hunter rings, an equitation ring and six separate schooling areas. Spectator seating is available at every ring and in the VIP Pavilion, which overlooks the Grand Prix ring and Main Hunter ring. Spectator parking is located off the Washington Avenue entrances at Gates D or E. For a map of the property, please click here.
REFRESHMENTS:
HITS-on-the-Hudson offers an on-site Food Service Pavilion and Ice Cream Parlor which has an assortment of frozen delights and Starbucks coffee. The HITS Bar and Grill serves up pizza and cold beer in a spacious air-conditioned lounge. Spectators can grab some lunch and find a grassy spot on the berms while watching some of the world's best show jumping with the entire family right here in the Hudson Valley.
SHOPPING:
The HITS Saugerties Mall features clothing, tack, fine jewelry, custom footwear, art and photography, and custom HITS souvenirs.
LODGING: For a complete list of available lodging in and around Saugerties, please check our Lodging Partner Page.
Lodging Rentals:
Murphy Realty Group | 845.338.5252
Helsmoortel Realty | 845.246.9555
Premium Hotel Partners:
Beekman Arms & Delameter Inn | 845.876.7077
Holiday Inn | 845.338.0400
Comfort Inn | 845.246.1565
Moderate:
Super 8 | 845.338.3078
Howard Johnson Inn | 845.246.9511
Quality Inn & Suites | 845.339.3900
Rodeway Inn | 845.331.2900
HITS-TORY:
The HITS-on-the-Hudson equestrian facility was inaugurated in the spring of 2004. In just six years, the HITS Saugerties horse show circuit has become a Mecca for East Coast horsemen hosting the largest hunter/jumper horse shows offered during the spring and summer in the United States.
During the course of the nine-week circuit, the HITS-on-the-Hudson equestrian facility offers stabling for over 2,000 horses, more than 250 different classes each week, and, in addition to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, over $1 million in prize money, more than any other circuit during the spring and summer. Riders of all levels, including current and former Olympians – as well as some of the most popular up-and-coming riders – compete at HITS Saugerties. Each year, on average more than 3,000 horses, 4,500 horseman and 2,500 spectators attend HITS Saugerties.
The economic impact of the HITS Saugerties Show Series on the surrounding community is estimated at $50 million, which reflects spending on food, lodging, living expenses and entertainment in the area during the nine weeks of shows.
