Elizabeth Kirby and Quinn Secure the Win in the $5,000 1.35m Bainbridge Welcome Stake at Saratoga Classic II
Elizabeth Kirby rode Quinn to victory in the $5,000 1.35m Bainbridge Welcome Stake on Thursday, June 22, 2023, during the Saratoga Classic II, held during the 25th anniversary of Saratoga Horse Shows at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, NY.
A competitive field of entries contested the first-round track designed by Ken Krome (USA). Last in the order of go, Kirby of Wellington, FL, and Quinn, owned by E.K. Equestrian LLC, produced an efficient fault-free effort to be one of seven competitors to take on the jump-off. The pair put the pedal to the metal in the short course and managed a second clear performance in 38.383 seconds to top the podium.
“In the first round I was just trying to be prompt, and I wanted to let him do his job,” explained Kirby. “I tried to flow through the turns and see where the strides came up instead of trying to manufacture it too much. He jumped so well in our class yesterday, so I went in today trusting him.
“I just went for it in the jump-off,” continued Kirby. “It was all or nothing. I let him do his thing, and I was really impressed with how well he jumped.”
Kirby and Quinn are returning to the show ring following a small break after the winter show season, and Kirby is thrilled to be off to such a strong start with her mount.
“I got him over the winter, so he is still somewhat new to me,” shared Kirby of the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “The more you put the pressure on, the more he rises to the occasion and jumps even better. He will jump from anywhere, and he wants to win. Quinn really tries to keep the jumps up and do his job.”
Kirby’s long-term goals with Quinn are to successfully compete in the Medium and High Amateur Jumpers. In the meantime, Kirby is looking forward to returning to Saratoga Horse Shows in July to compete in the Welcome class again and hopefully qualify for the grand prix.
“I really love it here,” expressed Kirby of Saratoga Horse Shows. “I definitely want to come back. The footing is really good, the town is lovely, and the horse show staff is very helpful. The rings always run smoothly, and it’s a great atmosphere.”
Eleanor Kunsman of Chester, NJ, and Electrico, owned by Emma Brody, finished in second place after stopping the clock at 39.043 seconds. Kirby also claimed third place honors aboard Elke Maria M, owned by E.K. Equestrian, with a time of 39.339 seconds.
Kristy McCormack and Copper Canyon Capture the 3’3”/3’6” Green Hunter Championship
Kristy McCormack of Saratoga Springs, NY, piloted Copper Canyon, owned by Adele Einhorn, to championship honors in the 3’3”/3’6” Green Hunter division. The pair won three classes on the way to the overall title.
“I rode him for the first time this week,” said McCormack of the six-year-old Warmblood gelding sired by Irish Wiskey Z. “Copper Canyon rides much older than his age. He was so game in every class. I did all the inside turns in the handy round on Wednesday, and he really stepped up. Bobby Braswell told me to go forward and get into a good lick with him, and that’s the kind of ride I enjoy. When I get him on a little bit of pace, he really performs and jumps beautifully.”
The reserve champion title in the 3’3”/3’6” Green Hunter division was awarded to Keirstin Scott of Newburgh, NY, and Cornet’s Boy Z, owned by Lynn Edens.
Hunter, jumper, and equitation competition continues on Friday, June 23, highlighted by the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and the 1.30m Jumpers, sponsored by Postage Stamp Farm Foundation.
Read more: Saratoga Horse Shows
