Round 2 Puts The Horses To The Tests

Wellington, FL - February 15, 2003 - In the second round when only the top eight riders returned first Charlie Jayne on In Sync went off course. Then Addison Phillips on So Be It scored 87. Phillips was third in line behind Williams and Ward in the first round (89) after having to wait a half hour to go after the lights went out on the course during her first attempt. Next came Sandy Ferrell on Marvin (85.5). Then Lyman T. Whitehead on Moulin Rouge (87.5). But it was Scott Stewart on Chopard who made Ward and Williams know they were going to have to earn this win when he put in a brilliant round and claimed the first score over 90 (90.5). Jimmy Torano followed on Just (79.5). And then it was time for Williams.

As the next to last rider to go, Williams knew she was in good shape when she entered the arena and Strapless gave a quick spin of her head. It was something that Williams had seen many times before and she knew that in the past when Strapless tossed her head she'd gone on to put in some of her best rides. And this night would be no different. Strapless continued around the course as if she owned it, with her rider going for the bold distances that Strapless was taking her to. At the last fence her energy level peaked as she jumped an aggressive and bold jump with all the confidence in the world. It was a brilliant course that earned the pair a record setting score of 95.750.

But there was still Ward to go in his first Hunter Classic. However, things were just the reverse for Ward who spends most of his time in the jumper arena. A few fences jumped too close to the based took away his chance to beat Williams and earned him a score of 79.5. That left the check for $12,000, an additional check as the top professional for $3,480, a Tad Coffin Performance saddle, the Dark Continent Perpetual Trophy, a custom jacket and a cooler for Williams and Strapless.