A Storm of Angels is Heavenly

Mt. Pleasant, NC - April 10, 2005 - 37 of the country’s best Hunters took a leap towards making history today. All were hoping to be the one claiming the first ever $100,000 prize in the Queen City Hunter Classic sponsored by Bank of America.

Designer Keith Bollette set what was called a “very testing course” by Jack Towell, trainer of the winning 13 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding Storm of Angels. With Hunt Tosh of Ocala, Florida in the irons for owner Nancy Crosswell, Storm delivered a total score of 185 to take one of the biggest cash prizes in Hunter show history. “He’s just one of the smartest horses I’ve ever known” stated Mrs. Crosswell, “we’ve had him since age 6 and he’s just the best! Personality and talent all in one lovable package” she continued, “I want say a very special Thank You to Patricia Voghell, she does so much for and with Storm.” She concluded by saying “and of course Jack Towell is the trainer of trainers!” Both Crosswell and Towell noted what a fine job show Chairman Robby Hunt and manager Stephen Carroll had done in launching this event.

Hunt Tosh’s happy day was double when he took second place as well aboard Takeaway for owner Cortie Wetherill with a finishing score of 182.5 Third place went to Terry Brown as owner/rider with Sequel and a final score of 180.625. Coming in fourth was Maggie Macalary and Pharrell for owner Euri Uchiyama scoring a 177.875 and rounding out the top five was Jack Harden Towell with Noir for owner Mrs. Quentin Alexander with a final score of 176.50.

The prelude to the main event was the $10,000 Pony Hunter Classic with 25 top-notch young competitors looking to increase their allowances! Despite a tough bending course design owner/rider Taylor Adams and Gayfield’s Steamy Windows jumped into the winners circle with an overall score of 171.625. Second place went to Megan Massaro riding Brighton Absolutely for owner Julianna Fischer and coming third was Kaitlin Porath and Silver Spring for Meadow Hill Stables with a final score of 164.375.

The inaugural Queen City Classic may have come to an end today but manager Stephen Carroll said “We began working on the 2006 Queen City Classic yesterday! The overwhelming responses and support of this one just convinced us it’s worth all the hard work and we’re already planning bigger-better for next year.” Chairman Robby Hunt added, “We just want to create something truly special for our sport and can’t wait for next year! This was just the start for us. Stephen and I can’t say thank you enough to all the great supporters of this event. They’re really the ones who made the week a success.”

For further information on the Queen City Classic call 704-847-9093 or visit www.queencityclassic.com.