Biltmore Estate Summer Classic I

Come Rain…Come Shine

July 14, 2005 – Asheville, NC – Owner/Rider Meagan Nusz of Woodlands, Texas and her partner Pikeur’s Xtatic affectionately known as Mr Pickles, beat out a field of 20 tough competitors to win the H n’ D Stables’ and Wilton Connor Family sponsored Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake with double clear rounds. Their jump off time of 32.246 was a good 4 seconds ahead of those returning for the final round.

Meagan and the 13-year-old Hanoverian black gelding Pikeur both train with Grand Prix rider Kevin Cleveland of Hillcrest Farm who finished 6th today. It’s not uncommon to find rider and trainer competing in the same Grand Prix but Cleveland states, “I am just as thrilled when she wins and so proud of them both. This is always a team effort all the way.”

When asked about course designer Michel Vaillancourt’s layout for today Meagan smiled, then explained “when walking the course I thought it would be a piece of cake because it seemed somewhat small, except for the last jump. It was no doubt big.” She quickly added, “but riding it was really hard. The walk was deceiving because it was a very technical course and that last jump looked even bigger!” Her impression of the jump off was a bit different, “it felt almost custom made for us! Lots of flow and galloping, just what we love!” Asked about the footing in the rings she said, “It’s great! No problems at all. And Mr. Pickles loves a grass field.”

Classic Co. President Bob Bell said, “the week did start off a bit wet but the sun has returned and the day was full of shine! What a great pair Megan and Pikeur are. It’s always wonderful to see the junior riders moving up to compete with the pros….and get a nice win.”

Rounding out the top spots were Shane Sweetnam and Ludwig with a second place time of 36.331 seconds. Following in third was Casey Arndt-Hodges and Libero-Z, the fastest 4 faulter with a time of 33.605.

Bell further commented, “Come rain or come shine this event seems to always be a great time for the exhibitors. The level of competitors is great but is far out weighed by the level of camaraderie here. Biltmore is truly an enchanting place to be.”

The Biltmore Estate Grand Prix ~known as the Juan Hernandez Memorial Cup sponsored by The Classic Company will take place Saturday, July 16th at 6PM.

For further information on the 2005 Biltmore Estate Summer Classic Series and results, please go to www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at (828) 225-6202.

Photo Credit: Owner/Rider Megan Nusz and Pikeur's Xtatic win the opening Classic Co Welcome Stake at the Biltmore Estate Summer Classic 2005©Flashpoint Photography 2005