Posted May 13, 2006

Montrachet, Rio Renoir and Passport Dominate First Day of Legacy Cup Competition in 3' and 3'6" Pro Divisions

May 11, 2006 – Lexington, KY -- “I couldn’t believe it; I was so excited. I called the owner right away and told her what her baby had done!” said Jennifer Papiernik after she rode Montrachet, a 5-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, to win the Pro & Restricted Pro 3’ Go Round in her first Legacy Cup on Thursday, May 11, 2006. One class later Louise Serio and Rio Renoir would take the lead in the 3’6” Go Round while Passport, ridden by Maria Dritsas was named the top Restricted Pro rider in that division. The Legacy Cup is part of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows taking place in Lexington, KY, through May 21.

Jennifer Papiernik and the Cupcake Horse Win at their First Legacy Cup

Papiernik, who started riding when she was 13, “was very proud,” of the horse who loves candy and cupcakes. “His owner (Lauren Butwid) brings him frosted cupcakes from Publix. She even bought him an Easter Basket.”

“I love training the babies,” added Papiernik, Wellington, FL, who along with her trainer Judy Grayson has slowly taken Montrachet up the ladder and he’s responded quite well to their careful, easy paced schedule. “He is probably one of the easiest horses in the barn. He’s very simple, always has his ears up and loves attention. He’s got such a great personality.”

He also has a great talent to jump the fences because the judges gave Montrachet the highest marks of the day (173.5), which also earned them the top Restricted Pro 3’ placement and total earnings of $600. A Restricted Pro is a new professional or one who has not consistently won at upper levels of show hunter riding. Amanda Lyerly rode Dakota to 2nd and Bonaire to 3rd. Both horses had a score of 172.5 but in cases of ties one judge is designated as the tie-breaker.

This was Papiernik’s first Legacy Cup and she “had a blast! We thought it would be fun and something new,” explained Papiernik. The 25 year old also credited the fact that she “had a great horse. He’s a pre green and he just peaked at the right time. He’s gotten so straightforward and very easy to ride.”

Lousie Serio Gets that Amazing Feeling from Rio Renoir

When Holly Orlando couldn’t be at the Legacy Cup to ride Rio Renoir, Serio was chosen as her lucky replacement. “Holly has won everything on this horse,” said Serio. No wonder after Serio described how great the bay gelding was to ride. “He canters with that nice balance and push off; It’s an amazing feeling. It’s just such a balanced canter in an uphill motion.” In addition, Serio explained, “He can jump from any distance.”

When Serio got to the final line of two fences she knew they had put in a spectacular round. “I knew when I made my turn. I thought this has been a good one and I better make those last two fences.” They did just that and finished with the best score of the day (190) and winnings of $450. Ditsas on Passport earned $150 as the top Restricted Pro 3’6” Go Round rider.

This was only Serio’s second time showing him. Their first pairing took place the day before in an outside arena in very inclement weather. “It was a little bit hard to get to know him outside because it was muddy and rainy, but when we went indoors things fell into place.”

Serio was one of the key people who created the Legacy Cup concept which is based on an add-back system where the top placed horses and riders win more money than in normal shows; the more people who show, the more potential for the purse to increase.

Article and Photos by Diana DeRosa