Floridian Wins the 2007 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular

Wellington Resident Tim Goguen Rides Safari to a Hot Win

Wellington, FL – “By far this is my biggest win. I was nervous going into the second round because I didn’t know what to expect but he really rose to the occasion,” commented Tim Goguen, Wellington, FL, after riding Safari to win the 2007 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL on Saturday evening, February 24. After jumping his last fence as the last entry in the class the five-year-old, 15.3H, bay, gelding received huge applause. The clapping crowd looked on from the surrounding grass seating, a variety of tented parties and from the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation’s fundraiser, which was taking place in The Jockey Club.

The young gelding, which is owned by Janet Read, Wellington, FL, surprised the audience and his owner with his calmness, ability and consistency in jumping both rounds. Safari took over the lead in the first round with a score of 89.50 ahead of Sandy Ferrell on Corofino Gold (88.625), and Elizabeth Boyd on Brunello (86.5). While the scores in the second round proved to be even better (Safari-90.375, Corofino 90.250,Brunello 89.750), the order did not change and the victory stayed with Safari and Goguen (179.875) to Corofino’s 178.875 and Brunello’s 176.250.

“I really didn’t know what he was going to do out in the field but he was amazing!” continued Goguen. “I couldn’t be happier. He was just on his mark. For a five-year-old he was solid. That is a great horse … He’s got a beautiful mouth, great balance and doing this class shows he’s got a great brain. He’s the same even when you are riding him at home.”

Color commentator and AHJF President Geoff Teall agreed, “He jumped every jump in both rounds exactly the same and better than everyone else.”

“Amazing” was also what Ferrell, Bernville, PA, said about the little 15.2H bay gelding which was recently purchased by Megan Bellows. Ferrell, who won the 2006 Hunter Classic on Late Entry, has only been paired with Corofino Gold for two weeks but they are a perfect match.

With only one point separating the first and second place, Ferrell was still pleased with her mount. “He went out there and knocked everyone’s socks off. He never changed throughout the entire course. He pokes his nose, pricks his ears and he is very smooth. Tim had the advantage for athleticism but my horse’s consistency was fantastic.”