Allison Joyce and Boccaccio Win $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final at HITS Championship

Allison Joyce and Boccaccio on their way to a $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final win.  (Photo: ESI Photography)

Saugerties, NY- Proving perseverance pays off, Allison Joyce of Medway, Massachusetts, and Boccaccio, owned by Nicole Manoog, emerged triumphant after their first time competing in the four-round, Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final. They consistently topped the field in all four rounds to take home the $75,000 share of the prize purse.

“I’m so excited to win this class, it’s an amazing feeling,” said Joyce. “I just started riding [Boccaccio] in July. When I knew I was going to need a horse to ride, I was able to start leasing him and gearing up for the final. He’s an adorable horse and loves his job.”

After Friday’s two preliminary rounds, over a course designed by Rian Beals of Saugerties, the top 25 competitors moved on to Saturday’s two-round challenge. All of the riders were hungry for a win, but only the top four would return for one last test to prove who would reign supreme. Joyce and Boccaccio had brought their A-game throughout the weekend, claiming the lead in both the third and final rounds by over ten points.

Joyce and Boccaccio finished the third round with a total score of 175 from Judging Panel A and Panel B to go into the final round with the lead. They captured a final round score of 172, for their ultimate winning total of 347.

Allison Joyce and Boccaccio, owned by Nicole Manoog, winning the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final. (Photo: ESI Photography)

“The course was incredible and it had a variety of challenges and options each day. It flowed very nicely and on some days it allowed the horses to be bolder, which is nice for the hunters,” said Joyce. “This is a class that gives horses and riders an excellent opportunity. I’m very thankful to the whole Grazing Fields Farm family, as well as Nicole Manoog and Brooke Dolan for letting me ride their horses.”

Libby Lestage of Manchester, Massachusetts, went home with second place piloting Custom Made. Lestage and her mount finished the third round with a score of 165 for third place going into the final round; they prevailed in the final with a score of 168 for a total of 333.

Aya Clear of Piedmont, California, traveled cross-country to participate in the prestigious final. She rode Fenway to a score of 168 in the third round, which gave them the second highest score heading in to challenge the final four. They made it out with a score of 160 in the final round for a total of 328, and the ultimate third place prize.

Tracie Glicker and Redford, captured the final spot in the top four. After going into the final round with their score of 165, they scored 143 to earn a total of 308 for a nice fourth-place payout.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.