Ashley Fleischhacker Clears the Way to Win Welcome Grand Prix

Ashley Fleischhacker and Auckland De L'Enclos. (Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wayne, Il. - July 27, 2017 - Day two of Chicago Festival of the Horse held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, picked up some momentum with exciting wins in both the jumper and hunter arenas.

Exhibitors gathered arena the Smart Pak Grand Prix arena to watch competitors tackle Peter Grant's course for the $25,000 Welcome Grand Prix. In the end, Ashley Fleischhacker was the only rider to successfully clear Grant's challenging course, earning the first place finish among the field of riders. Fleischhacker and Auckland De L'Enclos were the sixth pair to enter the ring after competitors before her couldn't complete a fault-free round. She set the bar as she managed to keep all of the rails up throughout the course, finishing in 84.719 seconds.

Holly Shepherd and Sky High (Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography)

Many riders that followed tried to match Fleischhacker, but were unsuccessful. Holly Shepherd and her mount Sky High were the final pair to attempt a clear round and give the exhibitors a jump-off. Unfortunately, Shepherd had a rail down in the course, finishing with 4 faults in 77.045 seconds.

Fleischhacker and Auckland De L'Enclos were able to maintain their lead and take home the blue for the class. Shepherd and Sky High took home the second place, while Bryn Sadler and Cezarro rounded out the top three.

Ashley Fleischhacker and Auckland De L'Enclos. (Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography)

The $50,000 Grand Prix is set to kick off at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 28 in the Smart Pak Grand Prix Arena at the Lamplight Equestrian Center.

For more information visit www.lamplightequestriancenter.com.