Posted March 5, 2006

Scott Stewart Scores Again, Addison Phillips Picks Up Tricolor in First Year Green Working Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL – March 3, 2006 – The sixth week of the 34th annual Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is in full flight as thousands of equestrians venture to eight different rings of hunter and jumper action. The hunters saw championships awarded to the First Year Green Working Hunters this afternoon.

In the A Section, the tricolor went to Morocco and owner/rider Addison Phillips of New York, NY. Phillips piloted the fantastic jumper to two firsts and two thirds over fences. Few 16 year olds would be able to hold their own against the best hunter professionals in the country, but Phillips had no trouble in the division. Reserve champion in the division was Heartfelt, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by Molly Ohrstrom.

The championship in Section B went to Banner, ridden and owned by Scott Stewart. Stewart bought the cute seven year old bay gelding before WEF began. Banner had just been brought over from Europe from Geoff Teall. “He wasn’t quite ready to show right away,” Stewart said. “So I waited until the second week. He’s a great jumper, and he’s really easy.” Banner won both over fences classes on Thursday and returned today for another blue ribbon.

“He’s been in the ribbons the last few weeks, but this is his first championship,” he went on to say. “I did him in the Pre-Green 3’3” division first, and he was just so brave and easy that I moved up. I think he’s a good one!”

Stewart picked up the reserve championship on another of his horses, Federal Hill. He has owned the six year old chestnut gelding for three and a half years, so their relationship has grown over time. Federal Hill won the under saddle and was fifth over fences today. Stewart explained, “He’s really easygoing, and I think he’ll make a great junior hunter. I bought him after seeing him free jump because he was so unbelievable. He’s such a good mover too.”

In the Adult Amateur 51 & Over division, Carol Cone was victorious for another week. She won the championship in both sections with Harmony Bay and Glory Road. Reserve champion in Section A was Solitaire, ridden and owned by Stephen Martines. In Section B, the reserve championship went to Regall and Bruce Duchossois.

Hunter competition carries on tomorrow with championships in the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over division and the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters.

Photo Credit: Morocco and Addison Phillips, Section A champions in First Year Green Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Jennifer Wood/PhelpsSports.com.