The Legacy Cup Continues
Special Coverage by Diana DeRosa

Red Carpet Wins Finals and Amateurs – Wasabi Wins Juniors

Frances Briggs couldn’t say enough about Red Carpet’s canter. “It just takes you on vacation when you go around the ring. He has a great rhythm and he is so athletic. He’s got red carpet presence,” she explained.

She also admitted that she “had a premonition” that this would be her 7-year-old, chestnut gelding’s night. The 43 year old who has four sons explained, “I am a nervous person,” but her trainer Tom Wright knows how to pick horses that are perfect for her and Red Carpet is a perfect example.

Frances was thankful to her trainer for her horse but also appreciative of her stable manager, Darren Teodoro, noting that the victory was truly a team effort and she recognizes the importance of those who work behind the scenes.

“I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for them and I want to thank the people who make it as easy as possible for me to show up and focus on my riding.”

She was also grateful that an “Anonymous Friend of the AHJF” gave the grooms of the top three winning horses each $100 in cash.

Barri Platt was equally as thrilled with Wasabi’s victory in the Junior Finals. She said that her 15.1H, 11-year-old Oldenburg/Paint, mare was “unbelievable. She always gives 110% no matter what.”

When they entered the ring Wasabi was “a little fresh.” Yet, that usually is helpful to Barri because it perks her horse up and makes her more alert.

The 17-year-old, who is home schooled, started riding when she was ten and admits that when she first started riding Wasabi, “I couldn’t stay on her,” but now they are a perfect match.