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Richard Spooner and Gerry the Grey Capture the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS Thermal

January 14, 2008

Thermal, CA --- Richard Spooner returned to a familiar place following Sunday's $25,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS' state-of-the-art equestrian facility, in Thermal, California.

Spooner, the HITS Desert Circuit's all-time leading money winner made a return trip to the winners circle aboard his mount Gerry the Grey to close out the brand new DC Premiere Horse Show at HITS Thermal and collected $7,500 in prize money for C&S Partnership.

The veteran had the fastest double-clear round as he bested four pairs in the jump-off on course designer Jack Robson's route. "This is the best footing in California," said an impressed Spooner after the class. "This year HITS hit a home run."

Spooner and his ten-year-old mount were sitting in the envious last-to-ride position and stopped the clocks in 44.64 to capture the top prize. His lightning-fast round pushed Lane Clark and his mount David into second place. Clark had completed the jump-off round in 45.42.

Clark secured $5,500 in prize money for his second place effort. "It was a great week for me here," said Clark. "I am going to show in Arizona for a few weeks but I can't wait to get back for week six and the Championship week."

Joining Clark and Spooner in the jump-off round was Canadian Olympian John Pearce, who brought two mounts back to shoot it out for the blue ribbon. But in the end, Pearce had four faults aboard both Chianto and Navarre, and finished in third and fourth place, respectively.

Pearce, who closed out the 2007 HITS Desert Circuit with wins in the $150,000 HITS Grand Prix of the Desert and the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix was impressed with his first week at HITS Thermal.

"Originally, I wasn't planning on attending this week but I wanted to check things out. I'm glad I did, I'm quite impressed with everything that's been done," said Pearce. "The place looks great! As soon as you arrive you can tell there have been lots of improvements--from the entrance, the flowers and landscaping."

With the victory, Spooner earned some valuable points towards the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix to be held on Sunday, March 16 during the all new Championship Week at HITS Thermal. The top-30 pairs based on prize-money won on the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit will be invited to compete in the class.

The 2008 HITS Desert Circuit now takes a one week break and returns on Tuesday, January 22 for three consecutive weeks of shows, followed by an off week, February 11-17. Then HITS Thermal returns on Tuesday, February 19 for four consecutive weeks of shows and runs until Sunday, March 16 when the first-ever Desert Circuit Championship will close out the season with 17 different championship classes, including the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix of the Desert.

On tap for DC I (January 22-27) is the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix on Friday, January 25 and on Sunday, January 27 the top riders on the West Coast will take aim at the top prize in the $75,000 EMO Grand Prix.

Also on the agenda, are several fun out-of-ring activities. On Thursday, January 24, exhibitors will be treated to a movie during Golf Cart Drive-In at 6 pm on one of the two new JumboTrons at HITS Thermal. Also on the social calendar for Friday, January 25 is the Spa Day, courtesy of La Quinta Resort from 10 am until 2 pm. Get a taste of the world-renowned pampering that takes place at Spa by La Quinta when it comes to the Desert Circuit show grounds! The special event calendar for DC I comes to a close on Saturday, January 26 when the Canine Affair Exhibitor Party, presented by Purina takes the stage. The first-ever dog costume party and Exhibitor Mixer includes free food, a cash bar and prizes for the best costumes. All breeds, ages and sizes are welcome.

HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter-jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.

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

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