Laura Linback, of Long Grove, Ill., riding the same horse as last year, As Di Villagana, of Woodrun farm, took home first place for the second year in a row at the 22nd annual $40,000 Columbia Classic Grand Prix on Sunday. Linback also won first place in the preceding event, the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic.

Linback won both events at the new Columbia Classic home -- Marama Farm, in Clarksville, owned by George and Marilyn Doetsch. The event was previously held on the campus of Howard Community College.

Mike Scrivener, from the HCC Office of Public Relations and Marketing, said that with the new location “there was some concern of a significant drop in attendance and sponsors, but that wasn’t the case.” He said the location and atmosphere were outstanding, calling it an “awesome event.”

Racing her horse through the jump-off course in 46.704 seconds and zero faults, Linback earned a $12,000 purse, competing in a field of 26 horses.
 
Riding Linda Z., Tracey Weinberg, of Lovettsville, Va., earned $8,800 for second place. Taking third, and a purse of $5,200, was Alexa Lowe, of Upperville, Va., riding Nadyleen.

Fourteen horses competed in the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Classic. Linback earned $3,000 for first place, riding Cartusch. Weinberg was second, earning a $2,000 purse, riding Larone; and Heather Irons, of Wynmoor, Pa., finished third, riding Taro.
 
The Columbia Classic’s proceeds provide scholarships for the Howard Community College’s students through the HCC Educational Foundation.

-- Joseph Vassalotti

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user comments (1)

user citizentaxpayerjane says...

Are you sure it was a good move? How about some numbers on sponsorships and attendance.

Posted 7:34 AM, 09.23.09

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