Lexington, Ky. – July 28, 2020 – The Claiborne ring played host to the start of the second consecutive week of hunter competition at the Kentucky Horse Park Tuesday, July 28, marking the start of the Kentucky Summer Classic. Showcasing a collection of Thoroughbred horses that have stepped into a new career after their time on the racetrack, the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters saw a number of exhibitors compete for top placings and a solid start towards the championship tricolor to be awarded at the conclusion of the division Wednesday afternoon. Riding ribbon-worthy rounds, Brandon Gibson and As Promised claimed a blue ribbon for their over fences efforts.
Owned by Emily Austad, As Promised was originally in Gibson’s possession as a 6-year-old sale horse. With a history of competing in the 1.40m jumpers, As Promised showed promising signs of transitioning into the hunter arena with his scopey jump and style. Austad later moved to ride under the tutelage of Gibson, reuniting the horse-and-rider pair. Now, Austad competes As Promised in the younger section of the Adult Amateur Hunters while Gibson continues to campaign him in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter divisions.
Moving forward, Gibson would like to help Austad move up to the Amateur Owner 3’3” Hunters with the talented gelding, as well as testing out the National Derby classes someday soon. The $20,000 TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Finals, set to take place at the Kentucky Horse Park September 16-20, may also fall in the cards in 2020 for As Promised, pending a nomination for him to compete.
The TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters will continue with the second half of classes set to take place in the Claiborne arena Wednesday afternoon, culminating in crowning respective champions of the division. Hunter competition will continue at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Summer Classic on Wednesday, July 29, with the Green Conformation Hunters starting at 8:00 a.m. in the Stonelea Arena.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Brandon Gibson – TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter class winner
On As Promised:
“As Promised belongs to one of my clients, Emily Austad. He is 8 years old this year and I sold him to Emily as a 6-year-old when she rode with someone else and then she moved to me almost two years ago so I have been riding him since then.”
On his performance:
“He hasn’t shown this year since Gulf Coast so last week he was a little fresh the first day and then he won the trip the second day. We had intended on doing the TAKE2 Finals with him last year but we did not realize we didn’t get our paperwork in time. We ended up scratching that plan but we might do it this year if he is nominated or not. Emily shows him in the Younger Adults as well.
On his plans for the future with As Promised:
“Our hopes are to be in the 3’3” Amateur Hunters soon and then eventually we would like to do a National Derby on him. He is super scopey, but when we bought him we weren’t sure which direction he was going to go in. He was jumping the 1.40m jumpers and we ended up gearing him toward the hunters.”
On competing at the Kentucky Summer Classic:
“We love Kentucky! It is our favorite time of year every year! We came here last year and he was champion the second week. I think they are doing a great job with the COVID protocols and such while allowing us to horse show. I think we are all super grateful to be out here and horse showing again.”