McLain Ward on HH Azur won the 2nd leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of jumping
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By SARA CAVANAGH
BRAMANT, Netherlands--In a 16 horse jump-off that included many of grand prix jumping's top internationally ranked riders, McLain Ward on HH Azur won the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam.
McLain Ward on HH Azur winning the Devon Grand Prix in 2019 (Photo by The Book)Ward won the first leg, with a purse of €1 million, in Geneva, and his win in the €1 Million Dutch Masters in Bramant netted him an additional €500,00 for winning the second leg in a row.
The third leg, also with a €1 million purse, is at Aachen, which runs June 23 to July 2 in Germany.
"She is my queen," said Ward of HH Azure. "She never ceases to amaze me."
The jump-off in the Dutch Masters included the first, second, third and fourth ranked riders, and amazingly those four went first through fourth in the 16 horse jump-off.
As U.S. chef d'equipe Robert Ridland pointed out, it's incredibly rare that all four top ranked riders should go so early in a big international class and then end up first through fourth in the jump-off.
The BudweiserClydesdalesThe world famous Budweiser Clydesdales will be parading around the Dixon Oval on three nights, Thursday, June1, Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3.
This year, Anheuser-Busch is celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Budweiser Clydesdales, an enduring symbol of the brewer’s heritage and a testament to the iconic horses’ role in American culture - past, present and future.
The beautiful “gentle giants” from the world’s leading brewer will be pulling the famous red Studebaker beer delivery wagon and will be at the controls of the expert driver dressed in the traditional green and red delivery uniform of yesteryear.
The Budweiser Clydesdales cover about 100,000 miles a year and receive over 5,000 requests annually to appear in parades, promotions, fairs, and horse shows.
Most importantly, these horses are featured in numerous television and print commercials, making them the most recognized corporate symbol in the world.
There are special ticket packages available.
Telephone sales, for packages, begin Friday,March 24, 10am - 3 pm, call 610-688-2554.
Walk-in and telephone sales for all tickets begin Monday, April 3 at Devon from 10am to 3pm on the first floor of the Devon Horse Show ticket office on Dorset Road.
Greatbullsoffire, multiple stakes winner, stands at Robert Manchio's
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By Staff Writers
Nestled in the rolling hills of Chester County sits Robert Manchio farm.
Robert’s farm is tucked on the corner and houses and stands the impressive thoroughbred stallion Greatbullsoffire.
This 9-year-old stallion is a speedy, multiple stakes winner by Bullsbay out of a still active Great Notion Mare.
Winner on both dirt and turf!
Greatbullsoffire does not stop there, he is also Inspected and Approved meeting the performance requirements for Westfalen Verband.
To see this horse in person is to see an athletic , robust and solidly built horse.
He truly is a sight to behold, well balanced possessing beautiful confirmation.
Greatbullsoffire helps balance body and size to boot.
His foals will be hitting the track this year.
Greatbullsoffire was a fierce competitive runner and very precocious as a young colt.
The stallion could be described by his handlers as honest and intelligent, with great size and temperment.
Greatballsoffire is standing for a very modest $2000, making him a very atainable buy.
He comes with Live Foal guarantee.
If you are considering local Pennsylvania stallions, he is surely one not to miss.
Inquiries to Robert Manchio 610-563-8529.
Four years later, Fair Hill turf track is not ready for racing and Fair Hill's spring race meet has been cancelled again
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By SARA CAVANAGH
FAIR HILL, Md.--It's an appalling state of affairs and an insult to the pocketbooks of Maryland residents, but four years after ground was first broken for what was to be a new and improved turf track for racing and steeplechasing at Fair Hill, that track is still deemed unsafe even for horses to train on it.
It was announced in late February that the Fair Hill Races spring meet over Memorial Day has been cancelled.
The horse had an article about the controversy that was already swirling about the turf track two years ago, in August of 2021, because it wasn't ready for use then.
Now, two years later, it is still not ready for use.
Sam Ray, the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Maryland State Department of Natural Resources, was quoted in that article as blaming the delay on Covid and the fact that Covid caused businesses to close down.
That excuse is no longer valid.
"Everybody thinks they know something, but I'm the only person doing this," said Ray."If they didn't talk to me, they don't have the correct information."
There are those who say that it is just that attitude that is part of the problem, and that this is just another case of government failing where private business succeeds.
Wicomico Hunt Point-to-Point 2nd annual meet on April 16
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By SARA CAVANAGH
EARLEVILLE, Md.--Mount Harmon Plantation and Wicomico Hunt Club are co-hosting the not to be missed event of the spring ~ the 2nd running of the Mount Harmon-Wicomico Point-to-Point races on April 16.
(Photo by Tisa Della-Volpe)Plan to join us for a great day of spring races at one of Maryland’s most beautiful historic sites, featuring 10 races, including six timber races, one flat, and three pony races that kick off at 10:00 am.
These races are part of Delaware Valley Point-to-Point series and the Maryland Steeplechase Governor’s Cup Series, and it's Maryland’s only waterfront point to point races!
After the morning pony races, there will be a will be a special Junior & Invitational Field Master Chase, followed by the Wicomico Hunt Club Hound Parade, Brandywine Valley Driving Club Antique Carriage Parade and the judging of the Tailgate & Hat Contests.
Post time for the afternoon timber races is at 1:30pm.
The featured race, The Wicomico Hunt Cup, is an open event over the three-mile Mount Harmon Course, with Post Time at 3 pm.
Don’t miss our Point to Point Marketplace with Open Air Food Court, Tavern and Marketplace with artisan and equestrian vendors and merchants for all to enjoy.
(Photo by Tisa Della-Volpe)Mount Harmon Plantation is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and it features a restored 18th century manor house, a formal boxwood garden, a 200-acre nature preserve, miles of scenic nature trails and a stunning Tidewater setting.
The racecourse was completed for our April 2022 inaugural event, and it includes 11 timber fences set on established turf.
Over 1,000 attended the inaugural point to point April 16, 2022 to rave reviews.
Be sure to join us for a great day of spring point to point racing in the countryside overlooking the Sassafras River.
Advanced tickets only.
Tailgates, sponsorships, tickets, and advertising opportunities are available online at www.mountharmon.org.
Proceeds benefit Mount Harmon Plantation and Wicomico Hunt Club.
Mount Harmon Plantation is located at 600 Mount Harmon Road, POB 65, Earleville, MD 21919.
Visit www.mountharmon.org or call 410-275-8819 or go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Cheshire Point-to-Point scheduled for Sunday, March 26
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By Staff Writers
By Richard R.P. (Buzzy) Hannum
UNIONVILLE, Pa.--The Cheshire Point-to-Point, on Sunday, March 26, has had any number of memorable winners, many of whom have gone on to win the Maryland Hunt Cup.
Among those, two of the most memorable are trainer Betty Bird and Buzzy Hannum, who rode for her and who wrote this in memory of Betty who is being honored at this year's meet.
That combination won the featured Cheshire Bowl a number of times.
Elizabeth Cromwell Bosley Bird was a uniquely talented person.
She told me that her formal education ended at 6th grade.
However, she was able to relate on their own level to people ranging on the social scale from the guy handling a pitchfork in her barn to the Queen of England.
Everyone, especially me, loved her.
Her talents ranged from being the best person with animals that I ever saw, to a professional fashion model, to an Olympic show ring rider, to a uniquely talented steeplechase horse trainer.
As a result of the kindness of my close friend, Paddy Neilson, I was the beneficiary of the latter talent.
Betty BirdShe told me that her horses were well schooled.
If I wanted to ride for her, I needed to leave them alone as they approached a fence, otherwise I could ride for someone else.
I wanted to ride for her.
There was no question that they were really well schooled.
She had done most of it herself.
Following her instructions led to the opportunity to ride extremely talented horses and we had considerable success.
However, the most important thing was the opportunity to spend time with her.
She had a charm that would allow her to escape the misdeeds with which she was frequently faced.
For example, when returning from the Middleburg races she was stopped by a Washington police officer on Rt 95 for speeding.
She told him an unbelievable story about her sick mother in the hospital.
The police officer took pity on her and allowed her to go with a warning, telling her to be safe and comply with the speed limit.
She allowed the police officer to get back in his car and leave.
Then she pressed the gas pedal to the metal and proceeded on her way north at a rate well in excess of the speed limit.
Unfortunately, the same police officer was waiting for her 10 miles down the road. He again stopped her.
I said, “Let’s see you get out of this.”
Next thing I knew we were again proceeding north with another warning.
I said “What did you say.”
She said “Cops are so easy.”
Hewick wins Steeplechase Eclipse Award
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By SARA CAVANAGH
In what was to almost everybody's surprise and a stunning upset, after just one win, albeit that one by 11 1/2 lengths in the G1 Grand National Hurdle on Oct.15 at Fair Hills in New Jersey, the Irish invader, T.J. McDonald's Hewick, trained by John "Shark"Hanlon, was voted the Eclipse Award winner.
Hewick leads Noah and the Ark over last in Grand National (Photo by To Marks)Bred in Ireland, and bought for $991 at the 2017 Goresbridge Bloodstock Sale, the rags to riches Hewick had previously won twice in England and Ireland in 2022, and only ran the one time in the U.S, returning after the race to his home base in Ireland.
Hewick has yet to run in 2023.
Hewick beat the other two Eclipse nominees, Snap Decision and Down Royal, with Hewick receiving 113 votes to Snap Decision's 88 and Down Royal's 15.
Snap Decison, owned by Bruton Street-US and trained by Jack Fisher, had won the G1 Iroquois and the G1 Jonathan Sheppard at Saratoga but finished sixth in the Grand National, while Down Royal, owned by Joseph F. Fowler, Jr., and trained by Kate Dalton, had won the G1 A.P. Smithwick and the G2 David L. (Zeke) Ferguson, but didn't run in the Grand National.
Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point Races!!! Coming April 1
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By Staff Writers
UNIONVILLE, PA.--Spring is right around the corner which means Point-to-Point season is about to get underway!
Radnor Hunt Hound Parade lead by Field Master James Dean (Photo by Jim Graham)The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point is scheduled for SATURDAY, APRIL 1; race goers please note we are running on Saturday not Sunday.
This is the oldest point-to-point in the Delaware Valley and proceeds benefit the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance’s environmental education and watershed conservation programs.
The Presenting Sponsor is the Radnor Hunt Foxhunters & The Hounds Foundation.
Race day offers fun and exciting pony and horse races, parade of foxhounds, antique cars, and a children’s activities area.
The day begins with the Junior Field Master Chase at 12 Noon, followed by four pony races on the flat as well as a stick pony race.
Side Saddle jockeys over the stone wall in the 2022 Inaugural Side Saddle Timber Race at the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point (Photo by Jim Graham)At 1:45, jump races begin with the Ladies’ Race, followed by the Amateur Apprentice, Novice, Open and concluding with the Side Saddle Race at 3:45.
Gates open at 11 a.m. off Route 842 with preferred parking, $60, near the finish line and general admission parking for $25 per car.
Refreshments available on-site for purchase.
Stick Pony Race 2022Raffle tickets are available at $10 for purchase to win prizes including a trip, artwork, restaurant certificates and Devon Horse Show box seats.
The H.E. Myrick Conservation Center is the headquarters of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance (BRC).
The 318-acre property is located in Pocopson Township along Route 842, six miles west of West Chester and three miles east of Unionville.
Contact: Betsy @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-793-1090.
WELLINGTON, Fla.--Reigning Olympic champion Ben Maher of Great Britain won the CHF216,000 ($234,757) CSI4* Grand Prix during “Saturday Night Lights” on Jan. 28.over 45 competitors, 14 of which advanced to the jump-off..
Ben Maher on Dallas Vegas Batilly (Photo by Sportfot)Going about halfway trough the jump-off, Maher was clean on Dallas Vegas Batilly and beat the time of then leading Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam on Namaste van het Eyckeveld by one tenth of a second,
Maher finished in the eventual winning time of 38.35 seconds.
Sweetnam placed second while Kent Farrington was third on Toulayna.
Fourth went to Germany’s Richard Vogel on United Touch S, and Lacey Gilbertson was fifth on Karlin van’t Vennehof.
Maher has only been riding Dallas Vegas Batilly for four months.
Virginia Korrell placed second in an Irish Point-to-Point, Motion & Houghton have winners
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By SARA CAVANAGH
WEST CHESTER, Pa.--Virginia Korrell of West Chester, Pa., went to Ireland before Christmas to ride for trainer Andrew Slattery, a trip she had also made last year.
Virginia Korrell (On the right)She was hoping to get some rides over fences this year, but her license was held up for the first few weeks that she was there, finally coming through in mid-January, allowing her to finally get a ride in a point-to-point, an opportunity she put to good use.
Riding Ahaknowyerself for trainer Slattery, Virginia finished second in a 3 mile race at the Ballycrystal Point-to-Point in County Wexford.
Her parents, Brian and Wis Korrell, said that when they talked to her she told them that because she is an American that the cameras followed her all over.
Virginia Korrell leading on Ahaknowyerself"My first Irish point-to-point ride was a memorable experience,"said Korrell. "The point-to-point people were extremely nice and treated me like a celebrity. My horse ran and jumped like a star, and we almost won. If everything goes to plan, I will ride him in another point-to-point on Feb. 5."
Riding is this country last spring, Virginia had considerable success riding in point-to-points before suffering a broken leg from a horse kicking her as she was riding back from a work for trainer Leslie Young, an accident that sidelined her until just before she went to Ireland.
"She's riding works for Slattery every day," said Brian. "She rides up to eight or nine a day."
Pam Coath of Wayne, Pa., took this photo of Radnor Huntsman James Dean surrounded by hounds and followed by the field that she entitled "Heading Home."
"I took this with a Sony A73 camera," said Coath. "I had been following the hunt on Thanksgiving Day. They came into a clearing and then they headed back to the kennels."
Brittany Costa wins second place in Candid photos
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By SARA CAVANAGH
Brittany Costa of Gilbertsville, Pa., took this photo of Wyatt Williamson and Lambert in Boyertown Pa.
"This is Wyatt Williamson, taking one of his best buddies out for the day," said Costa. "Lambert got the day off from his farm duties and spent a beautiful Saturday with his favorite little human hanging out at a football game!"
Costa said her son Wyatt is 6 years old.
"I work at Ironstone Veterinary Clinic in Boyertown," said Costa. "Lambert is one of Dr. Allen's dogs. He's a Spanish mastiff. He's so big he barely fit in my car."
"Lambert and his son guard the goats at Dr. Allen's farm, and the mother and his daughter guard the cattle,"saidCosta. "They're farm dogs and keep the predators out."
"We were going to my step-son's football game, and Lambert got the day off to come with us."
Anne Moss wins first place in Candid photos
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By SARA CAVANAGH
Anne Moss of Coatesville, Pa., took this photo of her 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter Sydney Parllaku.
"She is having her first ride on the locally famous, 22 year old Shetland Pony, “Blueberry” Buchanan at Mercer Hill Farm in Coatesville, Pa.," said Moss. "Looks like they are both having a good laugh!"
Sydney was visiting her grandmother over Christmas when Moss snapped this photo with her iphone.
"This pony is the best thing in the whole wide world,"said Moss. "But Sydney hasn't ridden since she went back home."
Kent Farrington won the $151,700 Grand Prix at WEF, and Audrey Schulze won the U25 Grand Prix
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By Staff Writers
WELLINGTON, Fla--U.S. Olympic team silver medalist, Kent Farrington won his second grand prix of the weekend on Sunday, Jan. 22, this time riding Landon in the CHF140,000 ($151,700) CIS3* Grand Prix over runner-up Daniel Coyle of Ireland.
Kent Farrington on Landon (Photo by Sportfot)Farrington had also won the $50,000 Grand Prix Saturday evening on Greya.
Five riders were clean over the course designed by Oscar Soberon.
Coyle on Gisborne VDL, a 13-year-old Dutch warmblood stallion, was first to go in the jump-off and set the pace at 40.05 seconds.
Next to go, Farrington on Landon, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding, quickly took over the lead by only fractions in 39.30 seconds, a time that could not be caught.
“Landon is a big-strided horse, but Daniel’s horse is also a big-strided horse, and I thought he had an incredible round,” said Farrington. “I probably have a little quicker foot speed than him, but it took a lot to beat that round today because he was dropping strides everywhere on a huge gallop the whole way around.”
Kent Farrington won the $50,000 Grand Prix Saturday evening at WEF
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By Staff Writers
WELLINGTON, Fla.--Kent Farrington on Greya won the $50,000 National Grand Prix Saturday evening, Jan. 21 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sportfot)Beating the field of 44 in a time of 37.756 seconds over a course designed by Catsy Cruz of Mexico, Farrington, a U.S. Olympic team silver medalist currently ranked 18th on the FEI world rankings, won despite having to go first in the jump-off.
“It’s Greya’s first time jumping under the lights,” said Farrington. “So, I tried to just work out of her normal gallop which is already pretty quick. Luckily, it worked out tonight, and I thought she was incredible.”
“The last year has been a rebuilding time for my string as some of my main horses are winding down their international careers,” he said. “It’s time for the young ones to step up; I have a group of horses – the oldest being 10 – that are starting to jump in the international scene and I’m excited to see what happens with each of them.”
Greya, 9, is among the promising young horses in that string.
“She’s a very special horse and I thought she jumped very well tonight,” he said. “She’s an opinionated mare; she has her own ideas but those are my favorite horses because I think in the end they are the best. When you can train the horse to work with you and use all of their energy to go in the right direction it can be great.”
Ben Maher of Great Britain on the 9-year-old Enjeu De Grisien finished second a full second behind Farrington, clean in 38.835 seconds, and Jos Verlooy of Belgium was third on the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Nixon Van’t Muelenhof.
Nicoe Shahinian-Simpson won the WEF Challnge Cup on Akuna Mattata
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By Staff Writers
WELLINGTON, Fla.--Nicole Shahinian-Simpson on Akuna Mattata won the CHF37,000 ($40,000) WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on the grass derby field on Friday, Jan. 20 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Nicole Shahinian Simpson on Akuna Mattata (Photo by Sportfot)Shahinian-Simpson has known Akuna Mattata since she was born 15years ago, one of three triplet fillies by embryo transfer out of her former mount SRF Dragonfly de Joter.
Akuna Mattata took some time to develop and hit a winning stride with Shahinian-Simpson in the international ranks.
Oscar Soberon set Friday’s track on the grass field and had 20 jump clear in the first round.
After eight elected to save their horses for Sunday’s CSI3* Grand Prix, Shahinian-Simpson faced off against 11 challengers.
“There were so many clear, I was questioning whether I was going to jump-off to get ready for Sunday,” said Shahinian-Simpson. “She feels fit and strong, and I don’t show her a lot, so I figured why not. The jump-off was nice with a lot of gallops. She covers the ground so fast. When you gallop the jumps on her you never really think about the clear, you just go to the jumps and she does the rest.”
Kathy Neilson elected president of the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation
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By Staff Writers
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa.--Katherine Neilson, a trainer of stakes winners over both hurdles and timber and a prominent member of the steeplechase community, has been elected president of the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation.
Kathy Neilson Photo by Tod Marks)Based in Kennett Square, Pa., she was an accomplished jockey before switching roles.
Neilson trained her 200th winner in 2021.
Neilson was elected president of the Steeplechase Owners and Trainers Association in 2010 and again in 2020, and she has been co-director of the Cheshire Hunt Races from 2019 to the present.
The Foundation’s Executive Committee also elected W. B. Dixon Stroud, a well-known steeplechase horseman who founded the Willowdale Steeplechase in 1993 and continues as its chairman, as vice president.
Ann Jackson, a steeplechase owner and Thoroughbred breeder based in Monkton, Md., was elected treasurer, while George Cary of Hockessin, Del., a third-generation horseman whose family has a long history in racing, polo, hunting, and showing, was elected secretary.
A TGSF priority in 2023 will be to provide continued support for the Maryland and Pennsylvania point-to-points, as a partner with the Central Entry Office.
In addition, the Foundation looks forward to continuing its support of apprentice riders, safety, and the general promotion of the sport.
Mary Taylor Miller named huntsman for Cheshire
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By Staff Writers
UNIONVILLE, Pa.--The Cheshure Hunt Club Masters and Board are pleased to announce that Mary Taylor Miller has accepted the position of huntsman for the 2023-2024 season.
Mary Taylor MillerThrough the four seasons when Mary Taylor whipped in at Cheshire, her knowledge of hunting, kennel management, horsemanship, work ethic, attention to detail and positive outlook earned her a sterling reputation and many friends.
She has completed eight years of professional hunt service as well as the MFHA Professional Development program, and she has the unanimous support of the CHC Masters and Board in taking the horn at Cheshire.
Mary Taylor’s family–husband Ryan Sullivan and baby daughter Silvia–will join her in the move.
Mary Taylor Miller (Photo by Ellie Glaccum)We are extremely grateful to Mackenzie Wertman for his service to Cheshire.
Mack whipped in for two seasons before stepping into the interim huntsman’s role on short notice this season.
He exceeded expectations, providing good sport through his hard work, diligence, and love of hunting.
Mack will finish out the season with Cheshire with all of our thanks and best wishes.
Honorable Mention Action photo
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By Staff Writers
A wonderful photo taken by Pam Coeth of Wayne, Pa.
"This photo is of Meinse 430, a Friesian Stallion at the Friesian Keuring 2022 hosted by Iron Spring Farm, and he is handled here by Quinnten Alston,"said Coeth.
The faces of both the stallion and the handler are so expressive.
The only reason this photo didn't place first is that the first, second and third placed photos appeared to the judges to have been harder to catch and more unusual.
McLain Ward wins WEF G P, Jean Sheptoff wins in A O Hunters
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By Staff Writers
WELLINGTON, Fla.--McLain Ward on Catoki won the $75,000 Grand Prix to wrap up Premiere Week in the International Arena on Sunday, Jan. 7 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Mclain Ward on Catoki (Photo by Sportfot)The class had 26 compete over a 13 obstacle course designed by Eric Hasbrouck. including a triple combination that caused several rails.
The first four to jump clear and make the time allowed were Chris Ewanouski of Canada, Matt Williams of Australia, Jimmy Torano and Ward.
Richard Vogel of Germany and Michael Murphy in the latter half of the draw then joined the jump-off list.
Ward was clean in 29.003 seconds, a full three seconds faster than second placed Williams on Meadowvale Cruise, who finished in 32.959.
Ewanouski on Echo VH Gerendal was third with Vogel on Codex 28 fourth and Torano on Kochio Z fifth.
Tina Marie Powell placed second in the Action category
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By SARA CAVANAGH
Tina Marie Powell of Coatesville, Pa., won second place in the Action category with this photo of Latest Edition Bud E Bear (Buddy) jumping in her swimming pool.
The photo was taken with her cell phone.
"Both our Jack Russells love tos wim," said Powell. "I teach al our dogs to swim in the bathtub when they are puppies. They love to swim all day, so they wear life jackets. They dive in, float on our rafts and climb out up the ladder."
"When Buddy gets dirty, he comes into the house, turns the shower on and gets under the shower," said Powell. "We've done Jack Russell trials, gone to ground, races and agility. Buddy is a character."