World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Santana’s El Nino, will have a busy fall with an exhibition schedule that includes football games at Middle Tennessee State and the University of Tennessee. (TWHNC/Avalon Equine Photo)
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse Santana’s El Nino will be keeping a whirlwind schedule throughout the fall with several exhibitions already on the books.
The first two stops of his victory tour will be in Murfreesboro. On Saturday, September 27, trainer Link Webb will guide him through the paces in front of what will be an appreciative audience at the International Grand Championships at Miller Coliseum.
The next stop will be on the Middle Tennessee State University campus on Tuesday, September 30 when the black stallion will exhibit in Floyd Stadium prior to the Blue Raiders’ nationally-televised game with Florida Atlantic. With the game on ESPN2, MTSU is urging all fans to wear black for their “Blackout Night” promotion…a perfect color for El Nino!
According to MTSU Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, “To be able to secure the World Grand Champion is a tremendous addition to an already historic evening. It is entirely appropriate since we feature a Tennessee Walking Horse prior to every home game and Middle Tennessee is the traditional home for the walking horse industry. I invite all of our fans to come early to see this incredible athlete perform.”
Saturday, October 4 will find the new ambassador of the breed in Asheville, NC for the North Carolina Championships.
October 25th marks the arrival of Santana’s El Nino in Lynchburg for the 20th Annual Jack Daniel’s International Invitational Barbecue Championship, the competition that many call the most prestigious in the world.
After a short break, it’s back up I-40 to Knoxville for the annual exhibition during the University of Tennessee’s homecoming game on November 8. The Vols will be hosting the Wyoming Cowboys at Neyland Stadium with Webb and El Nino taking their turn around Shields-Watkins field during pre-game ceremonies.
“The Tennessee Walking Horse is one of the great traditions in college sports,” said University of Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton. “We’re fortunate that it is unique in the State of Tennessee and certainly looking forward to hosting this year’s World Grand Champion as part of our 2008 Homecoming ceremonies.”
Finally, the championship tandem will be on exhibition at the Southern Championships in Perry, GA, November 20-22.
“I think it’s great that the Jones and Webb families are making the commitment to take on such an extensive schedule,” said Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows. “He was the people’s choice in our final class this year and I have no doubt that the thousands of fans that see him this fall will be just as thrilled.”
Santana’s El Nino actually begins his championship duties this week with his official portrait being made.