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Spring Jubilation!
Friday, June 6, 2008


Spring Jubilation!
Columbia Hosts 549 Entries to End Busy Two Weeks

by Jeffrey Howard, Stephanie Rose and Ashlea Wheelon

COLUMBIA, Tenn. – In what could be described as pure jubilation, the walking horse industry completed two weeks of large classes, heavy competition and great times as the Columbia Spring Jubilee came to an end Saturday night, May 31, 2008. Held at its traditional venue, the Maury County Park, the Jubilee changed from its traditional two-night format to a three-night format. From all indications it was a successful change.

The Spring Fun Show, held the weekend prior had 531 entries. The Spring Jubilee welcomed 549 through the gate, making the two-week total of 1,080 entries, a strong indication of the strength of the industry in 2008.

Show Manager Barrow Brown stated, “Thank you to the trainers and owners for bringing the caliber of horses that they did. I appreciate them helping make Columbia the best three-night show of the year so far. Also, I would like to thank our many sponsors and volunteers who helped make the show the success that it was.”

Anticipation all week centered around the stake class Saturday night. Luckily it didn’t disappoint with six top horses answering the gate call. Coming off two wins already this year, Jose’s Intimidator and Jamie Bradshaw made it three for three this year for owner Randall Ferguson. It didn’t come easy in Columbia for the duo as A Strong Dollar made his second consecutive reserve ride with Joel Weaver for owner Curtice McCloy. In third, were King Of The Jungle and Charlie Green for the Nestor Stewart family.

To put the tough class in perspective, Jose’s Intimidator has 19 wins in his career including the Four-Year-Old World Grand Championship. A Strong Dollar has 23 wins to his credit and is a two-time world champion. King Of The Jungle, Holyfield and Don Diego, the third through fifth place finishers, have a combined 24 wins between them.

Bradshaw described his win. “I am proud of my horse and this win at Columbia. I think this win helps prepare us as we head toward our goal of winning the Celebration. I appreciate all of the fans of Intimidator.”

Thursday night also had its world champion square-off when The Indy 500 and Shock Jock battled in the Adult Pony class. Coming out on top in this tough class was The Indy 500 and Sue Ann Dowell. This team was the Amateur Four-Year-Old World Champion last year. Shock Jock and Becky Coleman made a great performance as well and definitely know how to win. This team won the Amateur Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old World Grand Championships at the 2005 and 2006 Celebrations.

Allan Callaway Stables had a great week posting eight wins, including five on Saturday night alone. Wins were in both professional and amateur ranks and included winning rides by father Allan aboard Sky Jam, sons Bill aboard Cash’s Blackjack Fantasy and Central Command, and John Allan aboard Ozone’s Cut Above All, Jose’s Ritzy Doll, Absolutely Flawless and Armed To Show. An amateur blue ribbon was garnered by Brenda Bramlett aboard Jazzed Up.

Other multiple blue ribbon performances were had by David Landrum Stables, whose new team of Kay Green and He’s A Weekend Warrior took home their first blue. Landrum Stables took home a total of five blue ribbons from Columbia. Rising Star Ranch also collected five blue ribbons following their impressive performance at the Spring Fun Show the week before. The five at Columbia made the two-week total of 11 wins for Joel Weaver’s crew at Rising Star Ranch.

Knox Blackburn Stables took four victory passes during the week, despite Blackburn not being 100 percent healthy during the show. Blackburn had his gallbladder removed on the Tuesday following the show. Tim Wheelon took up the slack on Thursday night and guided Will E Walk took the 15.2 & Under Stallions Riders’ Cup Championship. Suzanne Moore collected two blues herself aboard Zulu and On The Line.

Several other barns collected dual blues including Southern Serenity Ranch, Brock Tillman, Peebles Stables, Rob Brainard Stables, Jamie Bradshaw and Latham Stables. Complete results can be found by clicking here.





 

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