The air hung damp as the first championship night of the 1992 Celebration began. Seven championship classes were on tap for the session. With an average of 18 and 1/2 entered in each, the average number which participated in each championship was 15. Not many breeds can boast that kind of involvement.
The night was one of honoring the best of the breed, as well as those who have contributed much to it. During the course of the evening, Neika Williams presented a yearling filly named Charlie’s Angel Lady to the Breeders’ Association in memory and tribute to her late husband, Charlie. This daughter of Pride’s Jubilee Star will be awarded to the youth member of the association who recruits the most youth members during the membership drive.
In the ring, Park Pleasure Amateur Riders Championship kicked off the action, and featured 12 riders of the 13 originally entered. Calling the gaits and setting the pace was Judge Ty Irby. Judge Benny Johnson was second judge, and Judge Tommy Howell was third judge.
When the spotlight fell on the tricolor winner, the number on his back was 877 - Crackerjack Magic, ridden by Jim Woodburn for Woodburn Farms. Reserve tricolor honors went to Peddler’s Eagle, directed by Wilma Stuller for LSA Inc., while third belonged to My Senator’s Pride and Jennifer Roberts, riding for Steve and Jennifer Roberts.
The entry listing promised 21 for the next class; when the gate closed, 16 young riders were in the ring for the Owner-Amateur Junior Riders on Ponies 60” and under Championship. The spin of the wheel and draw of the colors placed Judge Howell in the call judge position, Judge Irby in the second judge slot and Judge Howard Hamilton in the southeast turn as third judge.
After two asked for and received permission to be excused, 14 lined up to await the judges’ verdict. When the card was tabulated, the order of the 15-17 preliminary winners was reserved.
Taking a ride under the spotlight, Stock’s Triple C and Victoria Martocci were the unanimous victors for Windward Manor Farm. In Reserve were Master Plan and Adam Hensley for Jeffcoat Stables. Mark It Down earned the third place award with Brad Davis up for Nancy Davis.
All 16 of those entered in the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Championship answered Announcer Bobby Sands’ gate call to work for the consideration of Call Judge Mike Carpenter, Second Judge Howell and Third Judge Johnson.
World Championship honors in this division were bestowed by the judges on Fashion Setter, ridden by Berry Coffey for Belle Meade Inc.
Reserve and his jockey were no strangers to top ribbons, as Heapin Spoonful and Victoria Martocci rode around for the red for Windward Manor Farm. Third place went to Thunders Lavish Lady and owner Karen Giambi.
Eighteen Owner-Amateur Junior Riders, 11 Years and Under on Mares or Geldings came through the gate for the next Championship. this number was only two short of the number that had been entered for contention.
On the color blue, Judge Howell was selected as call judge. Judges Irby and Hamilton rounded out the slate.
An across-the-board tie brought the spotlight down on Hometown Favorite and Rachel Gamble, showing for Gamble Farms of nearby Franklin County. Reserve award went to Jenny’s Jezebel and Whitney Gilliam, up for the Jim Gilliam family. Third place in this good class belonged to A Touch Of Genius, shown by Abby Fox for Mr. and Mrs. Quentin Fox.
Not a championship, but indeed a change of pace, the Owner-Amateur, Lady Drivers, Fine Harness class was next on the agenda.
Fourteen of the 21 entered in the program elected to show. Officiating were Call Judge Irby, Second Judge Carpenter and Third Judge Howell.
It was not surprising when Friday Nite Blues was called as the blue ribbon winner with three first-place votes. This entry has been winning top honors in this division all week, and all month, beginning the streak at the International. Nancy Campbell was in the driver’s seat for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Campbell.
Reserve and the red went to Senator’s Warrior, driven by Sheri Gamble for Gamble Farms, while Maid By Favorite and Dianne Donner were third for Cityview Stables.
Twenty-nine entries planned to show in the Plantation Pleasure Specialty, Amateur Riders Championship. In fact, 28 did come through the gate to show for Call Judge Hamilton, Second Judge Irby and Third Judge Johnson.