January 5, 2024, Myakka City, Florida. Now in its fifth year, the Sarasota Winter Classic debuted the first of two weeks of hunter and jumper competition at TerraNova Equestrian Center. Since its inception, the Sarasota Winter Classic has sought to provide a boutique experience not commonly found at large-scale events. That vision has grown as the series has evolved and found its new home at the spectacular TerraNova Equestrian Center.
Parot had an unfortunate rail as the first to return for the short track, which left the door open for the remaining three contenders. Still in incredible form from their Welcome win, Leffler and Zaza Z wasted no time around the track as they shot through the timers, at a slower pace than Parot, but without fault, in 35.846 seconds. Under pressure, the pair proved to be the only duo to put forward a second top effort and topped the leaderboard of the $20,000 Grand Prix of Sarasota.
Marylisa Leffler and Zaza Z Win the $5,000 1.40m Welcome Stake
On the first day of competition at the 2024 Sarasota Winter Classic, the $5,000 1.40m Welcome Stake set the stage for Friday’s contenders. Luck struck a third time for Rolling Acres’ Marylisa Leffler at TerraNova Equestrian Center as Leffler won her third Welcome Stake since the event’s arrival at the venue. As one of only four to return to contest Azevedo’s short course, Leffler’s longtime partner Zaza Z showed no signs of breaking stride as the pair cleared the timers with 1.39 seconds to spare from the closest challenger.
With Zaza Z having enjoyed several months off at the end of the year, Leffler felt the track was well-suited for her return performance.
Jennifer Alfano and Pendleton Win the $5,000 The Estates at TerraNova USHJA National Hunter Derby
Earlier on Friday, top hunters were showcased in the $5,000 The Estates at TerraNova USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Next Chapter LLC’s Jennifer Alfano took home first and second place for the morning’s feature event. The National Hunter Derby was open to all levels of riders and included a $1,000 Junior-Amateur bonus as part of the series’ increased focus on upcoming riders.
“I have had Pendleton for three years now,” Alfano said. “We bought him for Kathy Chiaf to compete in the amateurs, and he has just turned into a fabulous horse. Anytime I am able to do a special class like this with him, I’m excited.”
Chiaf’s 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Southside of Heaven, secured the second-place finish with a combined total of 188 points, while Alexandra Panetta and her own 11-year-old Westphalian mare, Camembert (Conen x Primera), came in third with 149.