Jessica Springsteen, daughter of Bruce Springsteen, captures HITS $1 Million Grand Prix

SAUGERTIES >> Jessica Springsteen, daughter of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bruce Springsteen, captured the seventh annual HITS Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix FEI CSI-5* presented by Wells Fargo.

Springsteen’s first CSI-5* victory in a six-horse jump-off capped off HITS Championship week, where more than $2 million in prize money was awarded. With the win aboard Stone Hill Farm’s Cynar Va, she earned $330,000.

“It feels amazing to win this class, I’m really happy; this is my first five-star Grand Prix win,” said the 24-year-old Saugerties HITS veteran from Wellington, Florida in a release provided by HITS. “My horse was feeling fresh ... and was jumping around the course nicely, so I’m very pleased with the result.

“This was my third jump-off with (Cynar Va), so I haven’t had that much experience going quick. I just tried to keep it together when we stepped up to go a bit faster, but he was jumping unbelievable, so I knew I could take a little risk.

“It all worked out and I am thrilled to win this class.”

Catherine Tyree, aboard Joseph and Mary Tyree’s Enjoy Louis, placed second to earn $200,000, with Brandie Holloway aboard Hays Investment Corp.’s Lucky Strike finishing third to earn $150,000.

Lauren Tisbo (Tequestrian Farms LLC’s Mr. Visto, $100,00) and Nayal Nassar (Lordan, $60,000) rounded the top-5.

Olympic medalist Beezie Madden, who won last year’s championship and was part of the silver-medal winning U.S. squad in the recent Rio Olympics, placed ninth in the event, which attracts the world’s top riders.

Springsteen was an alternate on the U.S. squad in the 2012 London Games.

The $1 million championship marksed the close of the eight-week HITS Saugerties Series.

“It was a super class ... with great sport. The top finishers all did an excellent job which certainly made for an exciting day, so my hat’s off to them,” HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri said. “We’d like to see them come back again and compete in the Million next year.”

source: dailyfreeman