AIKEN, S.C.--Gillian King of Malvern, Pa., who winters in Aiken, won the $10,000 Grand Prix at High Fields Equestrian Center on Kilbunny Vossilli in Aiken on March 17.
Six made it to the jump-off and King went clean in the fastest time to win the class.
Kilbunny Vossilli is an 11-year-old Irish bred mare owned by Joss and Ed Delussey's Monkey Fish Investments.
Another horse owned by the Delussyes, Main Line Cache, placed well in the Welcome Stake at High Fields, and Best Things in Life, a young event horse owned by Cynthia and Charles McGinnes, won the 1.5m class.
"I've had Kilbuny Voselli since January," said King. "We imported her from Ireland, where she was bred by Kilbunny Sport Horses. She has a lovely attitude and a fantastic jump. She's a nice type and a fantastic horse to go on with."
"I HAVE eight horses in my barn in Aiken, and there are seven still on my farm in Malvern, Main Line Sport Horses," said King. "All are in work. I have a lesson group going in Malvern. I have a wonderful group there, a farm manager and assistant trainer, and my Dad, Doug King, is helping teach lessons. My Dad has taught me everything."
"It was fantastic to win the Grand Prix," said King. "My Dad surprised my with a visit, so he was here to see it, and the mare's owners were here, too."
"We all do this because we love the sport, but it's really nice to win," said King. "I've also been first and second in National Hunter Derbies and had multiple placings with 3' and 3'3" green hunters."
"I have a group of wonderful owners," said King. "I'm so grateful to all of my owners. Each horse I ride teaches me something. We also have many horses for sale. I'm very lucky."