DEVON, Pa.--Mia Mannison Hollyhay V won the $5,000 Welcome Stake on Thursday, Sept. 15, beating a field of 15 over a course designed by Manuel Espara of Mexico.

Mia Mannis on Hollydav V (Photo by Cassidy Klein)The sun set over the difficult course, adding another element of difficulty for horses as each jump had its own accompanying, spooky shadow.

Mannis was the first to go in the order on Hallyday V.

“He was difficult for me to ride at first, and I was having a little bit of trouble," said Mannis. "We just kept on working and we just stayed really patient, and the past three grand prix’s he has jumped a clear round for me every single time. He jumps a clear round in pretty much every welcome and he is really an amazing horse, he is really like my child right now."

Also first to go in the jump-off, Mannis set the pace with a clear round in a time of 36.578 seconds, and no one was able to match that speed.

 

PLACING second was Morgan Ward on Colourful S, clean in 38.124 seconds.

In third was Dominique Damico on Chatinus, clean in 39.168.

Prior to the $5,000 Welcome Stake, young jumpers competed with 5, 6 and 7-Year-Old classes.

Alexandra Hird on Cyber Flower won the 5-Year-Old 1.15m Young Jumper, Laura Chapot on Ginola won the blue ribbon in the $750 6-Year-Old 1.30m Young Jumper and, wrapping up the young jumper divisions, Peter Leone on LS Kantaro won the $750 7-Year-Old 1.35m Young Jumper.

The annual show offers interactive events for optimal family fun, top equestrian competition, and a community oriented atmosphere.

Vendor village was full with eager spectators ready to pack the stands for the highlight classes of the day,