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Natasha
Sirjusingh and Kentucky IV Win the $10,000 NAL Adult Jumper
Finals
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Harrisburg,
PAOctober 18, 2003 Less than two seconds determined
the top three places in the last North American League (NAL) event
of the 2003 season, the $10,000 NAL Adult Jumper Finals, at the
Pennsylvania National Horse Show.
The
top three riders negotiated the only double clears among the starting
field of 29, and Natasha Sirjusingh of Brookville, MD, and Kentucky
IV went the fastest, in a time of 28.041 seconds. Second place went
to Lousiana, owned and ridden by Lauren Tisbo of Barrington, IL,
who was just a tick slower in a time of 28.072. The third spot went
to Rochee 7 and Aime Rosenthal of Chagrin Falls, OH, in 29.446 seconds.
Although
Kentucky IV needed some encouragement to get around the first time,
Sirjusingh could not find fault with him. Hes perfect,
Sirjusingh beamed. I owe everything to him.
The pair has only been campaigning together since April, but Sirjusingh
has complete faith in Kentucky IVs abilities.
I
know what he is capable of, said Sirjusingh of her 10-year-old
Dutch Warmblood. I just trust him to take care of me. Theres
always an element of luck and today was my lucky day.
Sirjusingh, 24, is a working student at Rolling Acress Farm with
Mary Lisa Leffler, as well as an accounting major at the University
of Maryland. Her goal is to become a grand prix rider full time,
but it might take a while. Sirjusingh can only work in the U.S.
six months each year and then must return to her home country of
Bermuda, where her parents were anxiously awaiting to hear the results
of the North American League Championship Final.
I
am going to call my parents right away, she said.
The
North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter-jumper
divisions Childrens Hunter, Childrens Jumper,
Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Open Jumper Speed. Each
series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania
National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA in October. Riders need not
be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but
only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more
information and a list of qualifying competitions for 2004, please
see the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.
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