Lindsay Brock for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – March 12, 2020 – The Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter division came to a close on Thursday with Hunter Kay riding Lucca to the top honors in Ring 11. Kay and the 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by Fit To Fight earned two firsts, a second, and a third-place ribbon.

Kay and Lucca, owned by Pauline Lampshire, have a longtime partnership of six years. The pair first began showing together in the Adult Hunter divisions when Kay was still an amateur. Now that Kay is a professional, the duo dominates the Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter division and won the finals last year at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“It’s so nice that they still have this division to help promote and support the thoroughbreds,” Kay said of the Thoroughbred Hunter division.

Winning two over fences class and earning 34 points, Kay and Lucca were able to make a good impression on the judge. Kay, of Charlotte, NC, was pleased with how reliable and consistent Lucca was throughout both days of competition.

“He went really smooth yesterday; I try to just stay out of his way and keep him happy,” Kay described. “I would say it can be a good thing and a bad thing but he always likes to tell me how he feels. I always know when he’s happy.”

The pair already has the Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Finals on their mind again and they are hoping to continue to earn points towards that competition. In addition, Kay would like to begin showing Lucca in some National Hunter Derbies during the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

The reserve champion title of the division went to Katie Haley aboard Isabel Kurek’s Talk To Me. Haley, of Colts Neck, NJ, and Talk To Me received a first, three seconds, and a third place.

For full results, visit www.PBIEC.com.

Photo credit: Photos © Sportfot, official photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival. These photos may be used only in relation to this press release and must include photo credit.