Eliza Towell Boyd and Onassis © Flashpoint Photography

CONYERS, GA—June 22, 2007—For the 2nd year AME Financial and Jim Pefanis presented the $25,000 Horses Helping Horses Open Hunter Classic with proceeds to benefit Old Friends Equine Retirement facility based in Georgetown, KY. And for the second year Elizabeth Towell Boyd of the Camden, SC based Finally Farm claimed the victory, this time with Onassis the 11 year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Sarah Ward.

31 horses came to show their support of Old Friends as well as vying for the top prize on a course designed by Michel Vaillancourt. Set in the former Olympic arena at the Georgia International Horse Park, just entering the ring could have been enough to rattle some nerves but even the youngest competitor, Hasbrouck Donovan at age 12 appeared right at home conversing the vast layout even when the stadium lights took effect.  Vaillancourt's course of 12 obstacles, to be set at the three various height levels (4, 3.9, and 3.6 feet) for the two round event, was comprised of several natural brush oxers and gate style verticals winding through turns and combinations. "I think Michel did a really nice job," began tonight's winner, affectionately known as Liza, "some of the lines were a bit hard but it was fun." She added, "It was something different, not your traditional hunter course and Tyler [Onassis nickname at home] had no problem rising to the occasion."  Competing at the 4-foot level under the watchful eyes of judges Liz Young, Mindy Minnetto, and Frank Willard the pair's first round scored an impressive 88.

Out of the original field only 15 would be called back, having to score a 69 or better. From the 4 foot section both Liza and Jenny Miller aboard the Ann Koch owned Magic Draco qualified, Stephen Heinecke riding Kiara Barnett's Southern Style was the sole survivor of the 3'9 section and the remaining 12 competitors came from the 3'6 section. Second round action started with the lower fence heights and lower scores taking on the 8 jump layout and by the end of the 3'9 change over the current leader was 13 year-old Taylor Ann Adams riding Don Stewart's Besides That combining a first round score of 77.5 to a solid 83 in the final round for a total of 160.5.

An observation this writer took note of as Liza approached the end gate to await her final round was an emotional family affair as trainer-father Jack Towell, Sr. stood at her side whispering words of encouragement, brother Hardin rocked from one foot to the other in a nervous excitement, and owner Sarah Ward couldn't decide whether to watch or not. "I was so nervous," Ward commented afterwards, "I was afraid to watch but I knew Tyler and Liza could do it. I'm so happy for them!"  She did watch and upon hearing the final score, a 92 for a total of 180 and a definite win the junior rider was all smiles. Brother Hardin could be heard exclaiming, "Wasn't she great?! She was so good!" While the trainer's smile turned into a father's pride as he escorted his daughter in for the awards presentation. Adding to the sense of accomplishment for both the Ward and Towell family was knowing that Onassis former owner Clair Kellner was on hand to see the gelding's victory. He had been one of Clair's favorite mounts for several years

When asked about coming into the second round with the highest score Liza chuckled and shared, "Hardin and I were discussing how it's almost harder going in like that. When you're last in a jump off and all you have to do is go clean versus going slow and clean, sometimes that harder.", she went on to explain her choice, "I had to tell myself I have to go in there and score a 90. I have to put that kind of pressure on myself to get the job done because if I go in thinking eh I just need to get a 75, well I believe the horse can feel that," she added with a giggle, "and who knows I might have knocked a jump down."

Catching up to Liza after the victory gallop took several moments as so many friends expressed congratulations and shared hugs. Boyd is not only a talent in the ring but one of the most beloved people around the show circuits. Something she merely blushed about when brought to her attention and quickly changed the subject to her partner Onassis. "He's just one of a kind! And knows his job. He's actually lazy but just knows when it counts. Less is more with him." she added, "and I am so fortunate to get to ride him. The Ward family is so supportive and loving to me. I can't thank them enough."  She's also appreciative of the family support, "Hardin and dad are always there at the end gate cheering for me and that's where you'll find me tomorrow night when Hardin does the Grand Prix."

Presenting to this evening's winner were Jim Pefanis from title sponsor AME Financial, Bob Bell of the Classic Company, and Robin Stoney of Classic Company. Liza, owner Sarah Ward, and "Tyler" were awarded prize money along with the Horses Helping Horses Hunter Classic perpetual trophy, an embroidered cooler, and a custom-made leather halter.  "I'm just so happy for the Ward family." Liza said with a warm smile and a hug for Tyler.

Finishing second with a total score of 160.5 was Taylor Ann Adams with Don Stewart's Besides That, third place went to Emily Gardner riding Podest owned by Gardner and Millstream, fourth place was awarded to Samantha Ramsay partnered with Ry Cooder for owner Alexandra Wood, and completing the top five was owner-rider Ashley Ann McGehee with Jay-Z.

Saturday evening the equestrian thrills continue at 7PM with the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix with some of the nations top show jumpers taking on another challenging course design by Michel Vaillancourt.

The Atlanta Summer Classics continues with more hunter/jumper and Grand Prix action through July 1st. Week II will include with the "Horses Helping Horses" Silent Auction on Saturday June 30th beginning at 10AM until 4PM in the horse park's Carriage Room (located behind the covered arena) with an array of tack, 5A Baker Blankets, Racing Memorabilia, Jewelry, and much more. At 5PM the dinner tent located on the Grand Prix field will open with dinner from Outback Steakhouse being served at 6PM. All proceeds from both the auction and dinner go to Old Friends Equine Retirement facility. Also at 6PM in the Grand Prix ring, visitors will be introduced to "Mick", the special guest horse representing Old Friends, benefactor of proceeds from the weekend of giving back. And at 7PM the thrilling $25,000 Outback Steakhouse Horses Helping Horses Grand Prix. Admission is free to the public (with the exception of the charity dinner-tickets can be purchased by calling Becky Miles at 404-791-5963 or at the show grounds).