Todd Minikus Gambles to Victory at Devon Gambler’s Choice

Todd Minikus Gambles to Victory In Gambler’s Choice At Devon Horse Show

May 31^st, 2013 – Todd Minikus and Tuxedo prevailed on Friday evening as they accumulated a total of 1140 points in the $20,000 Open Jumper Gambler’s Choice at the Devon Horse Show. Scoring the highest of the 12 entries (13 including himself) the victory, along with the Challenge Trophy and a check for $5,600, was all his.

Different from most jumper classes where faults are penalized, clear rounds jump-off to break ties, and there is a set course to ride, the Gambler’s Choice uses a point system and does not have a set course.

Riders are allowed to make up their own course of at least 8 jumps with each cleared jump worth a certain amount of points and the harder the jump, the higher the points. Knock downs do not count and refusals will only cost the rider time.

The goal is to jump as many jumps that will accumulate the highest amount of points within 50 seconds. When the time is up each rider must race to the finish to stop the timers and is then given 20 seconds to attempt the Joker fence, which is strategically placed and is the biggest of all. This is where the gamble comes in – Jump it clear and receive 200 points or knock it down and lose 200 points. Feeling lucky today?

Minikus describes Tuxedo, the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Legacy Stables LLC, as “uncomplicated” and explained that he seems to only have two gears; “fast and faster.” So it was no shock that the pair charged around the Dixon Oval choosing to take on the high point obstacles several times over and accumulating an outstanding 940 points within the time allowed.

So what about the joker fence? The crowd didn’t seem to be breathing as horse and rider approached it, but it wasn’t a problem and Tuxedo jumped it like a pro, earning the 200 bonus points that moved them into first place and claimed the title when Schuyler Riley, last to go, was unable to surpass Minikus’ 1140 total.

Following in second with a score of 940 were Kevin Babington and Shorapur, Laura Chapot and Bradberry took third with 920, and Mark Bluman piloted G and C Lagran to fourth with a total of 870.

By: Claudia Lorena