Kat Fuqua and Grand Remo crowned Overall Junior Hunter Grand Champion
The 2020 National Horse Show continued Friday, October 30, bringing world-class athletes and horses back to the Alltech Arena of the Kentucky Horse Park for another day of highly-anticipated sport. Returning to the ring for the penultimate day of hunter competition, Junior Hunter riders took center stage Friday morning to put forth one final effort in the Stake round. The day culminated in the crowning of each division's respective champions, and it was Kat Fuqua and Grand Remo who received the top call, the Overall Junior Hunter Grand Championship and The “Huntland” Perpetual Cup, out of the 56 total entries.
Accumulating a total of 26.5 points in the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, Fuqua and her very own Grand Remo kicked off the classes with a blue ribbon for their over fences trip. In the handy, Fuqua navigated a seamless round, taking the inside turns and showing off Grand Remo’s stylish jump. The 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding went on to wow the judges in the under saddle class, where he was rewarded for his floating trot and elegant movement. A score of 80 in the Stake class would seal the deal for Fuqua and Grand Remo, naming them as the Overall Junior Hunter Grand Champions. Partnered together since August 2019, Fuqua and Grand Remo have built a strong relationship. Their ever-growing show record is sprinkled with top results in the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under divisions across the country, most recently claiming the championship tricolors in Tryon, North Carolina. The 13-year-old rider is well-known as a talented young athlete under the tutelage of Jimmy Torano. Fuqua will remain at the National Horse Show to compete in Sunday’s 2020 ASPCA Maclay National Championship, presented by Chansonette Farm, aboard Heathrow HX.