Becky Holder rode Tom Holder’s Courageous Comet to the top of the 2012 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series, garnering an impressive 625 points to become the keeper of the cup for 2012.

The results contributing to Becky and the 16-year-old Thoroughbred’s (Comet Shine—Rosenelli) lead included their win at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships (Ga.), second place at the Richland Park CIC*** (Mich.), and third place in The Fork Horse Trials (N.C.) advanced B division.

“I am super, super flattered and excited that Courageous Comet won the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series,” said Becky. “It is so exciting for our sport that Adequan has been such a good sponsor for us and has brought such great attention to our sport through the years.  It is also kind of fitting that the product that has helped me have such a long and productive career with Comet is also one that has been so generous in the prize for the year end.”

Becky and Comet are no strangers to the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series. The pair won the year-end championship in 2007 as well.

For being named Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion, Becky will receive a hefty check for $20,000, an official Gold Cup Champion Jacket, and a huge trophy at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“We are very excited for Becky and Courageous Comet as this year’s winner of the Adequan Gold Cup,” said Allyn Mann, Director of Animal Health at Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “The lack of prize money in this sport was the focus for offering the winner a check that was substantial. Our goal is to continue to find ways to enhance the Adequan Gold Cup Series and create a level of excitement for the grand prize.”

Comet’s barn mate and fellow grey Thoroughbred, Can’t Fire Me, was named Reserve Champion with 385 points. The 13-year-old, owned by Phil and Melissa Town and Tom Holder, was ridden by Becky to a win at the Richland Park CIC*** and finished fifth in The Fork advanced B division.

“I am just tickled to death that Can’t Fire Me was second at the end of the year,” said Becky. “It is kind of fun to think that if I didn’t mess up his chances at the AEC, Teddy could have given Comet a run for his money.

“I am just pleased as I could be with the way that things turned out, and the owners are really, really excited and grateful to Adequan for all the support and the positive attention they are directing to our sport,” she added.

Can’t Fire Me’s connections will receive $1,500 worth of Nunn Finer Products and a Gold Cup Reserve Champion Jacket.

The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series is comprised of destination events throughout the country. In 2011 the series had seven premier events, and at each competition the top division offered at the competition is the designated “Gold Cup” division, whether it be a CIC*** or advanced. 

Horses and riders must achieve points together as a pair at the Gold Cup events, and both must be members of the USEA. First place winners take home 200 points for their win, and can also earn bonus points: 50 extra points for double-clear cross-country rounds, and 40 extra points for double-clear show jumping rounds. To learn more about how horses and riders rack up points, visit the Gold Cup Points System page. 

Winners of each of the seven Gold Cup events across the country take home a trailer-load of prizes for their achievements. Winners receive an Adequan USEA Gold Cup Trophy, $500 in prize money, 7-dose box of Adequan, a three-month supply of SUCCEED, and a pair of Nunn Finer American Style open front boots. Second place finishers also take home a 7-dose box of Adequan and a pair of Nunn Finer American Style open front boots.