For owner Denyse Moore, Phantasiee’s win in the IHF 5-year-old Hunter Classic was another stepping stone on her way to a full recovery from the brain surgery she underwent on March 26.

“This is the first show she’s gone to this year because I’ve been ill. We did the little jumps at home and schooled here [and that was it],” said Moore, Glen Allen, Va. “I was pleased with [Phantasiee’s] performance.”

Phantasiee (Paparazzo—Mystic, Metternich) was piloted to the blue by Chaz Harpman, who was been riding the mare for about two years.

“I started putting her back into training about a month ago,” said Harpman, Richmond, Va. “She went in and did the best she could do. We worked hard for this, and it paid off.”

While Phantasiee hadn’t been shown for quite a while, she’s no stranger to the ring. She was shown extensively on the line in her early career. She won the yearling fillies class and reserve best young horse title at the 2005 IHF Mid-West Regional and also won her yearling fillies class at the IHF Final in the same year. Phantasiee went on to take second in the 2-year-old under saddle at the 2006 IHF Finals and was fifth in an over fences class in the 4-year-old division at the 2008 IHF Finals.

Phantasiee was bred by Cindy Wilkes and purchased by Moore when she was a yearling. Moore is hoping that Phantasiee will become an amateur hunter, and she’s looking forward to the ride.

“I’m recovering [from my surgery], and it’s going to take a while,” said Moore with a smile. “But I’m hoping to be back in the saddle soon.”