After two consecutive blue ribbons and numerous other placings in the country’s richest hunter event, the $100,000 Queen City Classic, Hunt Tosh has banked an impressive chunk of change from his travels to the Cabarrus Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

In fact, he’s now up to more than $82,000. “Yeah, that’s a lot of money,” said Tosh, laughing. “I wish I owned these horses!”

Tosh took the top two spots last year aboard the regular working hunters Storm Of Angels and Take Away, but this year he captured the class on April 9 aboard Southern Style, a first year green mount.

In a bit of deja vu, Tosh again battled with Terry Brown and Showcase Ltd.’s Sequel, the 2005 USEF National Champion regular working hunter, for the top prize.

In the end, Tosh and Kiara Barnett’s 7-year-old, Westphalian gelding, trained by Robbie Hunt, led the victory gallop with a two-round score of 179.16.
Course designer J.P. Godard saved his ultimate test for the showcase class, with a layout of 11 jumps asking the 25 competitors some tough questions, with bending lines and a course that consisted primarily of big oxers. Horses competed at their respective heights (3’6″, 3’9″ and 4′).

Tosh and Southern Style, nicknamed “Friend,” went fourth in the order and set the pace with an 89.66 for a smooth and flowing trip. “He was absolutely perfect. He jumped beautifully high, was rub-free, and was just awesome,” said Tosh.

Brown, Canton, Ga., and Sequel also turned in a near-flawless performance, jumping at the four-foot height to stand a close second with a score of 89.16.

The four-foot horses returned first in the second round, run in reverse order of standing. Brown and Sequel posted yet another gorgeous round, moving into the lead with an 88.66 and a total of 177.76, a score that held the top position until the very last rider.

Tosh knew what he had to do to defend his championship, although, with crowds gathered at the in-gate, the tension was much more palatable in the second round. “He was a little more nervous, but he still jumped great,” said Tosh of Friend. “There was a lot going on.”

“Coming back as the defending champion and being on top, it was nerve-wracking,” he added. “But I loved it.”

Tosh was proud of Friend for keeping his cool and jumping yet another stellar round, earning an 89.50, for a total 179.16.

Tosh has ridden Friend on and off for the past two years and shares the showing duties with Tommy Serio, who piloted the flashy bay to top ribbons on the Winter Equestrian Festival (Fla.) circuit this winter. Tosh hadn’t shown Friend since November, but they became reacquainted at the Atlanta Spring Classic II (Ga.), the week prior to Charlotte, where they earned consistent ribbons in the first year green division.

“I only wish Kiara could have stayed to see this, but, unfortunately, she had to leave for home on Friday,” said Tosh.

Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, N.Y., placed third aboard Meredith Lipke’s Once And Again with a two-round score of 173.08. Brown also took fourth-placed money with Apropo, scoring 172.08. Alfano also guided her veteran regular working hunter GG Valentine, for owner Barbara Kearney, to round out the top five with 172.08.

Alfano received the sportsmanship award, presented to trainers as determined by the votes of officials, exhibitors and fellow trainers.

Earlier in the day, Alise V. Oken garnered a hometown win in the $10,000 John Deere Pony Hunter Classic.

Oken and her 11-year-old, Virginia-bred Welsh pony, Lands End Mad Hatter, topped the 23-pony field. In keeping with the theme of a benefit show, Oken donated her prize money back to the Levine Children’s Hospital, the show’s beneficiary.

“What a wonderful surprise that was,” said Libby Currier, the hospital’s director of fund development. “[She’s] truly a sweet and caring young lady. We so appreciate her generosity.”