Babington Benefit Classic Delivers Emotional, Last-to-Go Thriller in Support of the Kevin Babington Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Traverse City, MI – Sept. 7, 2025

The Babington Benefit Classic, presented by Rood & Riddle, produced a heart-pounding finish and an outpouring of support for the Kevin Babington Foundation as riders rallied for a cause that unites the sport. Twenty-six combinations came forward, and an exceptional 19 riders jumped clear in Round 1 to set up a jump-off loaded with speed, precision, and drama.

From the early going, Kristen Vanderveen threw down a target that looked untouchable—blistering pace and ice-cold execution. But the script flipped at the very end. Last to go, her sister-in-law Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen walked through the in-gate on Shamonix SF, a 7-year-old mare with a big engine and a bigger heart. What followed was a turn-and-burn masterclass: tight rollback turns, a bold gallop down the final line, and a wire-to-wire dash that stopped the clock by 0.569 seconds—just over half a second—to seal a memorable victory for the Foundation’s signature class.

“Today showcased the best of our community—elite sport, sportsmanship, and genuine purpose,” said Tournament Chairman Jeff Papows. “With Rood & Riddle’s support and every rider leaning in for the Kevin Babington Foundation, the Babington Benefit Classic delivered a finish we’ll be talking about all year.”

Podium — Babington Benefit Classic (Presented by Rood & Riddle)

1. Kelli CRUCIOTTI VANDERVEEN (USA) — SHAMONIX SF
   R1: 0 | 73.429 • J/O: 0 | 29.640

2. Kristen VANDERVEEN (USA) — BULL RUN’S KINGDOM
   R1: 0 | 70.924 • J/O: 0 | 30.209

3. ALICE GOODWIN (USA) — COCAINE DE RIVERLAND
   R1: 0 | 69.743 • J/O: 0 | 30.309

With a near-record wave of first-round clears and a last-to-go winner, the Babington Benefit Classic reminded everyone why this event matters: world-class sport powering a mission to advance rider safety, rehabilitation, and education through the Kevin Babington Foundation.

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Dates & Schedule

GGT-Footing CSI 3* Welcome Grand Prix Opens with Photo-Finish Thriller at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Traverse City, MI – Sept. 6, 2025

The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, benefitting the Kevin Babington Foundation, delivered ESPN-level drama on opening day as the GGT-Footing CSI 3* Welcome Grand Prix came down to the very last horse. Hunter HOLLOWAY (USA) and PEPITA CON SPITA snatched victory by less than six-hundredths of a second over Callie SCHOTT (USA) with URICAS V/D KATTEVENNEN, while Paige MATTHIES (USA) and CALLMEBACK PONTONS sealed third to complete a U.S. sweep of the podium.

The class brought 10 clear riders back for a high-octane jump-off that started quick and unforgiving. Rails and time kept early pairs off a double-clear—no one could stop the clock clean until the third-to-last combination finally posted the mark to beat. That breakthrough came from Schott and Uricas V/D Kattevennen, who threw down a slick, efficient round that looked like the winning ride. But with the arena holding its breath, Holloway—last to go—found another gear, slicing turns and leaving out strides to edge the lead by a margin under 0.06 seconds.

“That was edge-of-your-seat sport,” said Cynthia Keating, representative of GGT Footing, the evening’s presenting sponsor. “You could feel the electricity build as round after round chased the first double clear. To see it decided by just hundredths of a second is exactly why we love this game. We’re thrilled to be part of such a great horse show and proud to support footing that lets riders and horses perform at their best.”

Tournament Chairman Jeff Papows praised the athletes and the days’s sponsor:

“This is classic Silver Oak—elite horses, world-class riders, and a finish you talk about all week. Our thanks to GGT Footing for elevating the sport and to every rider who left it all out there. Moments like these also spotlight the mission we share with the Kevin Babington Foundation: supporting riders and advancing safety across our sport.”

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Dates & Schedule