THERMAL HITS NEWS WEEKLY
A NEW WINNER CROWNED
Vol. 3 No. 3 March 20, 2015 by Emily Stoermer
Olympian Jaime Azcarraga and Anton Radio Formula Claim AIG $1 Million Grand Prix, presented by MortgageCall
Azcarraga has competed in five Olympic Games between 1984 and 2012. He was one of only five riders in a field of 44 to go clear and move on the jump-off over the challenging course designed by Marina Azevedo of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
YOUNG RIDER SPOTLIGHT Andrew Chang and Derek Chang
by Emily Stoermer
Andrew Chang and his brother Derek Chang often get mistaken for twins, but are, in fact, 14 months apart. Both have developed a keen interest in show jumping, thanks to their mother, Sarah Chang, who emigrated from Korea to the United States when she was in school and wanted her children to experience horseback riding, which she enjoyed growing up in Seoul.
Jaime Azcarraga, of Mexico City, Mexico, is presented a check for $350,000 after he and his Anton Radio Formula won the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix, presented by MortgageCall. ©ESI Photography
Jaime Azcarraga, a five-time Olympian from Mexico City, Mexico, and his Anton Radio Formula, are reveling in the success of their win in the first jewel in HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping, the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix, presented by MortgageCall, at HITS Thermal, Sunday, March 15.
2015 TuffRider/Equine Couture Overall Circuit Awards Page 11
Riding was not considered a true sport in Korea at the time, and has only since grown in popularity. Sarah Chang enjoyed trail rides and riding for leisure. That’s how it started for her boys, too, but as they continued to ride, they began to take the sport more seriously. Now both are dedicated equestrians who make time in their demanding college schedules to compete regularly at HITS Thermal, with an aim to one day participate in the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix. (Continued on page 3)
“He’s a winner; he’s a tough horse,” said Azcarraga, of the 11-year-old Warmblood gelding that carried him to victory in just 41.036 seconds. Excited crowds packed the bleachers, VIP, and the Platinum Club, to watch as the grand finale of the HITS Desert Circuit unfolded. When Azcarraga entered the ring, fans of the well-known Olympian stood to cheer him on. Azcarraga, 55, who is also a successful businessman, said of the first round that eliminated all but five of the hopeful riders, “It was a tough course. The jumps were tight and the end was very technical.” (Continued on page 5)
Andrew Chang jumps to win first place in the Desert Circuit III $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic High, presented by Vetera® XP Vaccines. ©ESI Photography