She's a Bold One (Midshipman), trained by junior Jenna Denver of Imlay City, Michigan, was crowned the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion Saturday following three days of competition at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The unraced She's A Bold One recorded her last timed work Jan. 12, 2021. The 4-year-old filly finished fifth in the preliminary eventing round, netting Top Junior honors as well. The pair also finished fourth in Dressage and took home the Top Junior prize in that discipline as well.
Entering Saturday's finale on a blank slate, She's A Bold One lived up to her name, demonstrating a bold, forward ride through the indoor course of show jumping fences and cross-country portables. The judges found her adjustability and quality of gaits apparent and moved her decisively into the first-place position in the event, which was sponsored by Churchill Downs. The pair then returned for Dressage, finishing second in a very close field.
“It's surreal still,” said Denver after accepting the trophy. “But I'm so happy. She went straight from Eventing right to Dressage, and she did that very well, and I think that stands out. At home, it's a balance of dressage and jumping, but I focus on the overall fitness of the horse. I think that's really important for both disciplines. She's my first Thoroughbred I've trained myself completely–it feels really good and it's a really good achievement that I've produced my own horse.”
The People's Choice Award, sponsored by Achieve Equine, was determined by text-in popular vote open to both in-person and livestream attendees. This award was given to Prince of New York (Cairo Prince), trained by Chris Bennings, the winner of Show Jumper as well as second place in Show Hunter.
Find full results from the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover at www.TheRRP.org/makeover-results.
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