Morgan Weanling Gala Announces 2020 Judges and New Showing Procedures

Springfield, IL – 2020 will bring several exciting changes to the Morgan Weanling Gala at the Jubilee Regional Morgan Horse Show. Friday evening September 4th, the Gala foals will once again trot through the historic in-gate at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Following a temporary relocation to Springfield, OH and then Shipshewana, IN, MWG producers are thrilled to be moving home to the heralded Coliseum in Springfield. Gala Chairman, Mark Steahnke praised the management of the Buckeye Morgan Challenge and Jubilee Regional for allowing the MWG to carry on at their shows while the Springfield Coliseum was being renovated for the past two years. Going home to the Coliseum that has been freshly refurbished will make for an exciting evening for everyone in attendance, Staehnke concluded.

Handling the judging assignments for this year’s class will be Jubilee Judge, Fay Lowry, Jay Wood and Susi Rambler Day. Day had a family emergency last year and was unable to officiate, but Gala organizers are thrilled that she will be available this September.

Owners and trainers have been asking for a slightly different show format so this year participants will enter the ring one at a time in a designated order and then stand at the rail like a traditional in hand class. Once everyone has entered, further judging will commence, and judges will use their discretion to compare entries and ask for additional work following each entry’s turn showing. Judges’ cards will be turned in and tabulated using the MOS judging system. Entries will be placed in reverse order leaving the Reserve and Grand Champions in arena for special presentations and celebrations.

This will be the Gala’s 12th year showcasing the Morgan breed’s beautiful weanlings. To date, 11 of the best Morgan breeding stallions from all over the US are nominated for the 2020 class. Foals by Akira Derringer GCH, Astronomicalee, Dressed Up GCH, Graycliff Tony GCH , King E-Otto B, Leonardo’s Cry CH, Merriehill After Hours GCH, Minion Millennium, No Contest GCH, Queen’s Glory Days, Regal Masterpiece are all eligible to compete in the Gala class to be held at Jubilee in early September. Foals must be entered on the official Jubilee entry form located in the prize list or download the form online.

“We look forward to an exciting evening of Morgan Weanlings representing the future of the breed. We are thrilled to recognize the foals, their sires, dams, breeders, owners and trainers at this special event and award them with the largest pay outs and prizes in our industry. We encourage everyone to be a part of this wonderful night by cheering on your favorite foals and their connections at the Historic Illinois State Fairgrounds.” Staehnke concluded.