Rains from tropical storm Fay hit the Historic Celebration Grounds on Monday night, but the show went on without a hitch. Trainers in the Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under class found the track firm, but wet. (TWHNC/Avalon Equine Photo) [Click to enlarge]

The young horses, in their first year under saddle, have always drawn attention. That's no different this year at the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, as the class was split into three different divisions.

The remnants of Hurricane Fay brought steady rain to the Shelbyville area Monday and is expected to continue throughout today.

The Magic of Jazz and Chad Williams took home the blue ribbon in Class 104A, the "A" division of the two-year-old stallion class. Class 104B was won by Strait Line Cash and Phillip Trimble. Class 104C's blue ribbon winner was Jimmy McConnell and Beverly Hills Ritz.

Class 103, Owner-Amateur Gentleman Drivers, Fine Harness, opened the evening's schedule. Making the drive to the winner's circle were Jazz's Master and rider Buddy Stasney. Driving into reserve honors were Curtis Williamson and Wire Transfer.

Ironwork's Tin Man and Steve Jones walked away with the blue ribbon in Class 105, Owner-Amateur Gentleman Riders on Show Pleasure Walking Horses. Reserve honors went to Stewart Little and Red Strickland.

In Class 106, Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under (Canter), Jimmy McConnell and Dragonfly swooped in to take the blue ribbon. Right on their tail was Shock Jock and Mickey McCormick.

With a unanimous decision, Santana's Coin and John McNeely swept Class 107, Owner-Amateur Riders 50 Years and Over on Park Pleasure Walking Horses. Tijuana Tex and Darden Gladney rode in for reserve honors.

The lady riders were up for Class 108, Elite Owner-Amateur Lady Riders on Walking Stallions. The Golden Sovereign and Virginia Stewart rode to the Blue Ribbon Circle. Reserve in the class went to Robin MacDonald and John F.K.'s Pusher.

The Park Performance entries were up next on the schedule in Class 109, Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Performance Walking Stallions. Hungry no more, I'm Money Hungry and Alexis Tooley took the blue ribbon. Reserve honors were awarded to The Concealed Weapon and Patti Pollack.

The trainers were back for Class 110, Walking Mares, 15.2 and Under. Glory went to Watch For Glory and Herbert Derickson who claimed the blue ribbon. The Magic Line and Gary Edwards received reserve honors.

Adding a little variety to the evening's schedule, Class 111 featured Owner-Amateur Western Trail Pleasure, Adult Riders (Canter). Walking straight to the winner's circle were Ms. Streetwalker and Doug Toone. Reserve honors went to A Sure Fire and Lynn Marchetti.

Back in the performance division for the final time of the evening, Class 112 featured the Owner Amateur Riders on Walking Mares and Geldings. Silverado Spirit and Erin Graf took home their second blue ribbon in this class and retired The Nelgene Bourne Memorial Challenge Trophy. Reserve was José's Favorita and Grant Jones.

Yao Ming and Nicole Coffey ended the evening with a win in Class 113, Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Pleasure Walking Horses, Four-Years-Old. Reserve in this class went to Remington Wing Master and Becky Barnes.

Those attending the Monday night performance enjoyed $1 general admission tickets and also $1 items from the concession stands. The actual attendance, in the rain, was 7,983, while the paid attendance was 22,091. The total number of entries on Monday night was 179.

IF YOU GO

The Celebration continues through Saturday. For more information on the show, log on to www.twhnc.com.