PrintAugust 19, Lexington, Ky.
Top hunter competitors have flocked to Kentucky for the second annual $100,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. Of an invited 75 entries, 61 horses will start tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. in the qualifying round at the Kentucky Horse Park. The top 25 riders will advance to the second round on Saturday evening—classic format—and the top 12 will get to show off their handiness in Round 3. (Download an order of go for Round 1.)
Derby horses crowded into the indoor ring this afternoon, where all three rounds of the competition will take place, for an open hack. The indoor became the new location for the event when last year’s venue, the expansive Sheila Johnson Arena, had to undergo renovations this August and September heading into the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Following the schooling session, the horses jogged for the officiating judges and veterinarian, who approved all entries.
U.S. Hunter Jumper Association President Billy Moroney hosted the Charles Owen Welcome Reception, and Chair of the USHJA High Performance Committee Ron Danta fielded questions during the concurrent riders’ meeting. The concerns mainly centered around derby schooling rules, which are similar to Fédération Equestre Internationale regulations (horses must wear numbers while outside their stalls and school in designated areas over flagged jumps), but still ring a bit foreign to hunter riders.
An all-star roster of officials will preside over the competition, with judges Kitty Barker, Rob Bielefeld, Ralph Caristo, Bob Crandall, Linda Hough, George Morris, Danny Robertshaw and Chrystine Tauber keeping score. Bobby Murphy and Patrick Rodes will build the courses for the weekend.
Ones To Watch
It’s no exaggeration to describe this year’s order of go as a regular who’s who of the hunter world.
While his winning partner in this class last year, Rumba, has moved into the junior ring with new owner Destry Spielberg, John French has brought two other contenders from California to Kentucky: stallion Crown Affair (the winner at the Desert Circuit III [Calif.]) and a new ride, C. Quito.
Liza Boyd and Brunello, owned by Janet Peterson, have an incredible four derby wins under their belt this spring alone and look ready for another big check. Jen Alfano and Jersey Boy topped the money won list for the second year running and took top honors at this year's Devon (Pa.) derby.
