Wellington, Fla.—March 2
Havens Schatt left no room for error when she rode Happy Thought to an accumulated 185 points in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, held at Deeridge Farms in Wellington, Florida.
As one of 12 to return to Round 2, Schatt entered second to last in the order on a first round score of 85, plus 4 high option bonus points. After posting a 92 (plus 4) in Round 2, she and Caroline Moran’s 8-year-old warmblood gelding led the field with one combination left in the order.
Jennifer Hannan, who earned a 90, plus 4, in the first round aboard Uppercut, knew she would have to ride with an edge to remain first in the overall standings.
Jennifer Hannan and Uppercut on the way to victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Tori Repole Photos
“I thought, ‘Definitely don’t ease back and kind of coast in,” said Hannan. “I thought I needed to do all the high options and definitely stay with the inside turn.”
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Hannan posted an 88 in the second round and jumped all of the high options, which saw her win the class with an overall score of 186 points.
“This wonderful horse we’ve had hor about five years, and his mother [Patricia Fulchino] rides him all the time,” said Hannan. “This is kind of his job now, just to come out and do these national derbies whenever they present themselves. [Fulchino] lets me do these special classes on him; he’s just a great horse.”
During Round 2, each of the top five riders jumped the highest option presented at the second obstacle on course. Name your price for the horse you think jumped it best:
Jennifer Hannan and Uppercut, winners of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
Havens Schatt and Happy Thought finished second in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
Peter Pletcher and My December closed out the top three of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
David Oliynyk riding Generous placed fourth.
Keri Kampsen and Amoroso Z rode to fifth place in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
