Carson City, Nev.—June 25  

The eighth Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby took place on an expansive grass field framed by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, and John French used the picturesque setting to showcase Soldier’s talents and capture the blue in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Soldier’s handsome face. Photo by Alden Corrigan

“I was super happy with Soldier’s first round—everything came up forward and in that big field you can really show off that gallop. He has not done a great deal of international derbies lately, so he really stepped up,” French explained. “Jenny [Karazissis] is an amazing rider, and having gone before me in the handy round, I knew she was sitting first and second as I entered the ring. Halfway around the course we had the trot jump and Soldier can be a little bit difficult; I had turned so tight and he trotted it so great today, I was like…oh my God! I have a chance! We just galloped to the last jump. It was phenomenal; I couldn’t have asked for a better day.”

Soldier and John French jumped to the top of the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Franktown Meadows. Photo by Alden Corrigan

French took the blue with Soldier, while Karazissis ended up second aboard Nonchalant and third with Undeniable. French rounded out the top four with fourth aboard Center Court. “The one rub cost him, but he was really on it today, who knows what could have happened,” French said. “They both love the derby field; it feels really good when they go the way you expect and want them to go. I am thrilled.”

Another hard earned award went to Luis Soto, as Best Groom he was presented with a $200 check from the MacLean Financial Group.

Soldier’s groom, Luis Soto (right) took home the groom’s award after JohN French rode his charge to the win. Photo by Alden Corrigan

Karazissis and Nonchalant won the handy round, but their overall score of 397 put them second. Karazissis also took home third place on Undeniable, a past four-time winner of the class, and sixth place with Legacy.

“It was a whirlwind for me having three in the class and trying to remain focused,” said Karazissis. “The competition was very tough and I was so happy with my horses, especially in the second round. They really came to the party. The handy is so fun and I really enjoy riding in it.”

The Franktown Meadow hunter derby weekend takes place in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Photo by Alden Corrigan

Nonchalant took second in the $30,000 International Hunter Derby with Jenny Karazissis riding. Photo by Alden Corrigan

Undeniable waiting his turn—he ended up third with Jenny Karazissis riding. Photo by Alden Corrigan

John French also claimed fourth in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard Center Court. Photo by Alden Corrigan

The tables in the VIP tent had a close-up view of the action in the ring. Photo by Alden Corrigan

Hope Glynn and Lake Of Stars jumped to fifth in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Franktown Meadows. Photo by Alden Corrigan

The derby horses jogged in the beautiful setting at Franktown Meadows. Photo by Alden Corrigan

The trophy awarded for the Franktown Meadows hunter derby. Photo by Alden Corrigan

John French and Soldier emerged victorious in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Photo by Alden Corrigan

MFH Lynn Lloyd presented the Red Rock Hounds’ pack for the audience to enjoy. Photo by Alden Corrigan

Madchen Giesler waited under the trees for her derby round on Under Wraps. They ended up eighth in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Photo by Alden Corrigan

The Silver State Vaulters performed during the pre-class ceremonies. Photo by Alden Corrigan