The penultimate week of the 2026 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit brought an extra element of prestige, as World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition took center stage at HITS Post Time Farm. Featuring top-tier hunter classes, the event attracted elite riders from across the country, all vying for national recognition. The action culminated on Friday, March 13, during the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, where Tim Maddrix and his talented partner Olimpink Melloni claimed victory with a combined score of 379.
Competition was fierce as 29 horse-and-rider pairs tackled a beautifully designed course by Tim Hott, Tom Urban, and Kerry Kocher. Judged by Constance Tramm Hunt and Robert Bielefeld, serving as panel one and panel two respectively, the class began over a flowing classic round that emphasized style and technique. The top 12 combinations then returned in reverse order of merit for the handy round, which rewarded gumption and precision. Riders brought their A-game from start to finish, making for an electrifying showdown.
Maddrix and Olimpink Melloni, Kristina Groselle’s seven-year-old KWPN gelding (Carrera VD x Diamond Hit), entered the handy round in the runner-up position after earning an impressive first-round score of 183, including an 88 from panel one, an 87 from panel two, plus four bonus points from each panel for high options. They sealed their victory with a brilliant handy round, earning base scores of 89.50 and 88.50, plus another four high-option points, and ten bonus points for handiness, cementing their spot at the top.
“He’s maybe the handiest horse I’ve ever ridden,” shared Maddrix. “So, if you’re anywhere in the mix coming back for the handy, you feel like you’ve got a pretty good shot.”
Maddrix has been showing the gallant grey gelding for the past two years, moving him up into the International Hunter Derby ring this winter at HITS Ocala.
“I think that was the third International Derby we’ve done,” said Maddrix. “He’s placed in all of them, but this is his first win. He’s so scopey and brave, and he just keeps stepping up.”
After qualifying two rides for the handy round, Maddrix was able to go earlier in the order to get a feel for the track before returning aboard Olimpink Melloni. Watching how the round unfolded, he noticed riders were especially being rewarded for boldness and handiness.
“There was an inside track to the trot jump, but the tallest fence on the course came right before it,” he explained. “That’s where Olimpink Melloni really shines, so I took the inside turn there and then galloped to the last fence. He gave a great effort.
“We love WCHR week,” he continued of the special HITS Ocala atmosphere. “They do such a great job here at HITS with the derbies. It’s fun to ride these courses, and it’s just a great venue. I’m especially grateful to Great American Insurance Group for sponsoring this Derby series and giving us the opportunity to compete for real prize money.”
The battle for the top spot remained tight until the final round. Molly McAdow guided Platinum, her own 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Cornet Obolensky x Lordanos), to a second-place finish with a total score of 373. Tracy Fenney and MTM Secret, MTM Farm’s eight-year-old Warmblood gelding (Nixon x Purioso), rounded out the podium with a total score of 371.
With his win, Maddrix has moved up to the top of the Leading International Hunter Derby Rider standings. Presented by Great American Insurance Group, the award recognizes the athlete who has accumulated the most prize money in international derby competition across HITS venues throughout the year. Totaling $13,200, Maddrix now sits squarely ahead of David Wilbur in the second-place position, with $9,000, and 2025 winner of the title, Jennifer Alfano, in third with $5,500. As the year features plenty of classes left to contest, the battle for ultimate honors is already heating up.
WCHR competition continues through Sunday, March 15. The excitement of the 2026 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit then resumes for the final week of action on Wednesday, March 18, as the Ocala Championship kicks off, putting the exclamation mark on an incredible circuit. Please visit www.showmanagement.com for complete results.
