Summertime III, the third week of the 2025 HITS Chicago Summer Circuit, brought an added level of prestige to Lamplight Equestrian Center with a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation. Featuring an action-packed schedule of elite hunter classes, the week attracted top riders from across the country vying for national recognition. Among the numerous highlights was the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, on Saturday, July 19, where professional rider Jennifer Alfano and her partner Ivy League delivered a masterful performance to claim victory.
With an extra buzz in the air and winning honors on the line, the competition was fierce as the talented horse-and-rider combinations navigated the intricately designed course by Gerald Briggs of Smyrna, Tennessee. Overseen by esteemed judges Geoff Case and Steve Wall, the class began with a flowing classic round that highlighted style and technique. From the first round, the duos then returned in reverse order of merit to contest the handy round designed to reward boldness and precision. Riders of all levels — from juniors and amateurs to seasoned professionals — brought their A-game, making for an exciting showdown.
Alfano and Ivy League entered the handy round in pole position after earning an impressive first-round score of 187, which included an 89 from the first panel and a 90 from the second, plus four bonus points from each panel for successfully navigating the high option fences. The pair then sealed the deal with an impeccable handy round, solidifying their place at the top of the leaderboard.
“He’s been knocking at the door, but this is the first derby he’s won,” shared Alfano. “He’s been second and third a few times, but it’s just awesome to finally win one. I’m so proud of him.”
After purchasing “Ivy” as a five-year-old, Alfano has taken a patient approach to developing the talented gelding. She gradually introduced him to derby competition, hoping he would grow into a top contender — and it is safe to say he has. Known for her bold gallop in the derby ring, Alfano realized she needed to slightly adjust her riding style to suit Ivy League’s personality.
“Coming back on top, I just wanted to keep it together and have a nice round,” she said. “He’s a little funny; he can be kind of sensitive. I love to gallop, and that’s maybe not his cup of tea, so I just tried to have a nice round to keep my position.”
As one of the most decorated hunter riders in the history of the sport and the winner of the 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Final, Alfano often uses the derbies at HITS Chicago to prepare for major championships.
“I think it’s awesome that they put these derbies in the Grand Prix Ring,” she noted. “There was the National Derby here on Friday and the International this morning. It’s excellent preparation for Incentive and Derby Finals, and I really appreciate them taking the time and effort to move those classes to the Grand Prix Ring.”
It’s no small feat for Alfano to bring her team at Next Chapter LLC all the way from Ocala, Florida, to Chicago, but for her, it is well worth the effort.
“I love coming here; I’ve been coming for years,” enthused Alfano. “They’ve done an excellent job with the improvements, and the new hunter ring is amazing. We have two more weeks here, and we’re excited.”
Sarah Young piloted Lucio, Helen Gilbert’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Legolas x Aljano), to a second-place finish. Alfano also claimed third aboard Admiral, her own seven-year-old North American Warmblood gelding by Dulf van den Bisschop.
WCHR action continues through Sunday, July 20. The fourth week of the 2025 HITS Chicago Summer Circuit, Equifest I, gets underway on Wednesday, July 23, setting the stage for another thrilling week of top-caliber competition. For complete results, please click HERE.
