It was another thrilling day during Equifest I on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the HITS Chicago Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, as the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby took center stage. Jennifer Alfano continued her winning streak, demonstrating her exceptional skills and horsemanship aboard To The Bank.
The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby saw a competitive field of 37 horse-and-rider combinations vying for the win. Alfano’s precise and smooth performance in both rounds set her apart, earning her the top spot once again. In the classic round, she secured a score of 87 after opting for one high option, showcasing her strategic approach. In the handy round, Alfano took two high options and impressed the judges, resulting in a score of 89 and a total of 176 points.
He’s a bit new to the hunter life,” explained Alfano of Kathy Chiaf’s six-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion by Comme Il Faut. “I think this is only his third derby, so he’s picking it up quickly. He’s awesome to ride. Even though he’s young, he really tries every time. Last week, in the derby in this ring, he was a little wide-eyed. It was a bigger class than he’s ever done in a bigger ring. He came back this week like, ‘Okay, I got this,’ which is amazing.”
The classic round course, designed by Tommy Brawley, was set over 11 obstacles, including four high options at fences 4, 6, 7, and concluding with a high option oxer at fence 11. The top 12 riders returned for the handy round, which included eight fences, featuring all four high options from the classic round and a trot fence at fence 5. This added an element of complexity as riders tackled an off-your-eye bending line leading to a two-stride at fences 6 and 7ab, finishing again on the high option oxer toward the in-gate.
“I thought it was nice; everything rode well, and it was a good track,” said Alfano. “I just want to thank everybody here at Lamplight, [HITS Chicago Show Manager] Tom Urban, and everyone else involved. We all really appreciate the effort that goes into these classes in the big ring.”
In second place was Alexandra Pielet, who skillfully piloted Vex Freedom, Vex Sporthorses’s 11-year-old Holsteiner mare by Cassilano, to a classic round score of 86.5 followed by an impressive 88 in the handy round, giving her a total of 174.5 points.
Rounding out the top three was Alexandra Roe aboard her own 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Nederland, Cooley Moondancer F. Roe earned a classic round score of 85 and excelled in the handy round with an 88.5, culminating in a total score of 173.5.
Hunter derby excitement continued on Saturday, July 27, with competitors vying for the top prizes in the Pony Hunter Derby, the $750 The League Bit O’Straw 2’6” Hunter Derby, presented by Marshall & Sterling, and the $750 The League Tiny Bit O’ 2’ Hunter Derby, also presented by Marshall & Sterling. Ella Heineking of Aledo, Texas, rode her own 22-year-old Welsh Pony gelding, Black Eyed Pea, to victory in the Pony Hunter Derby. Avery Roper from Hobart, Indiana, claimed the blue ribbon in the $750 The League Bit O’Straw 2’6” Hunter Derby with a strong performance on Samantha Roper’s 10-year-old Warmblood gelding by Casino Berlin, Caspen. The week’s derby events concluded with Magnolia Colbert from Houston, Texas, winning the $750 The League Tiny Bit O’ 2’ Hunter Derby on her own 10-year-old Welsh Pony Cross mare by Gayfields Way Too Cool, Totally Cool.
