The Del Mar Classic I, the penultimate week of the 2026 HITS Del Mar Show Series, brought top hunter riders to HITS Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, California, for another week of elite competition. With the added prestige of World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) recognition, the week’s hunter action was particularly competitive, drawing some of the sport’s leading horse-and-rider combinations. Friday’s featured hunter event on August 21, the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, featured an impressive field, but it was professional rider Jill Humphrey and Valentino BF that came out victorious.
Sixteen elite duos took on an intricately designed hunt-and-go course by Scott Starnes. Under the watchful eyes of esteemed judges Susan Horn and Mary Eufemia, the class opened with a flowing classic phase that rewarded style, brilliance, and overall performance. The combinations then continued directly into the handy phase, where boldness, precision, and efficient turns would ultimately determine the winner.
Humphrey and Valentino BF began the handy phase just four points off the lead after earning an impressive score of 88 in the classic portion of the course, plus a one-point bonus for successfully navigating the high-option fence. The pair maintained their poise across the handy part of the track, earning an 86 and adding two additional bonus points for the high options, along with four points for handiness. Their combined score of 181 was enough to secure the victory.
“I’ve been riding him, kind of on and off, but he’s just a wonderful young stallion,” shared Humphrey. “This year, he’s stepping into the 3’6” greens, and this is his fourth international derby, so he just continues to impress us with how he goes into the ring and has such confidence. He has such a good mind.”
At just six years old, Valentino BF faced the added challenge of competing in a different arena than the one he had shown in throughout the week. However, the flashy chestnut, owned by Branscomb Farms LLC and sired by Vagabond de la Pomme out of a Calido I mare, handled the change with ease.
“He kind of marched in, took one look around to check out the arena, and then relaxed his head and neck,” said Humphrey. “He went all to business and was just so quiet through the whole thing.”
With the leading riders separated by a mere handful of points, the pressure was on Humphrey and her JH Sporthorses team based in Sloughhouse, California. Even still, Humphrey remained composed, relying on the partnership she has built with Valentino BF.
“He and I both really like the handy phase,” she stated. “We like to pick up the pace a little and make some tighter turns. He jumped all of the high options with ease and was just having so much fun out there.”
The week’s WCHR designation added another level of prestige to the competition, providing riders with an opportunity to compete on a stage that highlighted the depth and quality of the hunter field. Humphrey was quick to recognize the significance of the week and the opportunities it offered.
“I think the hunters are getting some wonderful opportunities,” she expressed. “The arenas we get to show in at HITS Del Mar are just beautiful. Excellent footing, great course design, managed beautifully, and the prize money being offered has really elevated the competition for the hunter riders. Overall, it was a great experience for the horses and their teams.”
Jamie Sailor guided Love Story, KHC Farms Inc.’s eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Chacoon Blue x Baloubet du Rouet), to a second-place finish with a total of 180. Skylar Wireman rounded out the top three aboard Boston, Alison Stocker’s 13-year-old Polish Warmblood gelding (Larron x Balou du Rouet), earning a combined score of 176.
Competition at the HITS Del Mar Horsepark, including WCHR action, continues through Sunday, August 23. The final week of the 2026 HITS Del Mar Circuit, Classic II, then gets underway on Wednesday, August 26, with another week of top-level hunter, jumper, and equitation competition. Full results can be found at www.showmanagementsystem.com.
