The Lamplight Summertime II at HITS Chicago saw a thrilling conclusion to competition in the Hunter 1 arena on Friday, May 24, 2024, with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. This event, one of three derbies scheduled for the weekend, attracted a competitive field of 35 horse-and-rider combinations, all vying for top honors. The highlight of the day was Ryan Sassmannhausen and Hero, who captivated the judges and earned a winning score of 185.
United States course designer Dean Battaglia crafted a distinctive derby track that combined elements of a classic hunter round with the intricacies of a handy round. The hunt-and-go course was divided into two parts, each scored independently and contributing to a final cumulative score. The classic phase featured four high options and a two-stride combination, concluding with an oxer toward the in-gate. The handy phase presented a more winding track with a trot fence as well.
“Today’s handy was more turn-focused, with many options for tight inside turns,” reflected Sassmannhausen. “Initially, I planned to go around some obstacles, but after seeing others succeed with the inside turns, I realized I had to try to do it better. I added some speed and really tried to hand gallop the oxers.
“Hero has been amazing since we got him,” continued Sassmannhausen of the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Caspar I’ve been second a lot in these derbies, so it’s nice to finally finish first and get the win. Today’s competition was tough with high scores, great horses, and skilled riders.”
Hero’s competition record certainly confirms Sassmannhausen’s evaluation and his future looks promising. After just two weeks with the Sassmannhausens, who are based at their family’s Kinvarra Farm in St. Charles, Illinois Hero has already notched several top placings. The flashy bay previously earned second place in his first derby, the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at HITS Chicago during Lamplight Spring Classic two on May 18.
“He’s exceptionally brave and jumps really well,” said owner Tucker Bolvig “I knew that with Ryan and Eric Sassmannhausen he would have the opportunity to be a great derby horse, so I’m super happy we have him.”
“What sets Hero apart from other horses I’ve ridden is that he’s extremely scopey and his stride is gigantic,” added Ryan Sassmannhausen “This class had a lot of open, big, long bending lines, and he could land and just flow, doing the leave-out step nicely. He was exceptional today, and I was really happy with his performance.”
Jeff Gogul, riding Abigail Carney’s 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Claudius, took home second place with a score of 182. Last week’s derby winner, Ava Barnes rounded out the top three with Rivers Edge’s 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Viscount, Valentino, with a score of 179.25.
Ryan Sassmannhausen concluded by expressing his gratitude: “I just want to thank Tucker and Eric for letting me ride Hero, as well thank Kostadin Kalanov and Alison Roper for allowing me to ride N-July Morning that finished seventh in the derby today too.”
The weekend’s hunter derby excitement continued through the weekend, with junior and amateur competitors vying for victory in the $750 Tiny Bit O’ 2’ Hunter Derby on Saturday, July 13th and then concluded with the $750 Bit O’Straw 2’6” Hunter Derby on Sunday, July 14th. Julia Allen from Wilmette, Illinois, triumphed in the $750 Tiny Bit O’ 2’ Hunter Derby with Macallan, Dana Johnston’s 15-year-old Warmblood gelding by Corland. Pamela Carr ofWest Dundee, Illinois, claimed the win in the $750 Bit O’Straw 2’6” Hunter Derby riding Duke of Sussex, her own 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by Connemare.
