The ESP Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial opened with plenty of excitement as the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake got underway on the derby field. Speed was abundant, but clear rounds were not, and it was Canada’s Gavin Moylan and Butterfly, owned by Imperial Equine LLC, who ultimately rose to the occasion as the only faultless pair. Fast rides from Abigail McArdle aboard Olympia Van Het Eikenhof and Ireland’s Cormac Hanley on Santiago VH Netehof kept the pressure on, but both incurred four faults to finish second and third.
Hunter riders then took their turn in the spotlight with the $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Parlanti, held on the Annex Derby Field. Katherine Newman (USA) delivered two polished trips aboard Pony Lane Farm’s Everknown, scoring an 85 and 87 to clinch the win on a 172 total. Victoria Raleigh (USA) showed her depth of talent by securing both remaining podium spots, earning second with Jennifer Collman’s Won For Details on 165 and third on her own Licardo with 145.
Saturday’s competition concluded with the 1.35m Open Stake, presented by CCTV Agent, as the highlight jumper class of the day. Alannah Wagstaff (USA) piloted Mill Pond Farm Inc.’s Great Thing to victory, producing the fastest double-clear in 43.306 seconds. Abigail McArdle returned to the podium in second aboard Sweetwater Farms LLC’s Lisbeth TR with another clean round in 44.968 seconds, while Sweden’s Elin Uppling and his own Quinn VA secured third with a time of 45.02 seconds.
The $10,000 ProElite Memorial Grand Prix brought riders to the ring over a 13-effort track designed by FEI Level 3 course designer Hector J. Loyola, with a time allowed of 88 seconds. The course offered a fair but challenging test, creating a competitive atmosphere for the class.
Leading the way, Alexandra Vanderrest-Hayes (USA) produced a flawless performance aboard Eclair De L’Isle. The pair delivered a fast and efficient double-clear round, stopping the timers in 36.826 seconds to take top honors. Their precise ride set the standard for the rest of the field.
Close behind, Abigail McArdle (USA) piloted Olympia Van Het Eikenhof to another double-clear effort, finishing in 38.116 seconds to claim second place. Ecuador’s Diego Vivero also put in a polished performance with My Girl, crossing the finish line clear in 40.571 seconds to secure third and round out the podium.
This year, the Rita & Irish Flynn Memorial trophy was awarded to Juan Andres Rodriguez, recognizing him as the trainer who “best exemplifies Rita Flynn, by being courteous and prompt, and setting the example by having their clients to the ring and prepared timely, whereby helping to keep the show running smoothly.” Through his professional career, Rodriguez has emphasized training with passion and dedication, guiding his students to achieve their goals while upholding values of sportsmanship and teamwork. At Rodriguez Equestrian, his program focuses on achieving success in competition, improving skills and techniques, and fostering a strong sense of team spirit.
Next week marks the start of the ESP Fall Series, an eight-week stretch of hunter and jumper competition. Among the highlights will be ESP Pre-Charity, a CSI3* week set to attract a competitive field. Riders have just four more weeks to enjoy the atmosphere of the derby field before the series transitions back to the main showgrounds.
