Following a strong start to the week, Friday’s competition at ESP Pre-Charity delivered another full day of top sport in both the hunter rings and the international arena. The second day featured key highlight classes, including the elegant $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks and the high-stakes $62,500 Arthramid CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier, keeping riders and spectators buzzing from morning to evening.
Imperial Blue Carries Forte to Victory in the Season’s Final Grand Hunter Derby
The $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks, brought a relaxed mix of polish and fun to the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Danny Moore’s course flowed nicely, giving riders plenty of room to show off smooth trips and big, beautiful jumps. Adriana Forte (USA) and Imperial Blue, owned by First Blue LLC, made the most of it—laying down back-to-back rounds that scored an 87 and 86 for a winning total of 173.
Sloan Sherman (USA) and her own Atlas weren’t far behind, putting in two tidy, stylish rides to earn a combined 170 for second place. Debra Ward (USA) and Tavish rounded out the top three with a total of 167. Tomorrow’s derby will mark the final one held in the Grand Hunter Ring before the class relocates to Rings 6 and 7 for the rest of the Fall and Holiday Series, returning to its usual home once WEF kicks off.
Tight Finish Highlights Vanderveen’s Victory in CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier
Fifty-seven horse-and-rider pairs stepped into the International Arena for the $62,500 Arthramid CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier, where course designer Hector Loyola presented a thoughtful, competitive track. Twelve riders earned their way into the shortened course, and the jump-off quickly turned into a showcase of precision riding. Leading the charge was Kristen Vanderveen (USA), who guided Bull Run’s Jireh, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Inc., to a winning time of 52.31 seconds.
Close behind, Chloe Reid (USA) navigated Crossover 4, owned by Team Reid LLC, to a clear and efficient round of 52.80 seconds for second. Rounding out the podium was Alexandra Worthington (USA) aboard De L’oiseliere, owned by Turn A Blind Eye LLC, stopping the timers at 53.10 seconds. With just tenths of a second separating the top three, the qualifier delivered one of the most competitive finishes of the day.
RESULTS: $62,500 Arthramid CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier
- Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Jireh | Round 1: 0 | 78.58 | Jump-Off: 0 | 52.31
- Chloe Reid (USA) & Crossover 4 | Round 1: 0 | 75.54 | Jump-Off: 0 | 52.80
- Alexandra Worthington (USA) & De L’Oiseliere | Round 1: 0 | 77.99 | Jump-Off: 0 | 53.10
- Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) & Lorona | Round 1: 0 | 78.73 | Jump-Off: 0 | 53.57
- Gonzalo Busca Roca (ESP) & Cristiano Obolensky | Round 1: 0 | 76.12 | Jump-Off: 0 | 53.65
- Jad Dana (LBN) & Itchcock Des Dames | Round 1: 0 | 75.83 | Jump-Off: 4 | 50.73
- McKayla Langmeier (USA) & Jiselle NS | Round 1: 0 | 78.16 | Jump-Off: 4 | 53.00
- Peter Lutz (USA) & Katriona | Round 1: 0 | 80.27 | Jump-Off: 4 | 55.03
- Jake Ward (GBR) & Jaguar | Round 1: 0 | 78.67 | Jump-Off: 4 | 58.03
- Brian Cournane (USA) & Artic JT Z | Round 1: 0 | 79.84 | Jump-Off: 4 | 58.53
- Georgina Bloomberg (USA) & Tulara Colmine | Round 1: 0 | 78.48 | Jump-Off: 12 | 57.86
- Ansgar Holtgers Jr. (USA) & Nabucco Z | Round 1: 0 | 78.09 | Jump-Off: 12 | 60.21
