The 2025 reserve champion in the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship swept to victory in the 2026 edition of the $268,830 competition at the Kentucky Horse Park on Saturday.
Jennifer Hannan and Cellestino topped a field of 31 with their stellar trips in the Rolex Stadium. After victory in the Classic Round, Cellestino did it again in the Handy round with an overall total of 602. Reserve this time was Victoria Colvin with Golden Road on a score of 594.5 for reserve. Third place went to Greg Crolick and Chappy with 588.
“This is an absolute dream come true,” said Jennifer, a resident of Rhode Island.
“I’m so lucky to be here. Last year was amazing, and I feel so lucky to have such an amazing partner. To come back this year and be focused enough to make it happen was just a huge privilege.”
Jennifer Hannan and Cellestino (USHJA Photo)
Course designers Meghan Rawlins and Tom Hern set a challenging 12-obstacle track that included four high-option fences and several options for different paths. Riders jumped through the in-and-out garden at fences 6 and 7, and then the eighth challenge was to canter through the garden in either direction before jumping one of the log trot jumps. Jump 10 could also be jumped in either direction, and then riders continued to the final two fences, which both featured high options.
Following her reserve championship last year with Cellestino, an 11-year-old warmblood gelding owned by Stephanie Bulger, Jennifer was in top form for this weekend’s challenge.
“My plan for tonight was to be comfortable,” said Jennifer.
“I know it’s always better to go forward, but I really chose the path that I thought was best for my horse tonight. This year, for sure, I felt the pressure coming back, especially with that result last year, but I’ve had a good year on him, so focus and positivity is kind of the name of the game.
“Cellestino likes a very forward ride. You need to get him out in front of you, and it sort of has to be his idea. He’s in charge. He’s a bit of a boss. He always rises to the occasion. He thinks this is special; there’s really no jump too big, and he’s a very careful horse. I have wonderful owners who have allowed our team and me to focus on him just for these special classes.”
The Tier II champion was Eleanor Rudnicki of Conroe, Texas, aboard Vex Sporthorses, LLC’s Vex Freedom.
The rider, who was participating in her second Derby Championship, recounted, “Vex Freedom jumped super tonight, and she was right with me all the way around. I started riding her early this winter. She’s a great mare, and I’m very lucky to be able to ride her here. The prize money bonus is definitely a plus.”
The Rider Style Award was presented to Halie Robinson, while the Alberto Ramirez International Derby Groom’s Award went to the multi-talented Caitlin Burns, groom, owner, and rider of Prime Time. The top-placing Amateur Owner rider was Katelyn Martin, while Ashley McCaslin took both the top-placing junior rider and top-placing junior owner rider titles.