The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association International Hunter Derby was dominated by Hunt Tosh, who won Friday’s Classic round with Cannon Creek, then went on to top the Handy round Saturday and take the big prize for the second year in a row.
Cannon Creek, owned by the Wheeler farmily, received a total of 606 over two days from the six judges, while Hunt also took third place with the Devon Horse Show’s derby winner, Ceil Wheeler’s Autograph (583.25), behind runner-up Hannah Isop and the 18-year-old Red Ryder (586.5), owned by her aunt, Tracy Freels. Hunt also was the Leading Rider of the International Hunter Derby Member Event, earning $83,239 after competing in six derbies.
Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek. (Photo USHJA)
It was the third time overall Hunt had won the competition. The only other riders ever to achieve that were Liza Boyd and Tori Colvin.
Cannon Creek’s exacting execution of all the challenges is what put him miles ahead in competition, as the only horse in the derby to break the 600 barrier in his score.
“The horse tries so hard every time we show him. He’s super careful, brave and he’s kind of everything you look for in a hunter,” his rider said.
“His balance is wonderful. We show him sparingly, but he comes out and he’s just phenomenal.”
The International victory at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington carried $42,643.04 in prize money for Cannon Creek.
The courses designed by Alan Lohman and Danny Moore heightened the interest of the competition. For the Handy round, a unique bounce of material that resembled tangled branches was reminiscent of an obstacle you’d find out hunting, which added a bit of authenticity stemming from the roots of show hunters. It could be taken in either direction, and some exhibitors even rode between the elements on their way to the next fence after they jumped it.
There were thought-provoking options, and the final obstacle after a long gallop offered the possibility of earning more points for those who chose a high-side jump that stood 4-feet, 6-inches.
It’s too bad that this wonderful class never draws much of a crowd. The stands in the Rolex stadium had many more spectators for the dressage phase of April’s Land Rover Kentucky 5-star Three-Day Event than for the derby, which offers the type of action that can appeal to a general audience.
Other finishers in the top 10 were fourth-place Front Page, ridden by Colin Syquia, (582.35); 5) In The Know, Samantha Schaefer (568.65); 6) MTM Hand Him Over, Elizabeth Boyd ( 568.50); 7) Lafitte De Muze, Amanda Steege (568.35); 8) Milagro, John French (566.5); 9) Zanziebar R Z, Greg Crolick (556.85); 10) Attendu De Lannois Z, Augusta Iwasaki (555.25).