You don’t have to be an eventer to take part in the new Preliminary Derby at noon May 12 during the Jersey Fresh International, which runs May 9-12 at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown..
The class, sponsored by East Coast Equine Performance LLC, Dr. Ted Mazzarisi, offers $2,500 in prize money, with eight placings. It will involve a combination of seven cross-country-style obstacles and seven show jumping fences, approximately 3-feet, 7-inches high on a course designed by Chris Barnard and Morgan Rowsell in consultation with Mark Phillips. The action will take place in both the Grand Prix Ring and the East Ring, in front of the pavilion.
Results will be determined by time, and any rails or stops (four seconds will be added to a competitor’s time for either). The derby will run between the CCI 3-L and CCI 4-L divisions.
Entries limited to 25 horses. Limited stabling is available if the horse has proof of FEI-mandated vaccinations, and is seen by the FEI vet before going to stabling.
Those who want to participate can use the U.S. Eventing Association entry form and send it to the Horse Park of New Jersey, 626 Route 524, Allentown NJ 08501 with a fee of $125. Entries also may be made via www.evententries.com.