Hunt Tosh came from behind with the Wheeler Family’s Cannon Creek to take the Platinum Performance/U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s International Hunter Derby Championship for the fourth time and make history in the process.
The victory on Saturday was the third for Cannon Creek himself, who won previously in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, he had an unlucky rail.
Cannon Creek was fourth after Friday’s Classic round, with a score of 287.50. But he climbed to the top with a mark of 292.5 in the Handy round at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. His total was 580.
Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek. (USHJA Photo)
Even though he has won before in the vast Rolex Stadium, Hunt was still thrilled.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Hunt, who collected $45,415.21 for the victory.
“Cannon Creek, I can’t say enough wonderful things about him. He loves this ring.”
When heavy rain and winds hit the Horse Park after two-thirds of the 31 entries had completed their rounds, Hunt was wondering whether the class could even resume. But the weather cleared, things were tidied up and the top group got their opportunity to compete.
Amanda Steege, who won the Classic round with Lafite de Muze on Friday, had a lovely trip in the Handy until she finished and the spectators applauded. Lafite reacted with a spook and a lead change that dropped him from the top of the standings to fifth on 560.50. Their Handy round was scored as 266.50.
Second overall four points back of Hunt was Liza Boyd with Crooks Show Jumping’s Crooner Brimbelles Z (576).
“I started showing him in May,” Liza said, “and John French actually was the first one to ever show him as a hunter. Lauren Crooks had him and is pregnant and said, ‘How about you take him, do him in some derbies, and just do him through Derby [Championships] and then we’ll see, maybe he’ll like that job.’ And he clearly did.”
Scott Stewart finished third with Gochman Ventures’ Daydream (567) and also was the winner of the Tier II segment.