Friday afternoon kicked off with a Complimentary Wine Tasting and hors d'oeuvres in the West Palms Lounge. The tastings featured CaliPaso Winery, Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden, Eberle Winery and Vina Robles Vineyards and Winery. Exhibitors enjoyed the tasting, delicious food and the USHJA Grand Prix Hunter Derby Presented by Asuncion Valley Farms. The Hunter Derby featured 35 starters in a beautiful course created by course designer John Manning. It presented the riders with multiple tests, including natural obstacles from our friends at Twin Rivers Ranch. The competition was impressive, with talented riders such as Peter Lombardo, Hugh Mutch, Jamie Taylor, Amy Self and up and coming talented young riders including Clea Caddell. Only a few horses batted an eye at the solid derby jumps in Round 1, however, many had difficulty at the split rail fence that lead to a bending line to a two stride on the rail in front of the judges booth. The top 12 came back for their handy round, tightening up their tracks and showing off inside turns, competing for the top prize. n the end, Peter Lombardo and Janie Andrew's Tache Rouge topped the class with an impeccable handy round, Peter also came in third on Janie Andrew's Ante Up. Hugh Mutch and Brunswick, owned by Airlie LLC took home second place with a lovely handy round. Thank you so much to Asuncion Valley Farms and Lori Johnston on your continued support and sponsorship of the Central California Horse Show Series! We look forward to seeing these competitors and many more in next week's USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by Cross Creek Farm!
