The first round contained 16 efforts, including a line from a vertical to a vertical - oxer - vertical triple combination across the diagonal. The final four obstacles were on the rail by the Lounge, with a line to an oxer - vertical combination, then finishing over an oxer towards the in gate.The riders each had their own unique difficulties around the course. A few of the teams' strides became flat and had obstacle three, a vertical headed toward the berm down and the following fence four, the oxer at the end of the arena down. A couple had some trouble through the triple combination across the diagonal.
"The course was fair for the group, but I am surprised with the results," said Azevedo. "There was not one spot in particular that was difficult in the course, each rider had their own difficulties."The teams all had a tough time through the course, and it wasn't until Guy Thomas aboard Jonkheer Z, who came in 10th in the order, produced a four fault score, which maintained the lead going into the second half of the class. Mandy Porter and Coral Reef Follow Me II came in two horses after Thomas and Jonkheer Z to secure the win with the only clean round!
The riders also were surprised with the results, having walked the beautiful course in the large grass arena with more confidence than what was produced."Walking the course, I thought that there would be more clean rounds," said Porter. "It probably rode how it walked, but I didn't think it was tricky or difficult when we walked."
Second place finisher, Guy Thomas, also thought the course was fair.
"I thought it was a very good course," said Thomas. "Marina is one of the best, she never sets traps or goofy challenges, but unfortunately we didn't get a jump off."In the end, Porter and Coral Reef Follow Me II were victorious with the only clear round in the class. Thomas and Jonkheer Z had four faults and came in second place and Porter rounded out the top three on Milano.
The USHJA National Hunter Derby Presented by Asuncion Valley Farms kicked off the weekend's festivities with 40 starters in the class and a Complimentary Wine Reception during the Derby in the West Palms Lounge. The gorgeous course was created by designer Mike Gallaway and took the riders and their mounts on a nice track around the big grass field.
It was an impressive two rounds, with top Derby riders facing off for the top placings. Missy Froley and Gail Morey's Double Play topped the field with a score of 186, just one point ahead John French and Meadow Farm's Soldier, who came in second. Nancy Free and Catherine Antonelli's Heir Apparent rounded out the top three with a score of 175.5. Just behind them in fourth with 175 points sat John French and Meadow Farm's Maritime and in fifth with 174 points was Nicole Dicorti Bush and Misa Kokka's Ucello.
Photo by Alden Corrigan