Saturday afternoon highlighted round one of the weekend's feature event: the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by the World Equestrian Center, where Meagan Murray-Tenuta and Editorial claimed first place honors.
The talented pair is now in the lead going into Sunday afternoon's handy round, which will wrap-up the international derby and conclude the inaugural Deeridge Derby Weekend.
It was stiff competition throughout the duration of the class as 40 horse-and-rider combinations vied for the top spots in the round one standings. Murray-Tenuta, who hails from Zion, Illinois, left the ring having earned the highest score of 180.75 between the two judging panels aboard the 2007 Holsteiner gelding, Editorial, owned by Rebecca Price.
He loved the field. I think the grass really had the most traction for him to keep springing higher and higher," Murray-Tenuta said. "He grew more confident as we went. He loved it."
The duo opted to jump both high-option fences, each worth four additional points that were added to the raw score given by the two judging panels. Fitton and Robertshaw made up the first panel of judges, while Humes and Bielefeld were on the second panel.
"We found [Editorial] about a year ago in a field in Vancouver. We bought him for an amateur rider and I took him over. He started jumping too big and too high and she said I could have him so I'm happy. He's the sweetest one in the barn. He's like a Labrador."
Murray-Tenuta continued, "I've been second, third and fourth in many hunter derbies so I was just really happy to win today."
terms of going into Sunday's second round, Murray-Tenuta is feeling pretty confident.
"My horse has gotten better in the handy round," said Murray-Tenuta. "It's been a work in progress. We used to not turn very well, but we are getting better at it. I feel pretty confident that it will be good."
Kristy Herrera, who currently holds the 2016 title for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship with Jennifer Alfano's mount, Miss Lucy, also had great results on Saturday aboard another one of Alfano's horses, Candid. Herrera, of Wellington, Florida, received impressive scores of 89 and 91 to claim second place honors.
Herrera also piloted hunter derby veteran, Miss Lucy, to an eighth place finish in round one, qualifying them for Sunday's handy phase.
"Both the horses I got to ride were fantastic and jumped beautifully so it really went great," Herrera stated.
Herrera continued, "Miss Lucy is Miss Lucy. She is a winner at heart and a dream to ride out there. Candid is a little new to this, but he is so fun ride too. All we did today was jump higher and higher."
Both riders were quick to note how grateful they were to have the opportunity to compete at the new Deeridge Derby Weekend in the heart of Wellington.
"I don't think it gets any more beautiful," Murray-Tenuta acknowledged. "It was really fun to pull up and see the field. I think Deeridge is doing an amazing job."
Herrera shared similar sentiments, stating, "I'm really thankful to have another venue here. I show at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) most of the time when I'm here so it's a nice break to come here. This is a beautiful course they've built and we are lucky to be able to show here."
Rounding out the top three placings was the decorated hunter rider, Victoria Colvin, of Loxahatchee, Florida, and Brad Wolf's Cuba. Colvin earned an 88.5 and an 87.50 for an overall total of 180 points entering into Sunday's second round.
The stunning lakeside hunter derby field will welcome back the top 24 horses on Sunday to show off their style and handiness for the second round of competition.
