Edited Press Release
Hunter athletes took center stage at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington Friday afternoon for the $15,000 USHJA National Open 3’ Hunter Derby of Winter Classic #8. Bobby Murphy (USA) built the decorated track for the field of horse-and-athlete combinations. At the conclusion of both phases of competition, Kristjan Good (CAN) made a grand return to the winner’s circle, taking his second consecutive $15,000 USHJA National Open 3’ Hunter Derby, this week aboard Quirocks.
Murphy’s first-round track mimicked a classical hunter course including a related five-stride and one long bending line to a high option fence. Ending on a picturesque green hedge, riders had the opportunity to showcase their horse’s brilliance.
Good, of Kristjan Good Show Stable in Campbellville, Ontario, rode into the R+L aboard Jennifer Lecluse’s Quirocks with determination after his most recent win at Winter Classic #7 on his top mount, Carano.
“This horse [Quirocks] is newer to me. This is our second year showing him and he has been doing [Green Hunter 3’6″ division] all year. He was champion in the division here this week,” Good said. “He had a rail in the derby last week, so this was his redemption week. I didn’t play it safe in the handy today like I did last week, because he felt like he was in a really good state of mind.”
The duo came back for the handy round sitting on top with a first-round score of 89 and looked to secure their leading position. The stylish Quirocks rounded out his two weeks of competition at WEC Ohio with the highest scores of the day, earning a 94 for his handy effort and an overall score of 183 to secure Good his second derby win.
$15,000 USHJA National Open 3’ Hunter Derby Results:
1 Quirocks, Kristjan Good, Jennifer Lecluse | 89 | 94 | 183
2 Cooper, Emily Corkhill, Decker Equigroup, LLC | 88 | 91 | 179
3 Victorious, Ashley Holsinger, Samantha Jurick | 76 | 86 | 162
4 Horatio, Matthew Piccolo, Adelyn Rogers | 78.5 | 81 | 159.5
5 Brighton, MacKenzie Suffy, Lee Ann Ingram | 77 | 79 | 156
6 After Hours, Liz Hutchison, Robin Owens | 71 | 84 | 155
7 Contigo, Izzy Beisel, David Beisel | 68 | 80 | 148
8 All I Need, Jamie Mills, Tracy Beavers | 75 | 71 | 146
9 Karina, Nicki Mataronas, Nicki Mataronas | 67 | 70 | 137
10 Confidant, Troy Hendricks, Deirdre Agnew | 82 | 49 | 131
