San Juan Capistrano, CA – April 6, 2023 –Katie Taylor Davidson rode Kingsley and In Bocca al Lupo to a one-two finish, respectively, in the $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Hunt & Go held on Thursday, April 6, at the Blenheim Spring Classic I in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Davidson and Kingsley were the very first of 16 entries to take to the grass Pacific Field at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, and they immediately laid down a round that would prove uncatchable. Judges Sue Ashe and William Sparks awarded the duo scores of 87 and 88, plus four high option bonus points, for a 179 total over the Scotty Starnes-designed course.
Scores of 85 and 86, plus four high option bonus points, for a 175 total would be enough to then also put Davidson into second place aboard In Bocca al Lupo. Rounding out the top three with a score of 170 were John Zambrano and Mannerist, owned by Kristi Siam.
“I thought the course was a lot of fun today; it had a lot of different elements – long single rides, long bends, classic hunter lines and places where you could be even tidier and show off your horse a little bit,” said Davidson, who had the ride on both horses for owner Mare Eyfee LLC. “[The Hunt & Go] course is a little more challenging in that you have to switch right away from the hunter phase and then get to a bit of a more handy-type round and flawlessly make it happen.”
Davidson did just that, flawlessly executing the rounds on both of her mounts – two horses that, while they are the same age, vary a good bit and require different rides.
“Kingsley has just a little more of an 8-going-on-15 sort of mind,” explained Davidson of the 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. “He just feels like he always goes into every ring like he’s been there a million times. He kind of goes around like a Steady Eddie. When the derby jumps are a little more exciting, he pays a little bit more attention which is what makes him a good derby horse.”
Davidson continued, “With In Bocca Al Lupo, I love his ride. He really gives you a great jump every time. He keeps you on your toes a little bit because he’s a little bit more the type that pays attention to everything, but with him you just feel like your floating across the ground. He loves to perform as well.”
For the victory, Davidson received an $80 Riderzon gift card, and winning trainer Nicole Husky received a tack room pillow, sponsored by Nick Byassee of Equestrian Design LLC. Also receiving a Riderzon gift card was high-scoring junior rider Paloma Primavera who finished fourth overall aboard Corochino Z.
The Leading Amateur Hunter Derby Rider Award, which includes a one-month supply of Nutrient Scoop from Mary’s Tack & Feed, went to Sybil Rose who finished in seventh place overall with HLF Wanderlust.
For full results of the $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, click here. For additional information on the Blenheim Spring Classic I and future competitions at Blenheim EquiSports, visit ThePlaceToJump.com.
