Thermal, CA – February 14, 2025 – Margaux Winchell has been practicing getting up the lines with her pony Heavenly Patch of Blue, and on Friday, February 14, that work on their striding paid off with the win in the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby, sponsored by San Marcos Training.
“I feel like it went really good!” said 9-year-old Winchell, who has trained with Jamie Taylor and Shea Martin for the past four years. “We got up all the lines. [Heavenly Patch of Blue] takes a lot of leg; she is pretty easy to ride.”
Winchell’s win was secured with an overall score in the one-round derby of 160. Finishing in second place with a score of 159 were Alivia Rudkin and Keep It Cool, owned by Winsome LLC, and Lee Sickel and Touch the Sun took home third with a score of 158.
With the victory under her belt, Heavenly Patch of Blue, or “Anna” as she is known in the barn, got to enjoy some well-deserved treats.
“When she comes out, she always expects a treat, and after she smiles,” said Winchell of the 19-year-old Welsh Pony mare, owned by Highland Farm LLC. “If you give her a treat in her stall, she rolls.”
To view complete results from the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby, sponsored by San Marcos Training, click here.
