Amanda Derbyshire and Lady Maria BH. PC: The Book LLC.
Amanda Derbyshire bested a field of 48 horses over courses set by this year’s Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final designer Alan Wade (IRL) to win the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m riding Lady Maria BH for owners David and Becky Gochman of Gochman Sport Horse, LLC.
Derbyshire and the 11-year-old Holsteiner mare (Cartani x Corrado I) were one of 15 double-clear rides and crossed the jump-off timers in a blazing 27.712 seconds for the win. Nearly two seconds slower, Peter Wylde (USA) placed second riding Aimee for Aram Ampagoumian, LLC in 29.163 seconds.
Quentin Judge (USA) was third riding Street Legal, owned by Annie Phillips, with a time of 29.850 seconds, and Alberto Michan (MEX) took fourth aboard GC Chopin’s Bushi for Iron Horse Farm in 30 seconds flat. Rounding out the top five, Peter Lutz (USA) rode Coberlina to a time of 30.661 seconds for owner Orchard Farm.
Derbyshire got the ride on Lady Maria BH nearly two years ago and has piloted the mare to success in a range of classes from speeds to grand prix events.
“There is nothing not to like about her,” said Derbyshire. “She’s fast, careful, easy, and she never does anything wrong. She has the sweetest personality, and we all love her. She is one of the nicest horses I have ever had.”
While Derbyshire will pilot Lady Maria BH throughout the spring season, the mare will soon transition to be the ride of Sophie and Mimi Gochman in the High Junior Jumper Division.
“It is a little sad for me, but very exciting for the girls,” said Derbyshire, who is currently focusing on FEI competition to boost her world ranking points and will compete in CSI3* classes this week at Old Salem Farm. “I love showing on grass, and this is only of the only places we get to do that. It is so nice to come back [to Old Salem Farm] each year for these shows.”
Open Jumper competition continues on Thursday with the $10,000 1.45m before FEI competition kicks off with the $35,000 Welcome Stake of North Salem CSI3* on the Grand Prix Field. In the Main Hunter Ring on Thursday, the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion will be crowned.
Spectators are welcome at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. General admission to Old Salem Farm is free Wednesday through Friday. On the weekend of May 20-21, admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 12.
Stay informed on the happenings at Old Salem Farm this spring with live streaming of select events during the Spring Horse Shows at www.oldsalemfarm.net. Old Salem Farm and Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows are also on Facebook, as well as on Twitter and Instagram as @oldsalemfarmny. Follow for an exclusive and behind-the-scenes look at the Old Salem Farm experience.