Augusta Iwasaki (USA) claimed double victory at Friday’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at TIEC, taking first place aboard Attendu de Lannois Z with a two-round score of 377.5, and earning second place on Rolo with 377 points. Michael Britt-Leon (USA) and Private I, the 2012 Oldenburg gelding (Corrado x Verdi) owned by Kelly Sims, completed the podium with a third place total of 375.5.
Augusta Iwasaki on Attendu de Lannois Z. Photo by Sportfot.
Iwasaki’s relationship with both mounts is relatively new, so she was pleased with her performance on each one. After only a month of training together, Attendu de Lannois Z, the 2013 Warmblood gelding (Unknown x Unknown) owned by Ashland Farms, proved to be a winning partner.
“This is his second Derby, and last week was his first. Last week, we were tenth,” explained Iwasaki. “He was really great in both rounds, we just had to get the Handy a little bit more smooth. His transitions are so great, so when I did a tight rollback to the trot jump, we ended up walking. [Today], I just had to make sure to keep my leg on and get everything evened out.”
Augusta Iwasaki on Rolo. Photo by Sportfot.
Seventeen horse and rider pairs tested the Joe Carnicom (Toledo, OH) course design with 12 competitors returning for the handy round. Iwasaki rose to first and second, but also secured fifth place aboard Small Kingdom and enjoyed her experience in the ring.
“I really liked the course. I thought it was really fun. It was long enough that you got to show off. They used the full ring, so it was a nice and big track. In the Handy round, I was trying to be as tidy as possible and keep everything smooth,” shared Iwasaki.
Michael Britt-Leon on Private I. Photo by Sportfot.
Iwasaki also just started riding Ariya Nathu’s Rolo, the 2011 Selle Luxembourg gelding (Lizarazu x Reussite Z), when she started showing again after quarantine.
“I’ve done three Derbies on him now. He’s the coolest horse! You can seriously put him in any class and he’d be able to win any of them. He’s so adjustable and game to do anything. He’s owned by one of my best friends, Ariya Nathu, so it’s really special.”
Augusta Iwasaki on Attendu de Lannois Z in their presentation ceremony. Photo by Sportfot.
In addition to competing in the Tryon Fall 5 Series, Iwasaki also participated in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals hosted at TIEC and plans to remain at the venue an additional week.
“[My experience here] has been fantastic. I did the Medal Finals last week and that was really fun. I think [TIEC] is great. It’s very big, there’s a lot of things to do, and there’s a lot of food places. At most horse shows, you have to eat the same thing everyday, and there’s a little bit of everything here. Plus, there are shops, and there’s plenty of rings and space for everything,” added Iwasaki.
For full class results, click here. The Tryon Fall Series continues through Sunday, November 1 featuring FEI, Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation competition.