Jennifer Alfano and Candid Win Pin Oak’s Final $30,000 USHJA International Derby – The Plaid Horse

Jennifer Alfano & Candid. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

Katy, Texas – April 7, 2019 – The Booth Show Jumpers $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and Houston Modern Luxury “Bourbon, Bow Ties, and Big Hats” Derby Party on Friday night at Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Week III in the Irish Day Farm Main Indoor Arena brought fun, excitement, and many big hats.

Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

After winning the National Derby earlier that afternoon and earning the Antares Leading National Derby Rider Circuit Award, Jennifer Alfano conquered again in the International Derby ring. After coming into the handy round in third place, she secured the win aboard her own Candid.

Natalee Haggan & MTM Here’s 2 You. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

Faces of Pin Oak rider, Natalee Haggan, rode to a second place finish in Friday evening’s International Derby aboard MTM Here’s 2 You, owned by Candu Farm. Natalee and MTM Here’s 2 You were awarded the Emerging Professional Rider award as well as the Grand 3’6” Professional Hunter Championship award last year at Pin Oak Week III.

Bella Kay & Symbolic. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

Junior rider Bella Kay and her Symbolic rode to third place in Friday night’s derby after winning the Week II ‘Hunt and Go’ USHJA International Derby and coming in second place in the Week I USHJA International Derby, earning them the Antares Leading International Hunter Derby Rider Circuit Award. Having just celebrated her three year anniversary with Symbolic, Bella was on cloud nine after her incredible three weeks in the Pin Oak International Derbies.

Didi Mackenzie & MTM Do Right. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

MTM Do Right, one of Didi Mackenzie’s two entries and the first horse on course in Friday night’s International Derby, and his groom, Manuel Tamayo, were presented with the award for the Best Turned Out International Derby Horse. Didi Mackenzie’s second entry, MTM Inside Scoop, earned a sixth place finish in Friday’s Derby following an incredible day in the Amateur Owner ring.

Just as a champagne toast commemorated Pin Oak 2019’s first International Derby during Week I, the Week III International Derby was completed with a champagne toast to celebrate the final derby of Pin Oak 2019.

Junior riders buckled down on Saturday with hopes of securing big wins and circuit championships during Pin Oak 2019’s final weekend.

Luke Jensen & CR True Color. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

In the equitation ring, Luke Jensen rode Stephanie Tropia’s CR True Color to the win in the ASPCA Maclay medal first thing Saturday morning, while last weeks’ Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal winner, Grace McReynolds of Colorado Springs, took second place aboard her own Kabaltic. Tessa Downey, last week’s Maclay winner, took third aboard HH Moonshine.

Eleanor Rudnicki & Kendrick. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

Following the ASPCA Maclay, Eleanor Rudnicki and Brookside Pine Farms, LLC’s Kendrick took home the blue ribbon in the Dover/USEF Hunter Seat Medal on Saturday morning. Eleanor and Kendrick also took the blue in this week’s 14 and Under THIS National Children’s Medal.

When asked about her equitation rounds, Eleanor said, “I felt pretty confident going into the equitation ring today. The horse that I rode, Kendrick, was feeling really good. I went into the USEF medal test sitting in 3rd, so I just wanted to put in a solid round that could help me to move up. It was an interesting test, and I was really happy that we ended up winning the USEF Medal and later the THIS too.”

After earning a fourth place finish in Friday night’s International Derby and a fourth place finish in the ASPCA Maclay, Canago and owner Miranda Seade took second to Eleanor in the Dover/USEF Hunter Seat Medal.

Hannah Buskin & Fedor. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

The win in the 15-17 THIS National Children’s Medal again went to Hannah Buskin and Ava Williams’ Fedor, winners of a class of 31 riders in the Week II THIS National Children’s Medal.

Equitation riders are excited to see who will be crowned the 3’6” Equitation Circuit Champion following the remaining Pin Oak Week III medals to be held on Sunday.

While sponsors and spectators are looking forward to Saturday night’s circuit award presentations and the Wells Fargo $30,000 Grand Prix and Abbot Downing Ringside Gala, riders are looking forward to Sunday’s division championships and circuit championship awards to wrap up the final week of Pin Oak 2019.

Jennifer Alfano and Candid Win Pin Oak’s Final $30,000 USHJA International Derby