Jenna Drago & Sandriano Clinch the $15,000 Standlee USHJA National Hunter Derby Win at WEC – Wilmington Fall Classic III

Wilmington, Ohio – Twenty-four horse-and-rider combinations met in the R+L Arena at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) for the $15,000 Standlee USHJA National Hunter Derby of Fall Classic III. Jenna Drago and her own, Sandriano (Sandro Boy x Cool Pearl Z), ultimately mastered Bobby Murphy’s tracks to secure the lead amongst a decorated group of hunters.

As one of the youngest riders in the field, Drago was, “very happy with the result today!”

“I haven’t shown Sandriano in about six months, so I was a little bit nervous. He felt so lovely today and we just followed each other. I am elated that I was able to just lay down two great rounds.”

Drago prepared her special horse, Sandriano, specifically for the class today, “He typically takes a couple months off. I got him fit and ready specifically for this show because WEC always puts on great derbies.”

The young rider of Aurora, Ohio, piloted her seasoned 17-year-old Zangershiede mount to a flawless first round score of 87, sitting in second returning for the handy.

“I really liked the handy course,” Drago noted, “I went left lead instead of right lead to jump one. I liked how there were plenty of inside turns that were just difficult enough. I just used my eyes and Sandriano followed my lead.”

Picture-perfect form landed the duo a second-round score of 91 for a two-round total of 178 to clinch the win.

As a frequent exhibitor, Drago shared her thoughts on WEC – Wilmington, “I remember when it was just Robert’s Arena! I have been showing here since I was on ponies and the way that this place has grown is exceptional. There is always a great show, great classes and everyone wants to come here. I will come here forever!”

Kiera Phlipot and her own 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Red Roc (Roc USA x Rhea), claimed second place with scores of 88 and 89 for an overall score of 177.

Cassandra Orpen and the 13-year-old Zangershiede gelding, Nightwish (Diamant De Semilly x Diablesse D’or), rounded out the top three with an 83 and a 90, for a two-round total of 173.

$15,000 Standlee USHJA National Hunter Derby Results:

1 Sandriano, Jenna Drago, Jenna Drago | 87 | 91 | 177
2 Red Roc, Kiera Phlipot, Kiera Phlipot | 88 | 89 | 177
3 Nightwish, Cassandra Orpen, Rocking Basilisk Farms | 83 | 90 | 173
4 Chacoolou, Havens Schatt, Julia McNerney | 79.5 | 92 | 171.5
5 Midnight Rain, Cassandra Orpen, North Star | 79 | 84 | 163
6 Irascibull, Tyler Petrie, Susan Seman McDaniel | 78 | 81 | 159
7 Karakter, Kalli Core, Donna Rosman | 77.25 | 81 | 158.25
8 Grandslam ES, Milagros De Jong, October LLC | 85 | 64 | 149
9 Balou Lable, Laura Douglas, Dell Kelly | 75.5 | 72 | 147.5
10 Amando M, Magnolia Labuda, Magnolia Labuda | 76 | 53 | 129

Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes!

Results can be found at horseshowing.com.

All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.