Wilmington, OH – Derby Friday is back with a flourish at World Equestrian Center Wilmington as a stylish field of hunters contested stunning natural courses designed by Bobby Murphy of Lexington, KY.
Laurie Storey of Kensley Farm in Goshen, Ohio, and her own Pursuit (Leovisto x Larissa XXII ) wowed the judges through both the qualifying and the handy rounds in the $10,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3′ Open. The pair navigated two foot-perfect performances, notching a pair of 85s from the panel of judges.
We chatted ringside with Storey, where she spoke highly of the stylish seven-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “We loved this course because of all of the ways that we could be handy. This guy is a great jumper and I’ve owned him since he was four when he was imported from Germany. He’s beautiful, has a winning personality and is so fun to ride.”
Megan Bash of Cleveland Equestrian and Freestyling Farms’ FF Nora (Lasino x N-Con Bijou) earned second-place honors during this afternoon’s $10,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3′ Open. Bash and the 12-year-old mare laid down two beautiful rounds and were rewarded with scores of 81 and 83, totaling 164 points for their efforts.
Stefanie A. Portman of Quiet Meadow Farm and Argento rounded out the top three placings. The duo earned scores of 83 and 74, totaling 157 points to take the third-place finish.
$10,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3′ Open Results:
- Pursuit, Laurie Storey: 85 | 85 | 170
- FF Nora, Megan Bash: 81 | 83 | 164
- Argento, Stefanie A. Portman: 83 | 74 | 157
- Lombardo, Amy E. Ochoa: 78 | 77 | 155
- Dianthos XO, Mandy Vergerio: 49 | 85 | 154
- Virgo, Erica Zirkelbach: 80 | 73 | 153
- Viva Las Vegas, Emma Lena M. Green: 68 | 75 | 143
- Contefino 6, Lauren Capinegro: 69 | 67 | 136
- Flambesie, Linda G. Radigan: 49| 86 | 135
- Bellarina, Lauren Capinegro: 75 | 44 | 119
Izzy Beisel and The Boy Friend Win $10,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3′ Non Pro
Izzy Beisel piloted Paige Biesel’s The Boyfriend (Gracieux x Vironja) to a first-place finish in the $10,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3′ Non Pro.
Fourteen-year-old Biesel skillfully managed the beautiful jet-black Oldenburg gelding through each round, maintaining a forward rhythm, to secure scores of 77.5 and 86, and a163.5 point total for the win.
“This was my first time showing The Boy Friend”, Beisel shared. “I had a blast. We are all just so happy to be back. My dad (David Beisel) was my lightning-fast jump crew help today and I’m still trying to convince my mom to let me show The Boy Friend next week! He’s an awesome horse to ride!”
Josephine Rose and Cassino (Cassiano x Marlen I) notched the highest first-round score, bringing in 88 points and securing themselves a spot in the handy round. The pair later returned to score 69 points, upping their total to 157 for a second-place finish.
Elliott Hodge and Apparently delivered two consistent rounds to bring home scores of 79 and 77, totaling 156 points for third place.
$10,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3′ Non Pro Results:
- The Boy Friend, Izzy Biesel: 77.5 | 86 | 163.5
- Cassino, Josephine Rose: 88 | 69 | 157
- Apparently, Elliott Hodge: 79 | 77 | 156
- Et-jolie, Emma Repenning: 74 | 79 | 153
- Hyperion Du Stiquot, Jennifer Kemp: 71 | 73 | 144
- DaVinci, Claire Spindler: 71.5 | 72 | 143.5
- All In, Jacquelynn Christenson: 83 | 57 | 140
- Warrington, Jessica Franken: 66 | 70 | 136
- Campari, Marie Lafond: 77 | 47 | 124
- Caius, Izzy Beisel: 75 | 44 | | 119
Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.
Saturday | Don’t forget to bring your fastest pup to the dog races! Join us after Saturday’s Grand Prix in the Sanctuary Arena. Small, medium and large divisions | Winners receive $50 cash.
About World Equestrian Center
World Equestrian Center features two premiere equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.
These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.
Dedicated to offering great sport and fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.