Colin Syquia Scores One-Two Finish in the $10,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby of Fall Classic 4

Wilmington, Ohio – The R+L Arena at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC), decorated in mums, pumpkins and cornstalks for the Fall Classic Series, once again set the stage for another Hunter Derby Friday. Colin Syquia ultimately dominated the $10,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby as the only rider to soar into the 90s, earning a one-two finish with Jasper De La Tour (Dollar Du Rouet x Hymne Van Spieveld) and Toscane’s Cornet Tf (Cornet Obolensky x Toscane R), respectively.

Speaking about his winning mount, Jasper De La Tour, Syquia said, “He’s seven years old. He came over when he was turning six, so he just did the 3’ Green Hunters, and now he’s moved into the 3’3” classes and started doing some derbies.”

“He won a $10,000 derby on the grass in Wellington last week, and Toscane’s was second there as well, so that was pretty cool. He also won the Regional Green Incentive in the 3’3” division, and he’s done some really nice things so far. He is a really special character,” Syquia smiled.

Returning as the final entry in the handy round with a leading first-round score of 92, Syquia and the seven-year-old Selle Français gelding, owned by Constance Hunter, bested their first-round performance with a second-round score of 94.

The duo secured the blue ribbon with a two-round total of 186.

Having piloted several young horses around the derby course that day, Syquia spoke about the benefits of the venue for his string: “I think finding a great indoor venue with beautiful jumps and good courses is really hard to find. All of a sudden, we expect these horses to walk into big shows like Harrisburg or Washington and perform without having that background or mileage. I think this is a fantastic facility. I love the warm-up areas, the big rings and the beautiful jumps. There are nice courses, too, so I think it’s great. I love it.”

Syquia secured second place honors with Lisa O’Connor’s seven-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Toscane’s Cornet Tf, with scores of 88 and 90.

Victoria Sawrantschuk Pilots Gold Spirit to First $10,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Derby Win

Nineteen horse-and-rider combinations kicked off derby day in the R+L Arena in the $10,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby. In the end, Victoria Sawrantschuk’s consistent rounds paid off, as she topped the leaderboard with her own Gold Spirit (Stakkato Gold x N Canyamel).

Sawrantschuk shared a glimpse into their partnership and development. “I got him about three years ago from Europe when he was five. He’s eight now, and I’ve been really involved in his training. I’ve found that doing a lot of it on my own and riding more has helped me learn so much.”

“I’m just so happy,” she smiled. “This was his first derby, and he won! I haven’t done a derby in a long time, so this is awesome for both of us. My trainer, Whitney Gibson, is so good and patient with the young horses. It’s been really nice to learn from her, and that’s helped both of us develop as a team.”

The duo returned for the handy sitting in second place with a first-round score of 84. A consistent handy round earned an 83, ultimately enough to take the top spot with a two-round total of 167.

“It’s been great. I love it here at WEC,” she shared. “I love all the fall decor and everything about it. It’s nice and organized, really beautiful and they just keep it so well-kept here. It’s always fun to come down and show here.”

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