Courtney Bacso Scores One-Two Finish in the $12,500 Ogilvy USHJA National Open Hunter Derby at Fall Classic 4

Wilmington, Ohio – Hunter Derby Friday at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) brought a change of scenery during Fall Classic 4. Thirty-one riders gathered in the Standlee Sanctuary to showcase their hunters, but it was Courtney Bacso who delivered the standout performances of the day to win the $12,500 Ogilvy Equestrian USHJA National Open Hunter Derby.

Riding the Knightwood Stables entries Twelfth Nite and Nitecap, Bacso impressively secured both first and second place.

“I feel very lucky to ride the horses that I do. They are just amazing,” Bacso said with a smile, reflecting on her one-two finish. “The horse that I won on, Twelfth Nite, was a grand prix horse two years ago. We turned him into a derby horse, and he just keeps getting better and better.”

With the 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding Twelfth Nite (Comilfo Plus Z x Camira Z), Bacso earned a first-round score of 92, followed by a nearly flawless handy round score of 91.5 for a winning two-round total of 183.5.

Bacso shared her appreciation for the venue. “It is so fun to show here at WEC. We come here one week a year. Our national final in Canada is two weeks from now, so this is really great indoor practice. It’s always so beautifully decorated with amazing courses, and the horses love it.”

“I love to ride in a big ring,” she added of her trip around the Standlee Sanctuary. “I love to gallop, so this ring really allowed us to get a good canter and let the horses jump their best. The footing is perfect, and the jumps were incredible in here tonight.”

Second place honors went to Nitecap (Carrico x Salsa 10), a 12-year-old Westphalian gelding, with scores of 90 and 91.

Kiera Phlipot & Red Roc Rise to Challenge in the $12,500 Absorbine USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby

Kiera Phlipot and her tried-and-true partner Red Roc (Roc USA x Rhea) impressed Friday afternoon in the Standlee Sanctuary, rising to the top of the $12,500 Absorbine USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby.

With Fall Classic 4 serving as her final stop before competing at the National Horse Show, Phlipot expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to prepare at WEC – Wilmington.

“When I heard the derby was going to be in the Sanctuary, I knew it would be my focus as my last setup before going to the National Horse Show,” she shared. “It’s amazing that TJ [Campbell] and WEC gave us this opportunity to have this class showcased in such a special ring and to be able to practice riding over impressive jumps and a track built by Bobby Murphy right before finals. It was so special, and I’m very grateful we got that opportunity. I hope we get to do it more often!”

Phlipot and her 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding are no strangers to the winner’s circle and are especially known for their stylish handy rounds. The duo entered the second round in third place with a score of 83.

“My first round wasn’t my favorite, so there were some things I wanted to fix. Knowing I was coming back not near the very top, I thought, ‘Let’s go for it, let’s have some fun,’” she laughed. “Getting to hand gallop the first jump is always Paddy’s favorite thing, so that set the tone, and I knew he was game from then on.”

The pair climbed the leaderboard with a second-round score of 88, securing the win with a two-round total of 171. Phlipot was joined in the winner’s circle by her trainer, Dorothy Campbell, to celebrate the victory.

Hunter Derby Friday Results