Scott Takes First and Third in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Saratoga Classic II Horse Show

The Saratoga Classic II Horse Show continued on Friday, June 21, at White Hollow Farm with the featured class, the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. The show continues with the $25,000 Saratoga Grand Prix and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships on Saturday with classes wrapping up on Sunday, June 23.

Keirstin Scott continued her winning ways in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby after finishing first, second, and third last week. This time it was Denise di Nozzi’s MTM Promises Fulfilled’s turn for the win after finishing third in last week’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Scott rode Adele Einhorn’s Copper Canyon, a seven-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Irish Wiskey Z, to third. Oakley Clark was sandwiched in second aboard Morgan Eisler Bradley’s 13-year-old Holsteiner by Cassito, Cassiano. There were 28 entries in the class.

“I thought it was a really nice track,” said Scott, who scored an 87 plus four bonus points in round 1 and an 88 plus four bonus points in the handy. “There was an interesting in-and-out with some options, which I always enjoy. I had three horses in the class, so that was very fortunate. [MTM Promises Fulfilled] I know the best, and he’s a longtime partner for me. I rode him last, so those were all assets for me. He was fantastic in the first round. He had a rub, but I thought the round was very good. He felt like he jumped in nice style.”

The pair came back for the handy on top and took some tighter turns, finishing on a two-round score of 183. “Oakley Clark was in second, and he did a beautiful job and really put the pressure on!” said Scott, who started her own Trademark Farm business in North Salem, NY, last October. “I was happy to have the horse I know best in that situation. ‘Baron’ delivered, and he made the turns no problem. It was a solid round. He was perfect.”

Clark, who was in second place after round 1 on a score of 89 that included four bonus points, scored a 91 in the handy for a two-round score of 180. Copper Canyon had a final two-round score of 178, earning four bonus points in each round as well. Scott picked up fifth place on JT Farm’s Gabriel with a total score of 174. Twelve pairs returned for the handy round.

Scott has had the ride on the 14-year-old Westphalian by Balou du Rouet for six years for di Nozzi. “She’s a really great owner, and she’s super supportive of everything I do with him,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for me, and it’s fun to have a horse that I know so well to go in time after time with an owner that does not put a ton of pressure on but is also equally as excited when it goes beautifully.”

Having such a long partnership has given Scott confidence every time she steps into the ring with Baron. “It’s so nice. I know if I prepped him correctly that he’s going to deliver. It’s really fun to go in and not have to second guess—can I, can’t I? Should I? Shouldn’t I? If I want to take the risk on him, I know I can, and I don’t ever second-guess it. It’s not something I feel on every horse, so that’s pretty special.”

As for Copper Canyon, Scott said, “The handy was fantastic on his part. I would say I could have ridden a little better at the in-and-out, but he was there to win, and he’s just a really great horse and a fun horse to ride. I’m so grateful to have that opportunity to ride such a fun horse both these weeks.”

Saratoga Classic II Horse Show Highlights

Saturday, June 22
$25,000 Saratoga Grand Prix
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship

Sunday, June 23
President’s Cup Equitation
$1,000 Non-Pro Hunter Derby
Grand Hunter Champion awards

Looking for horse show photos? Visit official photographer Jess Windhurst Photography at www.JessWindhurst.com to view all of your show proofs!

For more information on the Saratoga Horse Shows, visit www.saratogahorseshows.com.

About Saratoga Horse Shows

Now in its 26th year, Saratoga Horse Shows will offer nine USEF-rated competitions on the 2024 show calendar, along with an additional seven schooling show dates. Managed by Southbound Saratoga Management Group and held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, New York, Saratoga Horse Shows is situated on more than 100 acres and located eight miles from downtown Saratoga Springs. With eight large arenas featuring state-of-the-art drainage and all-weather performance footing, permanent and tented stabling, and turnout paddocks, it is the ideal place to show during the spring and summer months. Visit www.saratogahorseshows.com to learn more.