Bronte Gray-Rochon and mount Williamstown Guidam-above, Photo Credit:  Shawn McMillen

The derby course set by Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC, included the natural obstacles of the bank and open water, which had given many riders trouble throughout the week. Faults were spread out over the course, and of the 18 riders who started the class, just three posted clean rounds to advance to the jump-off.

Representing France, Agathe Van Gysel and Duc Des Tourelles Z were first to jump-off. They had the first fence down to ultimately finish second with four faults in 41.521 seconds. Next to go was Chloe Field with Tess de Jalesnes, they too lowered the first fence, had a refusal and time faults, to finish third with 11 faults in 47.661 seconds. Last to challenge, Gray-Rochon entered the ring with the plan of having a calm and consistent clean round in the class they had planned their entire show season around.

“We were really lucky that we were last to go in the jump-off,” said Gray-Rochon. “We had the advantage of being able to watch the first two go. My plan was to be efficient but try to ride for a nice clean round. We had a little mistake in the warm-up ring right before going in, but we’ve been together for six years and I knew it was totally my fault. I gave him a pat and tried to give him a couple of really positive jumps while giving myself a kick in the butt! He really felt like he enjoyed jumping in there, he’s been really happy all week.”

The $25,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Show Jumping Derby is a member event of the Hollowbrook Wealth Management Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

Gray-Rochon and Williamstown Guidam won with a clean jump-off round in a time of 42.884 seconds. They were also awarded the Amateur-Owner Jumper 1.40m championship title. The reserve championship went to Agathe Van Gysel and Duc Des Tourelles Z.  

The Junior Jumper 1.40m championship sponsored by Swan Creek Farm went to Ava Ellis with Quivive SZ and reserve went to Ned Cunniffe with Buckle Up.