May 6, 2024 – Del Mar, CA – The 75th Anniversary of the Del Mar National Show marked a triumphant return of the event on May 1-5, 2024, drawing top riders from across the country. The Del Mar National Horse Show has a deep-rooted history dating back to 1946 when it was first held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Following a four-year hiatus, HITS Del Mar was thrilled to host this prestigious and monumental USEF Heritage show at its new venue, the Del Mar Horsepark.
The week was full of a wide variety of hunter and jumper highlights, including the $30,000 GGT Footing Welcome, which supported Feeding San Diego with a $50 donation from each entry. Other featured classes included the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the North American Young Rider Trials, the $20,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, and the U25 Classic, just to name a few. Jumper competition culminated in the impressive $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, presented by EQ International Real Estate.
On Thursday afternoon in the $30,000 GGT Footing Welcome benefiting Feeding San Diego, James Chawke and his own 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood, Daido Van’t Ruytershof Z, secured the top spot out of a field of 61 riders. Kyle King and The Chi Group’s 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Christallo II), Sig Chiari, claimed second place. Bruno Diaz Das Neves rounded out the top three aboard Karius, a nine-year-old KWPN gelding (Van Gogh) owned by Mirasol Equestrian, LLC.
Dale Harvey, Cynthia Keating, and James Chawke. Photo by High Desert Photo Company
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Del Mar Horsepark grass field, the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby saw a win from Shawn Casady and Kent Farrington LLC’s nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Milagro, out of a competitive group of riders. Casady’s groom, Fernando Esparza, received the $500 Groom’s Award as the groom of the winning horse. Halie Robinson and 3P Partners, LLC’s 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Diarado), Tangled Up In Blue, earned the second-highest result of the class, while Emily Esau Williams and Megan Camaisa’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion (Nabab de Reve), Star Quality, went home with the yellow ribbon.
Shawn Casady and Milagro. Photo by High Desert Photo Company
In the $20,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Skylar Wireman and Boston, an 11-year-old Polish Warmblood (Larron), were the class victors for owner Alison Stocker, who was also presented with the $500 Groom’s Award. Tara Metzner and Davlyn Farms’ 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Lamm de Fatan), Lion, finished in the runner-up position, while Jason McCardle with Hyperion Stud, LLC’s nine-year-old Holsteiner stallion (Casall), Can’t Touch This HS, came in third.
Skylar Wireman and Boston. Photo by High Desert Photo Company
Saturday night’s $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, presented by EQ International Real Estate, attracted a large crowd of spectators. James Chawke continued his winning streak, riding Nacara Van Berkenbroeck Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Nonstop) owned by Alison Locke, to first place out of 40 horse-and-rider combinations. Chawke’s groom, Aryn Smolarchuk, was also recognized with the $500 Groom’s Award. Cassio Rivetti and HF Farms LLC’s 12-year-old Selle Français stallion (Norton D’eole), Chagall De Toscane, secured second place. Gabriel Rodrigues Honorio and Hybrid Horsemanship’s 12-year-old KWPN gelding (Vegas), Harley D, took third place.
Carleene Moore, Julia Valentine, Roblee Valentine, Dale Harvey, and James Chawke. Photo by High Desert Photo Company
A star-studded field of talented young athletes produced exciting victories in both the U25 division and the North American Young Rider Trials. In the U25 Classic, Elisa Broz and Crispo R placed sixth overall in the Grand Prix, earning the highest score among riders under 25.
The North American Young Rider Trials showcased some remarkable talent, including Cameron Trimino, who secured victory in the $2,500 NAYC Trial 1.40m with Adalberto Audi Scappino, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Ugano Sitte).
Kennedy Chang impressed with Hannah Beall’s 15-year-old Holsteiner mare (Catoki), Catogi, taking top honors in the $1,500 NAPJC Trial 1.25m, and Amanda Paul soared into the lead of the $3,500 NAJC Trial 1.40m on her nine-year-old Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut), Captain Crunch.
Elisa Broz and Crispo R. Photo by High Desert Photo Company
After the incredible success of The 75th Anniversary of the Del Mar National Horse Show, HITS Del Mar would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone involved, from the public to the exhibitors to the sponsors. Your support and dedication made this event possible, and the management team is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Del Mar National Horse Show in such a memorable way.
The excitement in 2024 is just getting started! Entries for the Del Mar Sunshine Classic on June 10-14 are now open. Highlights include the $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby, the $20,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, the $25,000 Bentley San Diego Welcome, and the $100,000 Premier Air Charter Grand Prix. We hope to see you there!
