Déjà Vu for Feigus and Four Aces in $40,000 Great American USHJA International Hunter Derby
March 14, 2024 – Ocala, FL – A stunning scenery was set for the main event on Thursday afternoon during the penultimate week of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Top hunters donned their best attire as they prepared for the series’ second international derby event, the $40,000 Great American USHJA International Hunter Derby. Throughout the ten weeks of competition held at HITS Post Time Farm, hunter riders have had the opportunity to participate in weekly derby events and WCHR-rated hunter divisions. As he did in the first international derby of the season, Brian Feigus produced a brilliant performance across two rounds to take the title once again with Four Aces.
Thirty-three entries came forward for the first round of competition including top hunter professionals Havens Schatt, Dorrie Douglas, and Jennifer Alfano just to name a few. The top twelve contenders returned to compete over the afternoon’s handy course where Feigus put forward his best smooth moves to overthrow former leader Jordan Lubow and land in the pinnacle position.
“I think today I know the horse a little better now,” explained Feigus. “There’s no better feeling in the world. The horse is so easy that we don't have to do much to prepare him.”
While Feigus wasn’t leading from the get-go like in his prior derby with the Redfield Farms’ nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Acodetto 2), he admitted that the challenge typically only increased his desire to win.
“I like coming in a little bit as the underdog,” he detailed. “For me, being on top in the first round is a little bit harder. I personally enjoy coming in a little bit behind because it makes me want it a little more. Today I was a little bit more bold than last time, so I like that kind of pressure. I've always handled myself well with it and I actually really enjoy that part of the competition.”
Alfano and Megan Odozynski’s nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Big Star), By The Way, jumped up in the placings to ultimately claim second place, while Lubow’s performance with Opening Bell Sporthorses, LLC’s 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Casiro I), Wisely, rounded out the top three.
Feigus was also the recipient of the Style of Riding award and a $500 Quail Hollow gift card for his fantastic finish.
Jordan Coyle Jumps Back to Action with Emerald Irish Cruise
Jordan Coyle made a victorious return to HITS Post Time Farm on Thursday afternoon as the Irishman took the top call in the $25,000 Alliant Private Client Cup aboard Emerald Irish Cruise. Coyle was one of six competitors to successfully navigate their way around Catsy Cruz’s first round track out of the original starting field of 28 combinations. After bringing forward three horses to start, it was Celtic Park LLC’s nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Ringfort Cruise) that would score Coyle the slot in the jump off.
The three combinations to jump double clear proved to all be incredibly fast, however Coyle’s recent hot streak continued as he stopped the timers in a blazing 31.55 seconds.
“This mare has an unbelievable heart actually,” Coyle gushed. “She’s a real fighter, and she took a little bit of time for me to get used to to be honest, but I feel like we’ve really clicked over the last three months.”
Coyle’s jump off plan was simple, put on as much speed as possible.
“I don’t know many of the riders up here so I don’t know how fast they are,” he explained. “I figured if I just went as fast as I could, then I can’t do any more than that. Everything showed up good today so I was able to just keep kicking on and I really don’t think I could’ve gone any faster.”
Young professional Hunter Holloway rode to the second fastest finish aboard the Hays Investment Corp’s 15-year-old KWPN gelding (Lexicon), Eastern Jam. The pair put down a flawless round in 34.70 seconds, three seconds slower than Coyle, for the reserve ribbon. The always-fast Derek Petersen earned the final podium position with his own 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zirocco Blue VDL), Zechariah, a few seconds off of the pace in 37.07 seconds but another fault-free effort.
Jumper competition continues into Friday as the pace picks up in the penultimate week of the $15,000 STX Speed Series. For full results, please visit www.showmanagementsystem.com.