SAUGERTIES, NY (July 27, 2010) - Brooke Baldwin Degrazia and Northern Lights, owned by Tina Furey, won the $5,000 3'3" Devoucoux Hunter Derby at the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Show in Westport, Connecticut that was held June 22 - 26.
Degrazia was one of the 28 horse-and-rider combinations to compete in the two-round class which saw the top 12 teams return for the handy round.
In the first round, Degrazia scored an 81, which had her in second place going into the handy.
Hannah Lavin and Dolce and Gabbana, owned by Volo Farm, Inc, who picked up a pair of seventh place ribbons in the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby during HITS-on-the-Hudson I and III in Saugerties, New York, scored an 83 in the first round to take the early lead. In the handy round, Lavin scored a 75 for a combined total of 158, which would ultimately place her fourth when the class finished.
Degrazia scored an 83 in the handy for a combined total of 164 and the first place check for $3,000.
Taking second and third place were Cullen Latimer on Zoom, owned by Laura Sexton and Jim Toon on Invincible, owned by Ellen Toon.
The Fairfiled County Hunt Club was pleased to be one of the shows selected by HITS to host the Devoucoux Derby this year. According to Fairfield County Hunt Club Show Manager Billy Glass, "I couldn't have been more impressed with the popularity of the Devoucoux Derby," he said.
"I was awed by the enthusiasm and passion brought on by the competitors who entered the Derby. We had a good mix of junior, amateur and professional riders. It was nice to offer a featured event for the Hunters."
The $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby returns to HITS Saugerties during HITS-on-the-Hudson V and VI, and a $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby will be held at the Northampton Hunter & Jumper in Northampton, Massachusetts from August 11 - 15. At HITS Culpeper, two $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derbies will be offered on August 21 and August 28.
Since its inception, the Devoucoux Hunter Derby has been widely popular amongst hunter exhibitors, providing a fresh alternative to the competition landscape, making it a perfect addition to the growing number of divisions offered by the Marshall & Sterling League.
"The response to the Devoucoux Derby at HITS and our Marshall & Sterling League member host shows has been awesome," said Patti Guerriero, League Coordinator. "I am very happy to see such considerable interest in this division as it gives current Marshall & Sterling League members yet another opportunity to qualify for our Year-End Finals.
For those competing that aren't already members, it's not too late to sign up. The Devoucoux Derby is sure to be the most highly anticipated competition at the Finals this year with 50 riders vying for the number one spot. I'm looking really looking forward to what will prove to be an amazing competition."
The Devoucoux Hunter Derby, a division of the Marshall & Sterling League, has been one of the most prominent classes being offered at select Marshall & Sterling League member shows for riders to earn qualifying points in order to compete at the National League Finals this September (15-19) at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, NY.
The Marshall & Sterling League was designed to enhance the level of competition for children and adult riders, with an opportunity to qualify for a prestigious National Finals competition. Now celebrating their 20th year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition.
Riders who are members of the League have the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes in order to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, which will be held this year from September 16-19 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
For more information on the Marshall & Sterling League, contact Patti Guerriero, League Coordinator, at patti@hitsshows.com.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm.
An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling has been recognized by IIABA as one of the nation's top "Best Practice Agencies." The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact Mary Moeller at 800-836-3046, extension 224.
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