The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Classic, sponsored by Summerfield Farm and recognizing the Equestrian Aid Foundation, featured two rounds of competition on Nov. 25 with a win for Daryl Portela and James B. Pirtle Enterprises Inc.’s Winner.
Cheering spectators filled the stands throughout the class of 43 rides in the first round and a returning 12 for the Handy class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during the South Florida Hunter Jumper Association Charity Horse Show.
In a very close competition, Portela and Winner ended up tied with Holly Orlando and Biale’, owned by Catherine Nicholas, overall, but their second round score put them on top.
Portela and Winner, trained by Jimmy Torano, scored an 86.5 and then a 92 for their 178.5 total and the win. Orlando and Biale’ scored a 90 and 88.5 for their 178.5 and second place honors. Third went to Kelley Farmer. See all the results here.
EAF board members R. Bruce Duchossois and Monique Keitz, who also is a member of the SFHJA board, awarded the winning blue ribbon to Daryl Portela and Winner. The pair also won the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ division for the week and Portela was named Best Amateur Rider.
“He has been great; we have been on a roll,” she smiled.
It was an emotional win for Portela whose father, James B. Pirtle, passed away recently. “It has been hard,” Portela said. “He was a great supporter of the SFHJA and we are going to donate a memorial perpetual trophy to the show next year for this class, so it is really nice that I won it this year.”
It’s confirmed that the 2013 derby will be a recognized USHJA International Hunter Derby. We can hardly wait!
SFHJA is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) organization, established in 1959. For more than 40 years, the Charity Horse Show has raised hundreds of thousands for local Charities, including A-T Children’s Project, Danny & Ron’s Rescue, Equestrian Aid Foundation, Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida, and Pure Thoughts, Inc. Horse and Foal Rescue.
Equestrian Aid Foundation | 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 22-377 | Wellington | FL | 33414