The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association released the specifications for the 2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, to be held Aug. 19-20 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.
The competition will follow a similar format to the previous two years, with the top 75 horses in the series from the 2010-2011 season invited to compete in the qualifying round on Aug. 19. The top 25 horses from the qualifying round will return for the classic round on Aug. 20 with a clean slate, and the top 12 of those horses will compete in the handy round. The total points from the classic and handy rounds will determine the overall placings.
Last year’s competition was held in the indoor Alltech Arena due to upgrades at the Horse Park in preparation for the Alltech/FEI World Equestrian Games, but the 2011 Finals will return to the outdoor Sheila C. Johnson Arena, the site of the inaugural Finals.
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The new specifications clarify tie-breaking procedures at the Finals and call for two jogs: one on Aug. 18 and another on Aug. 20 for the 25 horses advancing to the classic and handy rounds.
On June 5, Devon (Pa.) hosted the final derby in the 2010-2011 series. Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano were the winners.
