When Ken Berkley broke his foot a week before the end of circuit, he reluctantly planned to scratch his seasoned grand prix partner Carlos Boy from the $50,000 ASG Software Solutions USHJA International Hunter Derby, March 28-29.
But Berkley’s partner Scott Stewart decided to take a turn aboard the gray gelding for owner Krista Weisman, and the last-minute decision paid off with Carlos Boy finishing third, the best of Stewart’s five rides.
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The Holsteiner (Campesino—Flieder II) floated around the handy course in beautiful style without twitching an ear, unimpressed by the ado that perked up the rest of the competitors.
“He’s a grand prix horse, but he goes like a hunter, so it was pretty simple for him,” said Stewart, who won last year’s derby on Keli Colby’s Lazy Sunday. “He went around like he’d been doing it his whole life. I’d flatted him a few times, but I didn’t jump him until just before the class. Ken was there to watch, and hopefully he’ll be back riding in a few weeks. I couldn’t give up the opportunity to do the class with him.”
