Menlo Park, Calif.—Aug. 7

For the second year in a row, Nick Haness topped the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Menlo Charity Horse Show, this year aboard Countdown. John French took second on derby veteran Soldier, and Bert Mutch rode Dinner For Two into third. French headed into the handy round on top aboard Center Court, but a late lead change relegated that pair to fourth.

Countdown is a first year green hunter who does double duty with owner Sachi Kawabata-Porto in the amateur-owner ring. This is only his third derby, but he’s proven himself adept at the classes, winning on his first try at Blenheim Spring Classic III (Calif.) and taking second at Showpark Ranch & Coast (Calif.).

Check out lovely photos from the class by Alden Corrigan.

Nick Haness on Countdown won the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Menlo Charity Horse Show.

Derby veteran Soldier and John French claimed second in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Rebecca Reyes’ Dinner For Two and Bert Mutch rode to third in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

After winning back-to-back derbies in Oregon, Center Court and John French had to settle for fourth this time around.

Fifth place went to Stanley F and Kelly Van Vleck.

Leslie Steele placed two entries in the top seven, riding Dealmaker to sixth for Gail Ellis.

Triumph and Leslie Steele placed seventh in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Menlo Charity Horse Show.

John French rode four of the top 12 horses in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, piloting Safari to eighth.

Homestead and Kaitlyn van Konynenburg jumped to ninth.

Nick Haness and Spot On jumped their way to overall 10th.

Comissario and Kaitlyn van Konyenburg finished the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby in 11th.

Maritime jumped to 12th with John French up.