Of the 57 entries that took on Friday, November 7’s $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur classes, one rider stood out among them all: Aedan Mooney.
The young rider from Golden, Colo., finished both first and second in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur – Section A before also returning to take the win in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur – Section B, both sponsored by CALLIDAE.
In the first section, Mooney’s victory came aboard Nuance, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding that she piloted to scores of 86 and 90 for a 176 winning total. Riding Lifetime, Mooney earned an overall score of 174.5 (86.5+88) to also take home second place. Rounding out the top three in the class with a score of 172.25 (84.75+87.5) was Emme Tangen riding Sinatra.
He’s eight years old. We’ve had him since, I think February this year. We imported him early this year. He’s super incredible. We had a cool journey this year. We just moved up to the three, three a couple of weeks ago, so he’s stepped up amazing and he’s so fun to ride. His jump is amazing, so I really enjoyed him.”
In the $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur – Section B, Mooney’s win came aboard her partner of roughly four years, Valor. The pair earned scores of 88 and 92 on their way to a commanding win with an overall score of 180. Second place with scores of 84.5 and 89 for a 173.5 total went to Sloane Hollingshead and Enegren. Chloe Eynon and Exquisite RW took home third with a score of 173 (86 + 87).
“Valor is such an incredible partner,” said Aedan Mooney. “He’s so game for everything. He’s probably my heart horse…All of the horses I rode today are super incredible athletes.”
Friday’s full hunter derby lineup at National Sunshine Series 2 also featured two sections of $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Open competition, sponsored by Fobi. In Section A, the win went to frequent top derby finishers Jenny Karazissis and Big Shot. In Section B, the top honor went to Lindsay Ransom and Only Good Vibes.
To view results of all of the derby classes held on November 7 at Desert International Horse Park, visit dihp.showgroundslive.com.