Thermal, Calif. – Michael Dennehy and Hulla-Balou kicked off their 10th show season together with a win in the $40,000 Platinum Performance USHJA International Hunt & Go Derby held on Friday, January 23, on the Grass Field at Desert International Horse Park.
Michael Dennehy and Hulla-Balou. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I am so blessed to have the ride on such an amazing horse!” said Dennehy of the 16-year-old Westphalian gelding, owned by Dana Vollbracht. “He’s like a fine wine; he just gets better with age. When we were walking the course today, I was thinking back to our first derby out here three or four years ago. [That time] my eyes were as big as saucers, and his eyes were as big as saucers…Over the years, we’ve had a lot of opportunities to compete, and I’ve learned so much. He’s just like an old glove these days.”
With the strength of their long-time partnership on their side, Dennehy and Hulla-Balou jumped to scores of 93 and 94 to take the win with an overall score of 187. Finishing in second place with a score of 182.75 (88.75+94) were Chelsea Brittner and Aoki, owned by Greenley Achuck. Third place in the 27-horse field went to Jason Mc Ardle with a score of 181.5 (89+02.5) aboard Kim Regis’ Hakuna Matata Batilly.
“This is the first time that we’ve done a hunt & go style international derby,” said Dennehy. “I thought Skip Bailey did a great job as always with the course. It was interesting. I thought it was extremely inviting. It was the first derby of the season really; so, I thought it was a great job on his part.”
Michael Dennehy and Hulla-Balou earned the win in the $40,000 Platinum Performance USHJA International Hunt & Go Derby. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Dennehy continued, “I’m again just so fortunate – not only to have a great horse but to have his owner, Dana Vollbracht. Without her, none of this would be happening. She has been the second owner of this horse, and she has just continued what his first owner, Renee Howard, did and started all those years ago. I also want to give a shoutout to Karen Healey; without her guidance and hours of tireless work, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
With a first USHJA International Derby win for the year under the belts during Desert Circuit 3, Dennehy plans to continue to point Hulla-Balou at the featured hunter offerings throughout Desert Circuit. Next on that agenda is Desert Circuit 5 – a World Championship Hunter Rider week featuring the $25,000 DIHP Under Saddle Championship and much more.
For all results from the $40,000 Platinum Performance USHJA International Hunt & Go Derby, click here.
With 10 weeks of top-caliber competition, Desert Circuit at Desert International Horse Park continues through March 15, 2026. To learn more, visit deserthorsepark.com.