Jane Cimaroli and Matilda with trainer Margaret Clayton and Alltech representative Cory Douglas. Photo Andrew Ryback Photography
Showplace Productions hosted the $2,500 Alltech USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Final as part of the Illinois Hunter Jumper Association (IHJA) championship weekend. The derby was part of a series that took place at Ledges Sporting Horses in Roscoe, Illinois.
Jane Cimaroli, 11, of Glencoe, Illinois, took the top spot in the class after receiving the highest handy round score of 85 to take the lead with a total of 165. The pair has been together for about 15 months now and will add this victory to their resume which includes being the top finishing small pony at the National Derby finals in July and placing 15th in the Pony Medal at Pony Finals. The win is bittersweet as Cimaroli will be moving on to a medium pony for next year so this was her last show with the pony. Matilda is leased from Elizabeth Lampert.
Fist pump from the winner Jane Cimaroli during the victory gallop! Photo Andrew Ryback Photography
Cimaroli rides at Palladia Farm with trainer Margaret Clayton. The pair has been competing in the pony derbies throughout the year. Cimaroli says “Tilly” is a very fun pony to ride in the derbies because she has an enormous step, tons of scope, and is both brave and sweet.
“What I like best about riding with Margaret Clayton is that she encourages us to keep improving as riders and challenges each of us to become the best rider we can. I prepared for this class today by focusing on my plan and how to execute it,” said Cimaroli.
Malin Dycus and Keepin' It Cool jumped to second place after a great handy round. Photo Andrew Ryback Photography
Malin Dycus and Keepin’ It Cool finished in second place after moving up the ladder with a handy round score of 82 to add to her first round score of 78 and a grand total of 160. Dycus rides at Deerwood Farm in Barrington, Illinois.
Bailey Paige Anderson and Glenhaven Small Talk rounded out the top three places. Photo Andrew Ryback Photography
Bailey Paige Anderson and Glenhaven Small Talk rounded out the top three with consistent scores of 75 and 72. Anderson also rode Stonewall From Above to an eighth place ribbon.
Earning the highest first round score was Julia Capozzi and Tell Me, scoring an 85 for the early lead. The duo ended up in seventh place.
Show manager Pat Boyle likes to provide these championship opportunities to young riders to help them prepare for bigger competition in their riding careers. Pony riders have the chance to compete in the IHJA Medal Finals on Sunday. Once again they will get to ride in the huge grand prix ring for a chance at the championship title.
These photos only to be used in relation to this release.
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