David Wilbur and Four Aces Hold All the Cards in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by Great American Insurance Group
The Ocala Winter Classic, the fourth week of the 2026 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, brought an added level of prestige to HITS Post Time Farm with a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation. Featuring an action-packed schedule of elite hunter classes, the week attracted top riders from across the country vying for national recognition. Among the numerous highlights was the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, on Friday, February 6, where David Wilbur and Four Aces delivered a masterful performance to claim victory with a combined score of 378.
The competition was fierce from the start as 38 talented horse-and-rider combinations navigated the intricately designed course by Chris Jones, Maja Lindemann, and Doug Russell. Overseen by esteemed judges Scott Fitton, representing the first panel, and Geoff Case, for the second panel, the class began with a flowing classic round that highlighted style and technique. From the first round, the top 12 duos then returned in reverse order of merit to contest the handy round designed to reward boldness and precision. Riders of all levels — from juniors and amateurs to seasoned professionals — brought their A-game, making for an exciting showdown.
Wilbur and Four Aces returned for the handy round in third place after earning a stellar first-round score of 186, including an 88.5 from the first panel and an 89.5 from the second, plus four bonus points from each panel for high option fences jumped throughout the course. The pair then sealed the deal with an impeccable handy round, moving up two places. With base scores of 87 and 89, plus another four points for high options, and an additional eight bonus points for handiness, they solidified their spot at the top of the class.
“He’s the most amazing horse I’ve ever ridden in my life, and I’ve ridden a lot of horses,” enthused Wilbur, who earned reserve champion in the $50,000 WCHR Professional Finals at the 2024 Capital Challenge Horse Show. “He keeps getting better and better every time out there. I think he really has a lot of fun and just wants to try harder and harder.”
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