Jake Evans and Kandoo PJ Shine in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by Great American Insurance Group During WCHR Week at HITS Chicago
Summertime III, the third week of the 2026 HITS Chicago Summer Show Series on July 15-19, 2026, brought an added level of prestige to Lamplight Equestrian Center with its World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation. Featuring a full schedule of elite hunter action, the week drew top riders from across the country in pursuit of valuable WCHR points and national recognition. As the smoky conditions from the Canadian wildfires cleared, exhibitors welcomed a return to ideal competition. One of the week’s marquee events was Saturday’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, where professional rider Jake Evans and Kandoo PJ turned in a standout performance to capture the win.
With winning honors on the line, the competition was fierce as an even dozen talented horse-and-rider combinations navigated the intricately designed course by Andy Christiansen of Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Overseen by esteemed judges Lauren Schweppe and Lyman T. Whitehead, the class began with a flowing classic round that highlighted style and technique. From the first round, the duos then returned in reverse order of merit to contest the handy round designed to reward boldness and precision. Evans and Kandoo PJ entered the handy round in pole position after earning an impressive first-round score of 86, plus four bonus points from each panel for successfully navigating the high option fences. The pair then sealed the deal in the handy round, posting a score of 85, additionally earning three more bonus points for the high options, and another three for handiness.
“I was riding him this morning to prepare for the class, and I just kept speaking it into existence,” laughed Evans . “I kept saying, ‘This is going to be his first international derby win and my first international derby win.’ I could just feel it.”
The victory marked a milestone for both horse and rider. Evans has only been partnered with Kandoo PJ, Equestrian Dreams LLC’s 10-year-old stallion (Kannan x Contender), since the end of the winter season.
Read more:
