Hailey Guidry and Symbolic Garner $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Lamplight Spring Spectacular I
The first week of the Lamplight Spring Spectacular is underway at HITS Chicago, where hunters took center stage on Friday during the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Hailey Guidry showcased her new mount Symbolic’s talent during the handy round, earning a score of 91 for a two-round total of 180 to lead the lap of honor at the end of the day. Tina Judge-Boyle followed in second place with Afelix Dell’a, while Guidry also claimed the third-place prize with her second mount, Cornet’s Sunshine.
Twenty-six entries gathered at the Main Hunter Ring to compete in the classic round of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby designed by Dean Battaglia, which featured four high options. The top 12 were invited to return for the handy round, where they cantered directly to the first high option oxer before rolling back to the trot fence. Riders had two more opportunities to highlight their mounts’ handiness before continuing to the final line towards the gate.
Although Guidry only began riding Symbolic two months ago, she felt confident making all the inside turns with the talented 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Bella Kay. “The plan [during the handy round] was to go inside everywhere,” said Guidry. “Symbolic is amazing, and he is very tidy with his turns. We were just going for it and making all the inside turns!”
Guidry added, “He’s the sweetest boy ever. I’ve had him for about two months now, and we’ve really clicked very well.”
Tina Judge-Boyle and Afelix Dell’a earned the second-place award, earning a score of 173. They narrowly edged out Guidry and Cornet’s Sunshine, who earned a score of 172.5 and the third-place prize. At the end of the day, Guidry returned with Symbolic for the traditional victory gallop at the Lamplight Equestrian Center.
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