06/03/2026
The highlight event of the 2026 Upperville C**t & Horse Show on Tuesday afternoon was the inaugural $25,000 Thoroughbred Hunter Derby. The class was held under the oaks in the Parker Ring, and was one of the major initiatives of the newly revived USHJA Thoroughbred Task Force. The event was a huge hit, with over 55 Thoroughbreds showcasing their skills in front of a packed crowd. Sue Lyman claimed the winning title aboard Kenington Court with a score of 173.5, just narrowly edging out second-place finishers Caden Nolt and Gio Lemon, who scored a 173. Madison Barnett rounded out the top three Comin' Back after earning a score of 164.
Lyman, who is a member of the new Task Force and longtime champion of Thoroughbreds in the show ring, was thrilled about the success of the event and noted that winning was just “icing on the cake.”
“The excitement from all the people that were here, and being able to ride in this ring and show with good footing, good judges at a real horse show is so special,” smiled Lyman after her win. “I just wanted to have fun, have a good class, and have a lot of people show up and have a good time. Kensington Court has been outshone by his stablemate, Ifwhizkycouldtalk, so it was really nice for him to be the winner today. He has shown here at Upperville five times and been reserve champion four times, but he's never been the winner, so I'm happy for him.”
📎 Read more at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2026/06/02/sue-lyman-and-kensington-court-conquer-inaugural-25000-thoroughbred-hunter-derby-at-upperville-colt-horse-show/
📸 © Cavaletti Consulting/Rebecca Walton
