Buffalo, NY -This weekend, SBS Farms traveled to Antioch, IL, to showcase their talented mounts during the 2011 $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby presented by CN, held at Annali Farm. Professional rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano caught everyone's attention during the two-day show, successfully winning the first round of the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Jersey Boy and the USHJA National Hunter Classic aboard Rose Hill.

The first event, the USHJA National Hunter Classic, began Saturday, September 10, featuring talented horse and rider combinations competing over a technical track of natural obstacles set to 3' with four 3'5'' high options and four handy options. It was Alfano aboard Rose Hill who stole the show during the first round as they jumped each fence in beautiful hunter form.

"This was Rose Hill's first derby of any kind," Alfano noted. "I was really happy with her performance, she went beautifully, and really enjoyed it." Alfano has been working with her over the last two years, and feels that although there is still a long way to go, Rose Hill is definitely learning and growing with experience. Alfano has been the only one to ride or show the mare, and their time together has allowed them to be very successful in the show ring.

Alfano also rode Sting to the fifth place award during the USHJA National Hunter Classic. "Sting has been out for the last two years, and the Chicago Derby was his comeback. He did beautifully during the first round and although he struggled a little during the handy, I think with more work he'll be showing in the International Derbies next year," Alfano described.

Sunday morning, the USHJA $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby got underway. Alfano rode Jersey Boy easily over the first round, claiming the top score and moving into the second round as one of the favorites. Alfano also rode her chestnut gelding, Michigan Avenue, winning the eighth place award. Her third mount of the class, Miss Lucy, claimed the seventh place award.

"I think that Jersey Boy and I know each other so well at this point, that we know what to expect of each other. He went beautiful in the first round and really enjoyed it out there, all of my horses did. The Chicago Derby is our favorite, and honestly, I would consider it the best. It is so beautiful and well done that everybody has a great time," Alfano concluded.

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms' Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation's most prestigious horse shows. Adding to their numerous accolades, Schoellkopf and Alfano both recently received prestigious awards; Schoellkopf was presented with the USHJA Presidents Distinguished Service Award, while Alfano was the highest grossing Hunter Rider in the country, as she earned over $400,000 last year.

For more information on SBS Farms, please visit www.thebtrc.org.