Megan Edrick and Cadence through the famous St. Louis Arch.
Farmer dominated the Derby ribbons with Bases Loaded in the top spot and Red Sky following right behind. Sarah Milliren captured the top honors in the ASPCA Regional Maclay Finals aboard Don Stewart's Terrapin Station. And Megan Edrick not only won the $25,000 Grand Prix with Cadence, but also was part of Milliren's training team.
Scheduled to take place in the outdoor Grand Prix ring, the $15,000 Derby was forced indoors by the inclement weather and was judged by a panel comprised of Linda Andrisani, Frank Conway, Alex Jayne and Carl Hansen. Luckily, the show grounds at the venue offer a large indoor ring. "All my boys were awesome for me in the Derby," said Farmer. Bases Loaded, who also does the Small Junior Hunters, counts the Charity as his fourth Derby win. "I'm really lucky to have such a wonderful group of horses, who all have won Derbies, to ride," she added. "Show management was terrific all week, very exhibitor friendly, and did a great job of rebuilding an excellent course inside," she commented.
"There were quite a few contenders going into the handy," said Andrisani. "Bases Loaded was very consistent in both rounds and accumulated quite a few bonus points," she continued. "The bonus points in the Derby definitely impact which rider wins. Plus, the winning team executed the challenging handy course well." Jayne agreed with both of Andrisani's observations, adding, "There was a lot of really good jumping in the Derby, and any one of five horses could have won after the first round. The handy was definitely challenging and Based Loaded was the most consistent in both rounds and got the job done."
Richard Jeffery had designed a Derby course for the Grand Prix Ring, but when the weather necessitated a move inside, Allen Rheinheimer had to create a new course suitable for the indoor ring. "I tried to create courses that allowed the riders to present their horses well for the judges," explained Rheinheimer. "As a course designer, it's great to build courses for such good horses."
Trained by the team of Joey Brumbaugh and Don Stewart, Maclay Winner Milliren was a stand out in the judges' eyes. "She was the only one who truly nailed the course," commented Andrisani. "She executed the course beautifully and I think the crowd saw the same thing." Course Designer Rheinheimer created an immediate challenge for the riders with a forward first line, which was an oxer to a triple bar, going away from the gate. "The first line separated a lot of the kids," said Rheinheimer, "particularly since they had to establish control immediately after the forward line."
Jayne agreed, "Sarah demonstrated excellent control of her horse which set her apart from the pack. She galloped up the first line and then finessed getting him back."
Both Andrisani and Jayne agreed that with the combination of her performance over fences and in the flat phase, there was no need for a test. Andrisani pointed out that with the flat phase being 50 percent of the overall score, executing both phases well is key. "People often forget that," she observed.
Milliren's home base is with Oklahoma trainer Brumbaugh. "I'd love to take credit for Sarah's riding, but she's a natural who's also a really hard worker," commented Brumbaugh. "Not only does she take care of her own horses, she also willingly pitches in to help around the barn. Plus, Don Stewart's an integral part of the team," he added. "Sarah won the Hunterdon Cup under Don's tutelage and will train with him at Capital Challenge. I'll join them for the rest of the Indoor circuit."
Stewart agreed about Milliren's attitude and ability. "She's an attentive, serious student with great timing and feel," he commented. "Riders really had to think on course - there were lots of places to make mistakes. The jumps came up quickly and there were several places requiring collection after forward lines."
"I'm beyond happy and this was very unexpected," said a beaming Milliren. "I rode Terrapin Station for the first time the day before the Regionals and he was perfect for the class. I really appreciate Don letting me ride such a great horse." She, too, commented on the first line. "The first line was probably the biggest challenge of the class. You had to be on your pace from the very beginning."
"It was a great show for us," Stewart said. "In addition to Sarah's success, Megan Edrick won the Grand Prix with Cadence. Richard Jeffery designed a Grand Prix course that was challenging enough to separate the riders without being over the top. Plus, I always enjoy the atmosphere at the Charity with the warm hospitality, enthusiastic crowds, decorated ringside boxes inside and tailgate parking outside. It's really an event."