First-Time Derby Win Highlights Desert Circuit 2 for Gabriela Pattinson
Grass Field victory marks milestone moments for rider
January 17, 2026 at 8:41 PMBy b.wehner
Friday proved to be a career-defining day at Desert International Horse Park as Gabriela Pattinson captured her first-ever USHJA National Hunter Derby victory during Desert Circuit 2. Competing on the Grass Field, she rose to the occasion in her respective $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby, delivering confident performances that earned them top honors.
Pattinson claimed her inaugural derby win in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Open, sponsored by CWD Sellier, aboard Cat’s Meow. The pair impressed judges Jeanne Marie Dunford-Miller and Keith Hastings with a polished and forward round that showcased the gelding’s quality and scope. Their performance earned standout scores of 92 and 94, producing a winning total of 186.
Second place in the competitive 34-horse field went to Jason McArdle and Enrique, owned by Anisa Pourteymour, who finished with a combined score of 182 (90, 92). Emily Esau Williams rounded out the podium aboard McKee Sport Horses LLC’s Star Quality, earning third place with a total score of 181.25 (88.75, 92.5).
Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
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