French Strikes Gold In Las Vegas
French and Valentino BF Dominate Green Hunter Divisions in Las Vegas
November 14, 2025 at 12:14 PMBy h.orlando
John French continued his winning ways at the Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships being held in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa. This time his success came with Valentino BF (Vagabond De La Pomme x Calida BF), a five year old stallion bred by close friend and former student, KC Branscomb.
The talented chestnut was hard to beat with a championship in the Green Hunter 3’3 division, top call in the Green Hunter 3’/3’3 Classic and an impressive victory in the $25,000 National Hunt and Go Derby held in the main arena on Tuesday night. John complimented the young stallion on his great canter, good balance and relaxed way of going. He also noted how nice it is to see an American-bred horse with so much quality and ability. Karli Postel and Sarah Moberg were hot on John’s heels in the derby with Azucar and Caramba, respectively. They finished second and third by the smallest of margins.
In The End and Mia Campf were the reserve champions in the Green Hunter 3’3 division with a win in the handy. Trouvaille and Sarah Moberg took home the championship in the Green Hunter 3’ with Outspoken and Kari Swainston the runner up. Cheers! and Molly Graham were the Green Hunter 3’6/3’9 champions closely followed by SWS Cora and Bailey Fuller. The National Championships will continue through Sunday November 16.
Photo credits: USHJA
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