Anna Tyler put the finishing touch on an outstanding season in Traverse City by winning alongside Shades Of Grey in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, held during the second week of the Tournament of Champions. This result marked her fourth victory of 2026 in a competition of this kind.
The female rider and the mare owned by Fairway Ranch LLC scored 89 and 92 in the hunt-and-go format. Their mark of 92 in the handy section was the highest of the competition and allowed them to achieve a total of 181 points, enough to top a leaderboard made up of around thirty combinations.
Tyler explained that having two horses in the competition allowed him to prepare well for his second round. Regarding Shades Of Grey, with whom he has been working for about a year, he highlighted the horse's ability to handle the handy section, where he was able to execute one of the inside turns with precision.
The victory was decided by a single point. Elizabeth Rinehart and Soirée took second position with 180 points, whilst Halie Robinson and Lifestyle completed the podium. Anna Tyler's consistency throughout the circuit also enabled her to receive the Leading Junior Hunter Rider Bonus, endowed with 5,000 dollars.
The day also produced other notable results in the Hunter rings. Darby Mullally and Glasgow secured the championship in The James Family Children’s Hunter division after winning all of the weekend's over-fences classes, in addition to the under-saddle class and the Children’s Hunter Classic. Cora Botke and Fitzgerald finished as reserve champions.
In the $1,000 Orvella Junior/Amateur Owner 3’3” Hunter Classic, victory went to Charlotte Colter and Camelia. Alexandria Saint-Dennis and Insta-Graham finished in second position, ahead of Alexandra Unzens and Pantalo.
Meanwhile, Abaigeal Musser and High Style won the Great Lakes Golf Cars Low Adult Hunter Classic with 157 points. Linda Viens and Elliott finished second, while Kristen Bell and Harlequin finished third.
From Wednesday 16 September, the Tournament of Champions enters its final week, which will feature among its main events the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup CSI5*-W of Traverse City for the American Gold Cup, with a prize fund of 340,000 dollars.
