UPPERVILLE, Va., June 3, 2026 — Sue Lyman and Kensington Court captured the victory in Tuesday’s inaugural $25,000 Upperville Thoroughbred Hunter Derby at the 2026 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™. Showcasing the athleticism, versatility, and second-career success of Thoroughbreds, the new feature class drew top horse-and-rider combinations to the historic Parker Ring, where Lyman of Middleburg, Va. and the 14-year-old gelding delivered the winning performance to etch their names into Upperville history on a score of 173.5.
Caden Nolt and Gio Lemon (Gio Ponte- Bitter Lomon, by Lemon Drop Kid) earned second place on a score of 173, while Madison Barnett and Comin’ Back (Competitive Edge- Maydell, by Sky Classic) finished third with 164 points.
Lyman, who co-owns Kensington Court (Giants Causeway-Backseat Rhythm, by El Corredor) with Catherine Brown of Washington, D.C., serves on the USHJA Thoroughbred Task Force, which was recently brought back into action to create new opportunities to showcase Thoroughbreds at shows across the country.
“I’m so excited,” Lyman grinned. “I was hoping to have some fun and have a good turnout for this class, and everybody seems really happy and super excited!”
After the first round, Lyman sat in third place behind Wyatt’s Joy (Kitten’s Joy- O’Bella Ballerina, by Fusaichi Pegasus) and Mary Ficklin and Whiskey Chaser (Danza- Electrick Kitty, by Tale of the Cat) and Katherine Van Der Rest. Caden Nolt and Gio Lemon laid down a brilliant handy trip to take the lead, but Lyman’s slick, accurate performance in the handy round earned a score of 86, narrowly edging Nolt for the win.
Kensington Court was a stakes-placed steeplechase horse for former owner Oakwood Stable, Upperville, Va., and Middleburg trainer Julie Gomena, notching wins over hurdles at Saratoga, Fair Hill and Colonial Downs before transitioning out of racing with Lyman and establishing his own solid record in the show ring.
“Kensington Court has been Reserve Champion at Upperville four times,” explained Lyman. “But he has been outshone by his stable mate Ifwhizkeycouldtalk, so I am extremely excited for him to be the winner here today!”
Click here to see the full results.
The Thoroughbred Hunter Derby was sponsored by Tisbury Stud, Salem Oaks Farm and Anne Hormel. The Championship Cooler was sposnored by the Piedmont Fox Hounds Conservation Fund.
For more information on the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, visit www.upperville.com.
Sponsors of the 2026 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ include Ethel M. Chocolates, Dr. Betsee Parker, Michael Smith, Lugano, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, Delta Air Lines and the Postage Stamp Farm Foundation.
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About the Upperville Colt & Horse Show
The Upperville Colt & Horse Show, also known as the Upperville Horse Show and UCHS, is the oldest horse show in the U.S. Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location as 1853. UCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that supports local area charities, including the Churches of Upperville Outreach Program. For complete schedules and up-to-the-minute results, visit the website at www.upperville.com.