Lexington, KY – July 31, 2024 – The professional hunter divisions kicked off the week as the Kentucky Summer Classic got underway at the Kentucky Horse Park. The best of the best proved to be junior rider Kate Hagerty with her talented mount Magic Moment. After earning the Green 3’9”/High Performance Hunter division’s championship prize, the duo also returned center ring to accept the Professional Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
After earning a championship tricolor in the Junior Hunters last week during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, the duo is now preparing for the 2024 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, which will be during the Bluegrass Festival in August.
“It is so cool [to win Grand] – it’s definitely intimidating,” noted Hagerty. “It’s my first time ever doing this division on him, so it was really fun and especially a good feeling going into Derby Finals too.”
Kate Hagerty and Magic Moment
During the first two days of competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic, Magic Moment showcased brilliance and consistency. Hagerty and Magic Moment won two over fences classes during the Green 3’9”/High Performance Hunter division before going on to win the under saddle to claim the championship prize. Magic Moment’s impeccable performance was also rewarded with the Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Magic Moment is a 13-year-old KWPN gelding by Diarado was purchased by the Hagerty Family just one year ago after the 2023 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships. Showcasing his versatility, he went on to earn third place at the 2023 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final with Hagerty, and has now earned another chance to compete at the Derby Championships.
“He’s such a special horse and he’s given me so many opportunities,” expressed Hagerty. “He was champion last weekend in the Junior Hunters, and then he’s off until Derby finals. Then I think he’ll start getting back into the equitation for finals!”
Hagerty was excited to be at the Kentucky Horse Park concluding, “I think the horses really like it here, and I love the field. The way it’s set up and the competition, it’s a really fun show.”
The Kentucky Summer Classic will feature more hunter action this week, including Saturday’s $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and $7,500 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby. Many riders have gathered to prepare for the 2024 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship, the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, and the 2024 USEF Pony Finals, which will all take place in August at the Kentucky Horse Park.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.