Amanda Derbyshire Clinches Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider

Credit: Jump Media

Amanda Derbyshire Clinches Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider


Great Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire claimed the Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Award during week three of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Saturday night, January 25, in Wellington, FL.

A double-clear performance for a fourth-place finish in Saturday night’s $137,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI3* riding Cornwall BH, a 12-year-old Holsteiner stallion (Con Air x Cambridge), clinched the leading lady title for Derbyshire. A testament to her consistency in the show ring, Derbyshire returned to familiar territory after winning the honor twice last year to secure the Overall Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider title for 2019.

“Winning this award is fantastic, and I’m delighted,” said Derbyshire, who is back in the ring with Cornwall BH, owned by Gochman Sport Horses, after a two-month rest. “This was his first real outing, and he really stepped up to the plate. I have to thank my whole team for that because nights like this are hard to come by.”

Along with her week three Leading Lady Rider title, Derbyshire was presented with a bottle of champagne, a bouquet of flowers, and a gift certificate for a shopping spree at Hunt, Ltd. by sponsor Martha W. Jolicoeur, who was joined by her daughter, Isabel Jolicoeur, and her fiancé, Dr. Stephen Norton, for the presentation.

“Martha is so kind to offer this award,” said Derbyshire, a team bronze medalist at the 2019 European Championships. “It’s fun to try and win it, and it’s a brilliant feeling when you do!”

Throughout WEF, the Martha Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Award, given in memory of fellow realtor and horseman Dale Lawler, is presented weekly to the high-score female rider based on performances in the weekly WEF Challenge Cup Series and grand prix events. During the 12th and final week of competition, the Martha Jolicoeur Overall Leading Lady Rider Award will be presented to the female rider who accumulates the most points throughout the season. So far this year, U.S. rider Lillie Keenan has clinched the first two titles to sit firmly at the top of the overall standings.