By Linda Fox

HARRODSBURG, Ky. - Approximately 260 walking horses worked for the nod from Enoree, South Carolina’s judge Bobby Kellett and Kodak, Tennessee’s judge Steve Woody, who alternated the judging duties at the Derby Day Classic, which was held May 2-3 at the emaculate Mercer County Fairgrounds. VMOs were present for the entire show causing a few classes to have only one entry and some others to have no entries at all. Proceeds from the show go to further the cause of the Central Kentucky Riding For The Handicapped, which relies solely on donated funds.

Kicking off the competition was the Juveniles On Country Pleasure Horses class. Tyler Oliver aboard Generator’s Black Glory took home the blue in this class.

Emma Jones carried the Equitation medal back to the 7th Heaven crew, who waited for her at the exit gait.

Lisa Patton directed her talented Flashy’s Mr. Threat tot he Amateur Walking Mare and Gelding title for the Sweet Revenge Stables.

The Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding division saw Keith Blackburn and Dance At The Ritz take home the blue for the Tommy Grider family.

No Stranger to the winner’s circle, the team of Elegance Pride and Kathy Owen were named the winners of the Amateur Show Pleasure division, topping one of the largest c;asses of the evening.

The Two-Year-Old Stallion class found Kevin Luttrell and I’m The Bachelor wearing the roses.

Don Hancock directed his Howdy Doody to the blue in the Amateur Country Pleasure division.

Next, Tim Gray directed the Bud Thomas owned Dangerous TNT to the Open Specialty honors.

The Two-Year-Old Plantation c;ass found Jason Lawrence and Major General’s Gambler making the victory pass.

Nicole Jones directed Third Rate Romance to the Juvenile 17 and Under blue for owners Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Jones.

Kevin Luttrell came back to take another two-year-old title, this time in the mare and gelding division aboard Generator’s In The Money for proud owner Charlene Cook.

Courtney Griffith directed another Luttrell trained property, Nightwatch, to the Amateur 15.2 and Under Specialty division for proud owner Shirley Judd.

In the Four-Year-Old Amateur competition, Shannon Snodgrass directed her newly acquired Judge Judy Justice to the blue.

Fresh from their Panama City, Fla., win, Silvers Spinal Tap and Jared Carrier were at it again. They took the Amateur Plantation Lite-Shod Specialty division by storm.

Back in the showring after an eight year absence, Donald Todd directed Pay To Play to the KSOA Two-Year-Old title.

Next, talented rider Kim Butler directed the fancy Clutch’s Custom Cut to the Ladies Amateur Walking blue for Kermit and JoAnn Tyree.

Plantation Pleasure talent Wham! came in for his first blue of the show to take Kim Smith to the amateur title. Later he would carry trainer Mike Anasis to the Plantation Stake roses.

Brent Grider directed Cotton Club to the Aged Mare and Gelding title for the Mark Antle family.

The sparkling talent I’m Silver Too took proud owner Dr. David Ransom to the Three-Year-Old Amateur winner’s circle.

Todd Woolridge owner/exhibitor directed Hack’s Royal to the winner’s circle in Amateur Novice competition.

The Ref and Justin Isaacs made a good ride taking home the blue in the Juvenile 11 and Under class.

John Jackson made the gate call to direct White On White’s JFK to the Four-Year-Old Plantation blue.

The Juvenile 12-17 classes found Hannah Smith and Marlon Brando making the victory pass.

On The Money carried trainer Scott Beaty to the winner’s circle for the 15.2 title for Double Springs Farm.

The talented Mr. Jingles carried Don Hancock proud owner/exhibitor to the Three-Year-Old Plantation laurels.

Todd Claiborn directed the hard walking Stormin Through Dixie to the Four-Year-Old Open silver for the Kermit Tyree family.

Mandie Napier and her fancy I’m Pushin walked to the winner’s circle in the 17 and Under Pony competition.

Brandye Mills rode Delight’s Stolen Cash to capture the Show Pleasure Specialty title for owner Lisa Johnson.

Fresh off of their Ladies Auxiliary blue, Abby Fox and command’s Wild Card wore the floral horse shoe as they claimed the Open Amateur title.

R.C. Gabeheart made a smooth ride as he took the Amateur Owned and Trained title.

Trainer Tim Gray made the trip from Shelbyville, Tenn., to capture the Walking Horse Stake aboard the perennial great Master Miracle for Harold Rose family of Dallas, Pa. Reserve honors went to Cash’s Duke directed by Rocky McCoy for Cherie Troutman of Lagrange, Ky.