Hazel McLean reached a new milestone on Friday of the Canadian Premier, winning the Brown Family Child/Adult 3’ Derby with Rosalita. McLean has been partnered with the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare for just over a year, and they’re accomplishing big goals in the show ring.
“I’ve done a few national derbies but this is our first derby win together,” McLean, who is based in Vancouver, BC, shared after her win. “We’ve come second in a few but this is definitely huge for us.”
Consistency was key for the win in Friday’s class, and McLean cracked the code, earning back-to-back scores of 87 for a 174 total. Her first-round score was the highest of the group, putting her in the prime position of returning last for the handy round. While a couple riders scored higher than her in round two, she put in her best effort for another top score, completing the class five points ahead.
Finishing in second place was Nyah Brown aboard Favorite Appearance, owned by Jordan Scott, who took home a handy round score of 89 for a total of 169. Michelle James claimed third with Fleetwood, owned by Christine Maclean, after jumping to a score of 88 in the handy and a total score of 165.
Outside of derby action, McLean competes with “Rosie” in the 3’3” Junior Hunters, and they’ve been highly successful on the West Coast during their partnership so far.
“We’ve qualified for Junior Hunter Finals so we’re going in July to Del Mar,” she said of her upcoming plans. We’re going to see how that goes and then maybe the Royal at the end of the year.”
With another hunter derby on the horizon during the Odlum Brown BC Open, McLean is riding a confidence high and hopes to carry the same energy into next week. Helping feed that confidence is her trustworthy mare, who has won over everyone’s hearts.
“She is so sweet,” she continued of Rosie. “She’s an angel. Everyone loves her, including the grooms. She’s an all-time barn favorite and my parents are obsessed with her. She’s got the best demeanor.”
On Saturday, hunters will take to the Amy Brattebo Real Estate Derby for the 3′ Pre-Green and Junior/Amateur, 3’3″ Pre-Green and Junior/Amateur, and 3’6″ Open sections.
Brown Family Child/Adult 3’ Derby
Horse / Rider / Owner / Score
- Rosalita / Hazel McLean / Hazel McLean / 174
- Favorite Appearance / Nyah Brown / Jordan Scott / 169
- Fleetwood / Michelle James / Christine Maclean / 165
- Fanciful / Paige Okerstrom / Paige Okerstrom / 163
- Graffiti / Teia Fennell / Teia Fennell / 161
- Lafayette / Joni Hanson / Joni Hanson / 151
- Lando / Anne Plasterer / Anne Plasterer / 150
- Case In Point / Patty McKenna / Patty McKenna / 149
- Luxor / Kristen Robertson / Kristen Robertson / 147
- Watch Out W / Mackenzie Evans / Jordan Scott / 113
