Toledano, Mavis Take Top Honors at Upperville Show

Consistency proved the winning formula for Cle Toledano and Mavis (Gattopardo—Tidal Change, by Runaway Groom), as the pair capped off a dominant week by claiming the Take2 Thoroughbred Jumper Championship at the 2026 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by Mars Equestrian. Two victories and a third-place finish across the division propelled Toledano and her longtime partner to the championship title beneath the oaks at Upperville. "This is such a beautiful opportunity to appreciate the relationship with my barefoot, no maintenance, off-the-track Thoroughbred mare," said Toledano, an equine veterinarian from Philomont, Va. "Mavis always nudges me to keep up with her!" In the day's featured class, the $8,000 Ross Group of RBC Wealth Management Upperville Thoroughbred Jumper Classic, Jill Smith of Lovettsville, Va., and event horse Cinnamon Bay (Bernardini—With Sugar on Top, by Unbridled's Song) delivered when it mattered most. One of only two riders to leave every rail in place through both rounds, Thomas piloted her mount to a pair of efficient double-clear performances, topping a field of 13 entries to secure the victory. "Even though Cinnamon Bay is an event horse, we love coming to Upperville to practice our show jumping in an atmosphere," said Smith, who operates her business at Fox Covert Farm, less than a mile from the showgrounds. "It is even sweeter to get the win in this class showcasing how amazing Thoroughbreds are. I'm thankful for the show and sponsors for supporting this class and to Godolphin for breeding a fabulous horse." For more information on the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, visit www.upperville.com. Other sponsors of the 2026 show 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. Hunter Derby Result 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!" The Thoroughbred Hunter Derby was sponsored by Tisbury Stud, Salem Oaks Farm and Anne Hormel.