CULPEPER, VA (April 25, 2010)--Sarah Lane led the way in the first edition of the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS Culpeper when she piloted JC Kennedy's Brilliant to the top prize on Saturday at the Commonwealth National at HITS Commonwealth Park, in Culpeper, Virginia.

Lane was second in the popular two-round derby heading into the handy round aboard Kennedy's 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood and used a second-round score of 85 to take the lead and secure the blue in the class.

“It was a nice course," said Lane. "It had a good open stride and was a nice introduction for young horses and riders that are getting into derby mode.”

Lane, who is a professional rider and works with Patty Stovel, also secured fourth place in the irons of Shoal Creek Stables' Kenya.

“HITS has done a good job with the derbies. The natural elements made it a very inviting course," said Lane.

Saturday's feature class for hunters was a family affair for the Lanes. Sarah's younger sister, Caitlin, was fifth riding Ed Lane's Sliver and sixth in the tack of Ed Lane's After Party, as four of the top six ribbons in the class went home with the Lane girls.

Rounding out the top placings in the derby were Celebration, owned by Hannah Spiegler and ridden by Winn Alden and Rainer, ridden by Cathy Inch, and owned by Katrina Ruotsalo, who were second and third, respectively. For complete results, click here.

This spring and summer the all-new Devoucoux Hunter Derby is a featured event at both HITS Saugerties and HITS Culpeper and represents the 13th division to count for points in the Marshall & Sterling League. The Devoucoux Derby Finals will be offered at the 2010 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on September 16-19 in Saugerties, New York.

Show Jumping at HITS Culpeper now takes a short break and resumes in July for two consecutive weeks of action with the Showday National (July 7-11) and the Cavalier Classic (July 14-18). Each week features another installment of the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby and a $40,000 Grand Prix. Every Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper is a qualifier for the Pfizer $ 1 Million Grand Prix that will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson on Sunday, September 12.

In order to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, a rider must compete in eight or more HITS Grand Prix classes. The top 40 riders, based on money won by horse/rider combination, will be eligible to ride for the Pfizer Million. For more detailed information on the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, please visit our website at HitsShows.com.