Britt-Leon Reigns as Derby King at Charleston

Michael Britt-Leon and True Enough

For Immediate Release: July 20, 2019

Johns Island, South Carolina

Week I welcomed Michael Britt-Leon and Kelly Sims’ Eleventh Hour to the winner’s circle in the $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby and this week again, in the irons of Kelly Sims’ True Enough .

“It was actually really special to win both weeks because I won both weeks last year with Transparency -another of Kelly’s horses. It was kind of a nostalgic time for Kelly and I since we lost him [ Transparency ] earlier this year,” said Britt-Leon. “It was a great show. It was an exciting class with a good mix of juniors, amateurs and professionals. It was a great opportunity to tune up True Enough and Eleventh Hour for the Derby Finals in Kentucky in a relaxed environment. And, it was nice for us because the horses got done earlier and we stayed in Kiawah, went out to some great restaurants and downtown Charleston and just had a really nice time--it was a nice balance of work and play,” he added. “We’re heading home now to rest for two weeks and then we’re off to Atlanta and then Kentucky,” he said.

Casanova , owned by Sarah Macmillan and ridden by Jessica Cross, of Orlando, Florida, took home second place, and Laurie Hilburg’s Waterfall Z , piloted by Kris Killam, placed third. Killam returned to pick up the fourth-place ribbon with Empire Show Stables’ Ayla.

Avargo, owned by High Brass Farm and ridden by Liz Perry-Merbler, of Pittstown, New Jersey, placed fifth overall, and Katie Ramsey’s Don La Rouge , ridden by Grace Roberts, of Knoxville, Tennessee, earned a sixth-place ribbon and the $500 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus.

Savannah College of Art & Design’s Rolling Stone, ridden by Tatum Tatreau, of Bluffton, South Carolina, earned seventh place overall, and Sophia Robinson’s All Dressed Up, ridden by Jay Robinson, of Larchmont, New York, earned an eighth-place ribbon and the $300 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus.

Mahoney, owned and ridden by Hannah Hilal, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, placed ninth overall and won the $200 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus. Scout, owned and ridden by Mattie Worsham, of Woodstock, Georgia, placed 10th and Britt-Leon picked up the 11th-place ribbon with Kelly Sims’ Bacchus. Spring Creek Ranch’s Big Hoss, ridden by Taylor Adam, of Ocala, Florida, wrapped up the class in 12th place.

About Marshall & Sterling Insurance

Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and Classic Companyshows in 2019.

Marshall & Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs and those who just plain love horses.

Their client service and claims team is dedicated exclusively to support their horse insurance clients. One quick call to their office will provide instant answers to your questions. Claims are handled quickly and efficiently. They work to exceed every customer’s expectation for quality and service.

Marshall & Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options, uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.

Marshall & Sterling Insurance is your true advocate when it matters most—when you apply for insurance, and when your horse has an accident, becomes sick, or injured.

About The Charleston Summer Classics

There’s a reason everyone considers the Charleston Summer Classic a show-cation destination and competitors travel from around the country with their families to show on beautiful John’s Island .

An Official USEF Designated Heritage Competition, the Charleston Summer Classic is always a crowd pleaser and features daily exhibitor parties both at the show in the VIP tent and offsite.

Golf fans can play on several world class courses, families can enjoy the beach, boating and wind surfing. Fishing enthusiasts can charter a boat from Bohicket Marina , located less than five miles from the show grounds.

The show runs from Tuesday through Saturday to allow for extra beach time and there is a special social event most every day in the VIP tent. Riders often say that this is the one of the only horse shows that the entire family wants to attend! And, there’s a reason for that. Conde Naste has awarded Charleston the #1 Vacation Destination in the country. Pristine beaches, boutique hotels, ocean front condos, and historic downtown are just a few of the reasons people choose to show at the Charleston Summer Classic.

Plan your show-cation for 2020 and bring the whole family to the Charleston Summer Classic! Come make memories with us!