WELLINGTON, Fla.--Jimmy Torano began this year just as he finished last year, with yet another win on Laskano in the $25,000 USHJA 2* International Hunter Derby on Friday, Jan., 5 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Jimmy Torano on Laskano (Photo by Sportfot)Torano of Mohrsville, Pa. began last year in the same way, winning the same class in 2023.

Two panels of judges scored the first round, determining which12 riders , from the original 18, would return for the handy track.

Torano scored 190 to give him the lead going into the handy phase.

The handy included a series of high options, a trot fence and lots of opportunities to show off tighter turns, a specialty of Torano and Laskano.

“Two years ago, we won every derby we entered together, so I know I can really count on him when it comes to these classes,” said Torano of the 11-year-old gelding by Laskaja.

 

“I DECIDED that I was going to take every risk," said Torano. "Even going in on top I knew other riders could easily take over that top score, so I stuck to my plan of taking those risks. I can really count on this horse, I truly believe in him so I took every inside turn and each tougher option to stay in that top spot.”

Torano’s plan resulted in a handy score of 194, for a winning total of 384 over John French on Paradigm, who scored a combined 180.5 and 183 for a total of 363.5 to place second.

Jennifer Bliss on Poker Face scored 181 and 179.5 for a total score of 360.5 to place third.

Torano refers to Laskano as a “derby master,” but he hopes the gelding will make a new name for himself in the junior hunters.

“I would love for him to do the junior hunters with my son, JJ, and then dip back into these derbies when they come around,” said Torano. “He’s a younger horse, but I would love to give him a lighter year, not jumping the 4’ too much, and really focusing on qualifications for big shows. It would be great for him and JJ to get qualified in the junior hunters for Devon.”