Last Updated on July 20, 2026 by adminahb
Jake Evans and Kandoo PJ. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography
Summertime III, the third week of the 2026 HITS Chicago Summer Show Series on July 15-19, 2026, brought an added level of prestige to Lamplight Equestrian Center with its World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation. Featuring a full schedule of elite hunter action, the week drew top riders from across the country in pursuit of valuable WCHR points and national recognition. As the smoky conditions from the Canadian wildfires cleared, exhibitors welcomed a return to ideal competition. One of the week’s marquee events was Saturday’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, where professional rider Jake Evans and Kandoo PJ turned in a standout performance to capture the win.
“I was riding him this morning to prepare for the class, and I just kept speaking it into existence,” laughed Evans. “I kept saying, ‘This is going to be his first international derby win and my first international derby win.’ I could just feel it.”
For full results, please visit www.showmanagementsystem.com.