Sue Lyman Dominates the Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Division and Thoroughbred Hunter Classic at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show Presented by MARS Equestrian™

UPPERVILLE, VA — Professional rider Sue Lyman dominated the Take2 Thoroughbred Hunters and the Upperville Thoroughbred Hunter Classic this week at the historic Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™. Lyman, of Middleburg, VA, earned the Take2 Division Championship aboard Catherine Brown’s Ifwhizkycouldtalk and the Reserve honors with her own Kensington Court, while Ifwhizkycouldtalk won the Upperville Thoroughbred Hunter Classic and Kensington Court finished in second place. The Take2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program promotes second careers for Thoroughbreds after the racetrack.

Ifwhizkycouldtalk, a 6-year-old Pennsylvania-bred gelding by Unfettered and out of Pam Got Even, earned $22,870 in three starts at Parx Racing before being restarted for eventing. He began showing with Lyman in the irons in 2024, earning tricolors at his earliest ventures to rated shows at the Middleburg Classic and WIHS Regional Horse Show. He showed off the trailer in Ocala early this year, taking everything in stride, picking up championships in the Thoroughbred Division and earning good ribbons in the 3’3” Green Hunters against warmblood horses.

“This horse gets better every day,” Lyman said. “He’s genuine, he’s brave, and he doesn’t have to see anything in the ring and likes to go with a loop in the reins, which is how I like to ride.” She continued, “This horse is brilliant and makes any rider look like a genius, and he’s incredibly smart and talented. On top of this, Catherine can enjoy riding him!”

“We kept his Jockey Club name because we are very proud that he is a Thoroughbred,” beamed owner Catherine Brown of Washington, D.C. “Sue is the best Thoroughbred trainer you could ask for, and the two of them together are just incredible.”

At 13 years old, the Kentucky-bred Kensington Court (Giant’s Causeway x Backseat Rhythm) is a decorated veteran of the Thoroughbred Hunter Division with owner and rider Lyman, bringing home tricolors from such shows as WIHS Regional Horse Show, Keswick, Kentucky, and Upperville. After six starts at notable flat tracks like Gulfstream Park (Florida), Belmont Park (New York), and Saratoga (New York), he transitioned to steeplechase racing under Middleburg trainer Julie Gomena and won over National Fences (hurdles) at Fair Hill (New Jersey), Saratoga and Colonial Downs (Virginia).

“The Upperville Colt & Horse Show is proud to partner with Take2 to provide a platform for these incredible athletes,” said UCHS President Joe Fargis, who won double gold medals with Thoroughbred Touch of Class at the 1984 Olympics. “Thoroughbreds bring a unique heart and intelligence to the ring, and this championship celebrates their versatility and continued value.”

The Take2 program, launched in 2012, offers prize money and year-end awards for Thoroughbreds competing in recognized hunter and jumper divisions across the country. Horses must be registered Thoroughbreds and verified as having raced or been in race training.

“Upperville is the perfect setting to show the sport horse community what Thoroughbreds can do,” said Emily Day, UCHS executive director and proud owner of a former racehorse. “It’s where tradition meets progress, and where second chances are celebrated.”

For more information on the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and the Take2 Program, visit upperville.com and take2tbreds.com.

Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS Equestrian™, Ethel M. Chocolates®, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano Diamonds, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, and Delta Air Lines.

Photo courtesy of Teresa Ramsey.

Posted on: June 5, 2025