May 29, 2026 – Devon, PA – Speed took center stage Friday evening as FEI riders navigated Colm Quinn’s 15-obstacle track spanning the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Ring in pursuit of victory in the $32,000 Devon Speed Derby, sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover Main Line.
In the end, it was the USA’s JJ Torano aboard Jet Show Stable’s Dora Du Valon who raced away with the victory, earning the first FEI win of his career.
The USA’s McKayla Langmeier was first to challenge the course, setting the pace with Rafferty Farm’s Pepita Vd Rollebeek in a time of 83.30 seconds plus 12 penalty seconds. Just two riders later, Israel’s Stella Wasserman and Myjorka moved to the top of the leaderboard, stopping the clock in 89.57 seconds plus four penalty seconds.
That lead would not hold for long. Entering the ring later in the order, Torano had the advantage of watching several of his top competitors tackle the track before him and adjusted his strategy accordingly.
“If I would have gone first, I maybe would have tried to go a little faster,” said Torano. After watching the first riders, however, he adjusted his strategy to be more conservative. “I kind of eased off a little bit. I would still say I went pretty fast, but I didn’t pull out all the stops.”
His calculated approach paid off. Navigating the course with precision, Torano and Dora Du Valon crossed the finish line in 86.21 seconds with no faults, taking over the lead and ultimately securing the win.
The victory carried special significance for the 15-year-old rider, who was competing in his first FEI four-star week at the Devon Horse Show.
“I’m really happy,” said Torano. “This is my first four-star week. I still have tomorrow night, but I’m really pleased I’ll leave here with a win already.”
Making the moment even more memorable was the setting. With spectators packed around the Dixon Oval and cheering for the youngest rider in the class, Torano could think of no better venue for his breakthrough victory.
“There can’t be a better place to win my first FEI class,” he said. “The crowd is always behind you the whole way going around.”
Torano will now carry that confidence into tomorrow night’s $182,000 Idle Dice Open Stake, having already etched his name into the history books with his first FEI victory under the lights at Devon.
$32,000 Devon Speed Derby Winner
The Salem Perpetual Trophy
JJ Torano and Dora Du Valon
Owner: Jet Show Stable
Second Place:
Stella Wasserman and Myjorka
Owner: Stella Wasserman
Third Place
McKayla Langmeier and Pepita Vd Rollebeek
Owner: Rafferty Farm
