Bill Graves on Gray Hawk

Momentum continues to build for Thoroughbred show hunters with the introduction of an exciting new incentive—the Bill Graves Memorial Thoroughbred Challenge. Created to bring opportunity to Thoroughbreds, the Challenge will award a $5,000 bonus to the horse earning the highest cumulative score across two premier derby events at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and the Warrenton Horse Show. In addition, a $1,250 bonus will be presented to both the top junior ridden and top amateur ridden Thoroughbreds.

These inaugural bonuses are generously sponsored by Muirfield Insurance, owned by Mike and Meg Levy—close friends of Bill Graves. The initiative is designed to further promote demand for Thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers, highlighting their success and adaptability in the show ring.

The first leg of the Challenge will take place at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, which will debut its $25,000 Thoroughbred Hunter Derby on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in the main hunter ring. This class is supported by prominent sponsors including Ann Hormel, Jacqueline Mars, and Tisbury Stud, among others.

The second leg will be held at the Warrenton Horse Show during its 127th annual event. The $7,500 William E. “Bill” Graves Memorial Thoroughbred Hunter Derby, generously sponsored by Gainesway Sales Company, will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Both derbies will be conducted as two-round hunter classes at a height of 3 feet and are open to Thoroughbred horses of all backgrounds.

Bill Graves, a beloved member of the Virginia Horse Shows Association Hall of Fame and Senior Vice President at Fasig-Tipton for more than 25 years, dedicated his life to the Thoroughbred industry. Like many horsemen of his era, he began by retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds into successful show horses. A highly respected rider and horseman, Graves competed at the highest levels nationwide, with deep ties to Warrenton. His passing in 2018 left a lasting void in the equestrian community, but his legacy continues to inspire through initiatives such as this Challenge.