Tananbaum on Top as 102nd Fairfield June Show Gets Underway at Fairfield County Hunt Club

Brenda Tananbaum & Diasandro. All photos by SEL Photography

Brenda Tananbaum was paired with Diasandro less than six months ago, but the pair looked like a seasoned partnership Wednesday at the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

Tananbaum and the 14-year-old Warmblood gelding topped the $1,000 Stübben Derby on Opening Day of the 2026 Fairfield June Show, receiving a score of 86. Roxanne Vincek finished second with Normandy on a score of 84, while Caroline van Dalen rounded out the top three with Verano (82).

In its 102nd year, the Fairfield June Show is recognized by US Equestrian as a Heritage competition, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a horse show. The event, also a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition, runs through Saturday, June 20, featuring the $15,000 Friends of Fairfield Grand Prix. 

"It's incredible to be here every year," said Tananbaum, who has trained with Jenny Martin-Rudaz at Fairfield County Hunt Club - Stables for the better part of 38 years. "With its tradition and legacy, it has a special place in my heart."

Billy Worthington's one-round track was set as a classic hunter course, and Diasandro shined as he showed off his balanced, stylish jump over the fences. The experienced gelding, the former equitation mount of Martin-Rudaz's daughter Izzy, was paired with Tananbaum in February and has proven to be a reliable partner.

Brenda Tananbaum and Diasandro stand for presentation.

"I am so fortunate to have this ride. He knows what he's doing," Tananbaum said of Diasandro, known as "Danny" in the stable. "One of my horses is out with an injury, and he's given me more time in the saddle. Once you get him in the right rhythm, everything comes up perfectly. 

"I had to grab mane to stay with him, because I knew he was going to give me some really good jumps out there," she added. "He just picked up his canter, and we had the same pace all the way around. It was just so much fun to be out here with him."

For her win, Tananbaum was awarded a custom saddle from Stübben. She will now look toward Friday's USHJA National Hunter Derby with Danny, while she pursues the 2'9" Hunter Derby with her 5-year-old Kir Royale and equitation medals with her longtime partner, Novello.

"I truly love the opportunity to show on the grass, because it doesn't happen much anymore," Tananbaum said, "and I just love being able to showcase this beautiful facility to everybody. The field has never looked better than it does this year."

The Fairfield June Show continues Thursday, June 18, with the $5,000 Welcome Stake.

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Horse Show Info