Mill Spring, NC – May 9, 2023 – The first week of the Tryon Spring Series presented by Main Street Insurance Group featured Hunter, Jumper and Equitation competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International). Saturday afternoon, Tryon Stadium hosted the $75,000 Tryon Grand Prix, with 28 horses and riders presented over the first course.
Alberto Michan (ISR) and Itchcock des Dames were the fastest of the day, clinching the win in a time of 37.102 seconds.
Jimmy Torano (USA) piloted Chewbacca HCC to reserve, producing a time of 37.895 seconds with the 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Clarimo x Wanda VII) owned by Jet Equestrian Group, LLC.
Luke Jensen (USA)) and Bigstar, the 2011 Warmblood gelding (Kannan x Radja de Laubry) owned by North Run, completed the podium after their 38.319 second double-clear performance.
Michan and his own 2014 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Marius Claudius x Unieme des Dames) are a new partnership, but the duo have already clicked and are collecting positive results together wherever they go. Throughout the Manuel Esparza (New York, NY) course, Michan assessed that the questions were technical and challenging enough to provide good sport for a competitive group of entries.
“I thought the course was hard enough. especially technically, there were a lot of lines that were a little bit in rollbacks. And you had a combination in a weird spot for this Grand Prix, that was on the narrow side of the ring. Normally, we don’t see a combination there,” he detailed. “There were a lot of options also on strides. It was good money, and I think the course designer did great, he had a nice group for the jump off, and it all worked out well.”
“He’s a young horse, about to turn nine, so he’s pretty young” said Michan of his new partner. “He’s a very sweet horse. He always tries hard. We’ve already had very nice results together. It’s a horse I got a little bit for me for the sport, but also I think it’s a very nice commercial horse for someone and if a client comes along, very sadly I’ll have to sell him. But for now I’ll enjoy him as much as I can. He’s super fun!”
Though Itchcock will have the next two weeks off, Michan is spending five weeks at Tryon and will next aim him at FEI competition later in the series.
“I’ve always said that I love this venue,” Michan concluded. “I think it’s really so nice for all the riders with all our accommodations that we need, and even for the grooms, it is very easy to work here. Everything is pretty close and pretty easygoing. The people, show secretaries, the grounds – we couldn’t ask for more. We’re always happy to come, and I think in May the weather is fantastic.”
Final Results – $75,000 Tryon Grand Prix (Nat Std) II2a
1) Alberto Michan (ISR) & Itchcock Des Dames – 0 / 0 – 37.102
2) Jimmy Torano (USA) & Chewbacca HCC– 0 / 0 – 37.895
3) Luke Jensen (USA) & Bigstar – 0 / 0 – 38.319
Source: Press Release from Tryon International
Photos: © TIEC / Karli Dannewitz for Natalie Suto Photography
Categories: Results, USEF Rated
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