Jimmy Torano & Kochio Z Claim the Crown in the $75,000 Tryon Grand Prix

By Jumper News USA on May 9, 2024

Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – May 4, 2024 – In conjunction with the first edition of the season of Saturday Night Lights presented by Stuller Power Solutions at Tryon International, Jimmy Torano (USA) and Kochio Z dashed to first to win the $75,000 Tryon Grand Prix.

The only double clear of the night, Torano and the 2014 Zangersheide gelding (Kannan x Datura Z) took on Manuel Esparza’s track to mark a jump off time of 41.72 seconds.

Continuing a successful week aboard her own Otto BH (Norton D’eole x D-armel Van’t Kamerveld) to take second in the Grand Prix was Amanda Derbyshire (GBR). Derbyshire and the 2012 Zangersheide stallion incurred one jumping fault with a time of 39.10 seconds.

**Luke Jensen** (USA) & **ABC Quantum Cruise**

Completing the top three was Luke Jensen (USA) and ABC Quantum Cruise (O.B.O.S Quality OO4 x Ardnehue Diamond Cruiser), the 2009 Irish Sport Horse.

Jensen and the gelding owned by Wyndmont Inc. incurred eight jumping faults and finished with a time of 42.43 seconds.

Jimmy Torano (USA) and Kochio Z set the pace for the night, being the first team out in both the preliminary round and the jump off. “I had to go first, so obviously I didn’t see anybody go [in the first round]. He did a great job as usual,” Torano complimented the course designer. “He always builds here the first week, and he really knows the field. The footing was phenomenal, and I thought my horse really responded well,” Torano said of the gelding owned by Isalou Inc & JET Show Stable.

“There were a lot of rollbacks on some oxers, and there was a rollback on a double with an oxer coming in. I didn’t want to be too risky,” Torano noted, explaining his strategy in the jump off. “I was fast from jumps one to two, and I did ten strides. I didn’t go really tight anywhere, but I really stayed on the gallop, and put enough pressure on everyone else, and made them chase me.”

With the course proving to be full of challenges for competitors, Torano credited Kochio Z for his care and skill. “He rode around there nicely, and then after I went [in the preliminary round], it was Amanda [Derbyshire] and I early in the jump off. It rode quite tough for everybody – I think it was much harder than anyone expected. The time allotted was tough and tight enough, which really played a role tonight.”

**Pablo Hernandez** was awarded the Tryon International Groom’s Award for his care and dedication to **Kochio Z**, alongside TIEC Paddock Master Drew Page.

“I’ve got a great owner in Daryl Portela and Isalou Inc,” Torano continued. “This is an unbelievable horse. He wins a lot of classes, and he’s really a clear round machine. It’s thanks to Daryl that I’m able to do these things!”

Kicking off the season with a win, Team Torano will continue showing for another week at the Tryon International Spring Series. “We love coming to Tryon, and we love everything about it!” Torano shared. “It’s a good starting point for my horses after they’ve had a couple weeks off after Florida. It’s a nice place to get going before the summer, and we head off to Devon from here. We’re really happy to be here!”