Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – June 02, 2024 – Conquering the Ivan Tagle (ARG)-designed track to best a field of 32 competitors, Michael Murphy (USA) piloted Kaida CM to win Saturday night’s $120,000 St. Luke’s Hospital Grand Prix CSI 3* in Tryon Stadium.

One of three double clears, Murphy and Kaida CM (Kennan x Indoctro) clinched first with a 37.27 second jump off time.

This win marked a turning point for Michael Murphy (USA) and Kaida CM in their new partnership. “I was really happy with her in the first round,” Murphy said of the 2015 Dutch Warmblood mare. “She’s a new horse, and this is my third horse show with her. I jumped her in the qualifier, but tonight was my first test with her. She handled everything really well, and I’m super happy with her.”

Riding her own Cornwall BH (Unknown x Cambridge 8), the 2008 Holsteiner gelding, Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) put 39.24 seconds on the clock to claim reserve honors.

Recording 44.02 seconds to round out the top three was Catherine Tyree Flores (USA) aboard her own Pikeur Lareen (Los Angeles x Cornet Obolensky), the 2015 Westphalian mare.

As the fourth to ride in the jump off, Murphy was able to study a few rounds before tackling the course. Crediting Kaida CM’s speed as part of the team’s success, Murphy noted that “she’s naturally quick, and I just let her do her thing!”

Enjoying the final weeks of the Tryon Spring Series, Murphy’s team plan to return to North Carolina for the upcoming summer horse shows. “We’ve been here two weeks, and we’ve had a great couple of shows. My fiance, Lauren [Tyree] and I have been at almost every Grand Prix. We’re really excited, and we’re going to come back in July.”

Murphy and his talented equine partner had extra fans in the stands on Saturday night. “My mom and grandmother were here tonight, they drove up to watch,” he shared. “My mom owns Kaida CM with me, so it was really fun that she was able to be here!”

Final Results – $120,000 St. Luke’s Hospital Grand Prix CSI 3*

1) Michael Murphy (USA) & Kaida CM – 0 / 0 – 37.27

2) Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) & Cornwall BH – 0 / 0 – 39.24

3) Catherine Tyree (USA) & Pikeur Lareen – 0 / 0 – 44.02

Source: Press Release by Rette Solomon and McKenna Honeycutt for Tryon International

Photos: © Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography

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