Traverse City, Michigan, USA – July 18, 2024 – U.S. grand prix rider Jimmy Torano (USA) guided seasoned partner Kochio Z to a CSI3* victory in the $32,000 Speed Challenge CSI 3* on Thursday during the third week of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by B&D Builders, at Flintfields Horse Park. Enjoying his first appearance at the six week Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, Torano and his own Kochio Z saved the best for last and returned near the end of the starting order to pocket the win.

Torano and his 10-year-old gelding Zangersheide gelding (Kannan x Diamant de Semilly) tackled courses set by Hector Suarez Garcia (COL) and unseated long-time leader Elena Haas (USA) by mere fractions of a second.

Kochio Z broke the timers in 62.55 seconds, two tenths faster than the leading mark at the time.

Elena Haas (USA) and Ogue BT Special, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (I’m Special de Muze x ARS Vivendi) were bumped to second, completing their flawless round in 62.71 seconds for silver honors.

Rounding out the podium in Thursday’s speed, Mexico’s 24-year-old Karime Perez Nuñez (MEX) finished third. She stopped the clock at 62.05 seconds riding her own Felicie de Coquerie, a nine-year-old Selle Français mare (Malito de Reve x Quiniou).

While Torano matched the striding of the other competitors, he gave credit to Kochio Z’s natural speed and agility for the win. “I did the same strides, but I was quite neat and this is a very fast horse. He’s won a lot of classes and his record is unbelievable,” he said. “On two turns I was very tight, so I guess that’s what made the difference because he did spend a lot of time in the air but the horse is a real winner.”

After being purchased as a seven-year-old, Kochio Z has carried Torano to top finishes throughout the country, and quickly became one of the most dynamic horses in his string. 

“He stepped up even as an eight year old and won a few grand prix. He’s won a lot as a nine-year-old now he’s 10; little by little we keep moving him up,” said Torano. “Everything I’ve asked him he’s done. He’s wanted every single level I’ve asked him to do, but I try not to over face him. I would say I go up and down with him; I jump a small class to keep him really confident because he’s so so careful and then I move him up and he gives me everything every time we go in the ring.”

Torano is currently deciding between Kochio Z and his second mount Chewbacca HCC for Sunday’s grand prix. 

“We love it here,” said Torano of his barn and family’s first time competing at Traverse City Horse Shows. “We are here for the whole six weeks. There’s something for everybody; great restaurants, something to do all the time and you can’t beat the weather. Every Monday you can change it up a bit. 

“We have known the Morrissey’s forever and they do an unbelievable job,” continued Torano. “I was here once just for a couple of days back in 2020 and they’ve taken this showgrounds to a whole new level and it’s top notch.”

Three-star competition continues on Friday with the Elk Rapids Marina Welcome and culminates on sunday with the $120,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* to cap GLEF III.

Final Results – $32,000 Speed Challenge CSI 3*

1)  Jimmy Torano (USA) & Kochio Z – 0 – 62.55

2) Elena Haas (USA) & Ogue BT Special – 0 – 62.71

3) Karime Perez Nuñez (MEX) & Felicie de Coquerie – 0 – 63.05

Source: Press Release from Traverse City Horse Shows

Photos: © TCHS / Megan Giese Photography / Andrew Ryback Photography

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