Mill Spring, North Carolina, United States – June 07, 2025 – Despite a brief rain delay in the first round of competition showcased at Saturday Night Lights presented by Skyla Credit Union, 24 competitors contested the $70,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix CSI 2*, with Kristen VanderVeen (USA) and Bull Run’s Celestial jumping to victory in 32.35 seconds.

Of the 24 competitors who tested the first-round track set by Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR), ten pairs advanced to the jump off, and VanderVeen was thrilled with her junior mount’s performance. Coming off her win with Bull Run’s Jireh last week, VanderVeen was thrilled to let her younger horse, the 2015 Zangersheide stallion (Cicero Z Van Paemel x Numero Uno), take a swing at the top prize.

VanderVeen called the jump off one of her favorite rounds to date, saying, “That might be one of my favorite jump offs I’ve ever done in my career. Luis set the bar high, going in with that smaller type of horse, and he was really fast!

Reserve honors went to Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) aboard Belle de Muze, the Driss Ngadi-owned 2010 Warmblood mare (Ponsee V x Lando), with a time of 33.38 seconds in the jump off round. Stopping the jump off timers at 34.36 seconds.

Kristen VanderVeen (USA) also claimed third place aboard Bull Run’s Jireh, the 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Uriko x Colman) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Inc.

“This is actually a newer horse for me,” VanderVeen continued, “and it’s only the second time he’s ever jumped under the lights.”

“I thought there was no time like the present to see what this guy’s made of. He answered all the questions, and he was so quick and careful,” VanderVeen shared. “It’s only one of his first few FEI Grands Prix, so it was a really exciting night for our team!”

The brief rain delay during the first round proved to be no issue for the pair, VanderVeen shared. “I actually went and had some dinner; it was great. I got to refuel, the horses got a little extra break, so the horses were happy and we were happy!”

Final Results – $70,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix CSI 2*

1) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Celestial – 0 / 0 – 32.35

2) Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Belle de Muze – 0 / 0 – 33.38

3) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Jireh – 0 / 0 – 34.36

Source: Press Release by Leyla Caynak and Sarah Madden for Tryon International

Photos: © TIEC / Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

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