Canada’s Sam Walker and Carruso PJ bested a field bursting with talent to win the $117,000 The Dexter CSI3* Grand Prix on Saturday evening during Traverse City Horse Shows’ fifth week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by B&D Builders.
The 11th season of GLEF features six weeks of FEI competition running through August 10, showcasing an FEI Nations Cup CSIO3*, the FEI North American Youth Championships, and the return of Major League Show Jumping CSI5* competition to Traverse City. Highlights also include the $100,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Central Spectacular and weekly qualifiers for the all-new $150,000 Traverse City Equitation Championships debuting in September.
Peter Grant (CAN) designed the evening’s course, setting the stage for the fellow northerner’s success. Seven advanced to the jump-off, which included representation from four different nations, including Canada, the U.S. Israel and Australia.
Walker, 23, and Carruso PJ, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Carridam x Stakkato) owned by Holman Imports, led the victory gallop after stopping the clock a half a second faster than the closest challenger.
“Although he’s green, when you turn the jets on and go fast, he definitely shows up to the occasion,” said Walker of the up-and-coming mount that was previously campaigned as a young horse by U.S. athlete Carly Anthony. “It’s been a lot of learning for both of us; he’s only nine and hasn’t had very much experience at such a high level. But, he’s been extremely consistent since we’ve stepped him up.”
Erynn Ballard took home the Turnham Green Leading Lady Rider Award title for GLEF V. (Megan Giese Media / TCHS)
When the Holman Family asked Walker to take over the ride, he first noticed how smart the gelding was. “If we make a mistake, I know he’s going to come back and learn from it,” said Walker of the horse he also describes as a ‘Golden Retriever’ around the barn. “I’ve never ridden a horse this smart in my entire life; I have nothing but praise for him. I hope that I get to have a long partnership with him because he’s a dream to ride.”
Walker recently returned to the traditions of his junior career and is back riding within the program of John Brennan and Missy Clark’s North Run. “It’s a pleasure to be back; it’s a proven spot to produce young horses and young riders all the way to the Olympic level. I could not be more grateful for the team at North Run, and I can’t wait for a long partnership there.”
Fellow Canadian and 2024 Paris Olympian Erynn Ballard jumped into the runner-up position aboard Dior, an 11-year-old Swedish-bred mare by Diamantino for owner Ilan Ferder. She stopped the jump-off clock at 41.13 seconds.
In addition to being runner-up, Ballard also took home the Turnham Green Leading Lady Rider Award title for GLEF five, her third leading lady designation of the GLEF season.
The fastest four-fault round over the short course, Spencer Smith (USA) piloted HHS Seattle—a 12-year-old Irish-bred Pacino gelding—to a time of 41.08 seconds and third place for owners Ashland Farms and Don Stewart.
Complete results from the $117,000 The Dexter CSI3* Grand Prix can be found here.
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