Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Luibanta BH bested the $37,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) during Tryon Summer 3 competition, stopping the short-course timers in 37.785 seconds. Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and H5 Elvaro, the 2009 Dutch Warmblood stallion (Calvaro F.C. x Heartbreaker) owned by H5 Sport Horses LLC, earned second place on a short-course time of 38.23 seconds, while Jack Hardin Towell (USA) came in third aboard Rock Ridge Farms’ Gotcha, the 2011 Holsteiner mare (Stakkato x Cassini I), with a time of 38.246 seconds.
The course design by Peter Grant (CAN) saw 61 entries challenge the first-round track, with 19 pairs qualifying for the jump-off round. Derbyshire and the 2008 Irish Sport Horse mare (Luidam x Abantos) owned by herself and Gochman Sport Horse LLC were able to utilize their late standing in the order-of-go to earn the edge, she explained: “The course was nice. There were a lot of entries, so it was a big jump-off. I had the advantage of going right near the end, so I saw what I had to do and just went for it. The footing was perfect!”
“It feels good [to be back in FEI competition],” Derbyshire continued. “I think everyone enjoyed the break, but is ready to get back at it. It was really nice. You don’t realize how much you missed it until you’re back doing it.”