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.”

Luibanta BH will contest Saturday night’s $73,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2*, before Derbyshire and her team take a week off and then compete in Traverse City, Michigan.

Derbyshire has been partnered with “Lui Lui” for four years, and she noted that the mare seemed to be in strong form following a break from competition. “After a nice break, it was great to have her feeling so fresh and ready to win! She definitely enjoyed her break. I have to thank Becky Gochman for such a great horse.”

For full results from the $37,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 2*, click here.

Freddie Vazquez and Dontez Claim $6,000 Power & Speed Stake CSI 2*

TIEC’s first international class of 2020 was hosted Wednesday in Tryon Stadium to kick off Tryon Summer 3 CSI 2* competition with the $6,000 Power & Speed Stake. Freddie Vazquez (PUR) and Dontez, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Verdi Tn x Wolfgang) owned by himself and G6 Holdings, cleared the speed phase in 38.74 seconds to take the win, as one of 58 entries to test the Peter Grant (CAN) course design and out of 41 pairs qualifying for the speed test. Fernando Cardenas Jr. (COL) and Quincy Too, a 2009 Zangersheide gelding owned by Fernando Cardenas, claimed second with a speed phase time of 39.721 seconds, while Schuyler Riley (USA) and the 2008 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Erco van T Roosakker x For Pleasure) owned by E2 Showjumpers, Iceman de Muze, rounded out the podium on a time of 40.567 seconds.

Tryon Summer 3 continues through Sunday, June 28, with a $6,000 Speed Stake CSI2* hosted Friday morning ahead of Saturday’s $73,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2*. While the entire Tryon Summer Series is currently closed to spectators per USEF guidelines, highlight classes including all FEI competition are streamed online for free at www.Tryon.com/streaming.