Richie Moloney (IRL) and Ypaja Yando fought their way to a win in the $72,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) at Tryon Resort, stopping the jump-off timers in 46.819 seconds. Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Dingeman, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Nintender x Darnels) owned by Aurora Rangel De Alba, claimed reserve on a jump-off performance of 47.542 seconds, while third-place honors went to Brooke Kemper (USA) her own Classified, a 2004 Holsteiner/Thoroughbred gelding (Crescendo x Aim at Me), who put in a 48.001-second jump-off ride to secure the podium finish.
Peter Grant (CAN) saw 49 entries challenge the first-round track, with five horse-and-rider pairs returning to test the jump-off. Moloney’s strategy with the Equinimity LLC mount, the 2007 Finnish Warmblood stallion (Quinar x Lasino), was to go quickly and smoothly, but initially thought he left the door open, he explained.
“It was a big [CSI] 2*, with a long course, and a long jump-off. I’ve had this horse since he was eight, and he’s always a competitive horse at this height and the 1.50m classes. So, the strategy was to try to jump clear and then be very quick in the jump-off.”
“I think I was just kind of quick enough everywhere; nothing crazy,” Moloney admitted about his slick jump-off performance. “Everything was pretty calculated, with no risks. Number B of the double, maybe the seven was a bit steady, because when I came out of the ring I thought I could have done six strides there, but it worked out that I didn’t have to!”
“The atmosphere is great, and it’s always great to compete here,” said Moloney, a longtime competitor at TIEC. “You get a good feeling, especially when you do well! I’m very happy with my horse and happy to have him. He’s owned by Equinimity, and they’re great sponsors.”
For now, Moloney plans to give Ypaja Yando a break before competing in Tryon Fall 5, but is weighing his options with regard to the $384,000 Grand Prix CSI 5* highlight class of the 2019 Tryon Fall Series: “He will jump the 5* week, but I’m not sure yet whether he’ll jump the Grand Prix or the Grand Prix qualifier. I have another horse that didn’t jump this week, so we’ll see.” Moloney concluded, “I just want to thank the sponsors and all the grooms and staff who work so hard that makes it all worthwhile.”
Brooke Kemper received the Leading Lady Rider Award presented by Adi Kissilevich for her top performances throughout the week. The Leading Lady Rider Award consists of a handmade handbag from Kissilevich’s signature collection, and is calculated among FEI competitors across Welcome Stake and Grand Prix competition each week.
$72,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2*
1) Ypaja Yando, 2007 Finnish Warmblood stallion (Quinar x Lasino) Richie Moloney (IRL), Equinimity LLC: 0/0/46.819
2) Dingeman, 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Nintender x Darnels) Santiago Lambre (MEX), Aurora Rangel De Alba: 0/0/47.542
3) Classified, 2004 Holsteiner/Thoroughbred gelding (Crescendo x Aim at Me) Brooke Kemper (USA), Brooke F. Kemper: 0/0/48.001
4) My Way, 2010 Oldenburger stallion (Mylord Carthago x Cassini II) Luiz Francisco De Azevedo (COL), Hest Investment Fund Limited: 0/4/46.429
5) Javas Miss Jordan, 2009 Irish Sport Horse mare (Luidam x Obos Quality 004) Nicky Galligan (IRL), Nicky Galligan: 0/4/48.162
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