David O’Brien (IRL) secured a double-podium win, taking first and second place in the $35,000 1.45m Power & Speed Stake as Tryon Fall 4 CSI 5* competition commenced at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). O’Brien and KIR Royal SCF, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Amaretto D’Arco x Nabab de Reve) owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC, were atop the podium with a jump-off time of 32.123 seconds, while O’Brien flew through the jump-off with Kirschwasser SCF, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Amaretto D’Arco x Nabab de Reve) owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC, and earned a time of 33.546 seconds to claim reserve honors as well. Third place was awarded to Margie Engle (USA) aboard USA Normande, a 2008 Selle Francais mare (Made in Semilly x Urbain du Monnai) owned by Gladewinds Partners, LLC, with a time of 34.079 seconds.
David O’Brien and KIR Royal SCF. Photo by Sportfot
In a class with 25 entries and nine competitors proceeding to the speed test, O’Brien completed the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) course with lightning speed on both of his Spy Coast Farm mounts. “These horses are full brothers and both eight-year-olds, homebred. This is their first time doing a five-star competition, and they’ve really moved up to the bigger levels now. The future looks promising,” O’Brien remarked. “KIR Royal SCF also won a 1.40m FEI class last week and is doing really well.”
“It was a good course today. I liked that once we hit the speed round we got to decide between a seven or eight-stride line, and I rode seven today to get the speed component,” O’Brien explained, assessing what contributed to his horses’ success. “The rollbacks were nice, and it was nice to have lots of options for the horses and to let them run. My horses were well-suited for the rollbacks on this course, from 10 to 11 and to the Rolex jump toward home,” he said.
“These two horses have both come up through the Developing Jumper Series, and you need those kinds of young horse classes to develop these horses,” O’Brien emphasized. “This facility is definitely a great place to bring these horses along, especially for me since I have young horses and stallions. It’s great to be able to pick and choose FEI classes for your upcoming mounts. For instance, there’s a 1.40m class available if you want it, but you’re still jumping against really great horses and you really get to test the caliber of your horse in a safe place.”
“As always, thank you to Lisa Lourie of Spy Coast Farm, to all my sponsors, and to Shane Sweetnam for his help,” O’Brien concluded.
Conor Swail Soars to First in $1,000 1.40m Power & Speed CSI 5*
Conor Swail (IRL) conquered the $1,000 1.40m Power & Speed taking blue with GK Coco Chanel, completing the course in 35.414 seconds. Swail and the 2008 Holsteiner Warmblood gelding (Clarimo x Lerano Z) owned by Vanessa Mannix bested a field of 28 horse-and-rider pairs in the course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA). Taking second place, Caitlyn Connors (USA) rode through the jump-off with Express Blue Gp Du Bois Madame, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Ultra Blue J x Gracia) owned by Caitlyn Connors LLC, and recorded a time of 35.757 seconds. Kent Farrington (USA) gained third with a time of 35.764 seconds aboard Baltic Star 2, a 2009 Hanoverian gelding (Bacardi x Chalan) owned by Kent Farrington and Tanma Corp.
Conor Swail and GK Coco Chanel. Photo by Sportfot
Tryon Fall 4 CSI 5* continues through Sunday, October 21, showcasing top level 5* and Developing Jumper Series Finals competition. Highlights of the week include the $132,000 Horseware Ireland 1.50m Welcome Stake at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, in Tryon Stadium, followed by Friday’s $35,000 Tryon Resort 1.45m Speed Stake in the U.S. Trust Arena at 12:30 p.m. and the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby hosted in Tryon Stadium beginning at 4:00 p.m. The $384,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*, hosted Saturday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. in Tryon Stadium, will crown the week with the most competitive “Saturday Night Lights” competition of the season for TIEC.