Mill Spring, NC – May 31, 2016 – Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS, concluded a stellar week at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) during Tryon Spring 6, picking up major wins in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix on Friday, May 27, aboard VDL Bravo S, and earning her biggest career win to date in the $75,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix with Cassevel. Competition at TIEC continues with Tryon Spring 7, featuring the second FEI CSI 3* of the 2016 Tryon Spring Series, beginning on Wednesday, June 1.
Holloway and Cassevel sealed the win, crossing through the jump-off timers in 43.373 seconds for the win, holding off David Blake of Wellington, FL, and Binkie, in what would have been their third consecutive grand prix win at the venue. Blake and Binkie finished in 44.86 seconds, while Bryn Sadler of Sante Fe, NM, and Bon Giorno rounded out the top three with a time of 46.257 seconds.
Hunter Holloway and Cassevel. ManciniPhotos
Holloway and Cassevel are a relatively new pair, as the 2007 Holsteiner gelding was purchased from Derek Petersen less than a year ago. Holloway rode with a confidence that allowed her to excel in the pressure situations that arose in the jump-off round.
“We got him just over a year ago and I’ve taken my time with him and tried to really make him my horse. He’s a great horse and won some in Ocala, FL, and he’s just really consistent in the big classes. We’ll do more of the FEI on him this season and try for some good results.”
David Blake and Binkie. ManciniPhotos
As the first to go in the order, Holloway and Cassevel nearly didn’t make the jump-off round, as they finished the track with a single time fault, but two rides later, course designer Hector Loyola adjusted the time allowed, moving the pair through to the short course.
“I thought both courses rode so well. I thought there were lot of turns that you really had to ride smartly,” said Holloway. “There were a few spaces of good gallop track and he has a big stride. I felt like I went in with a lot of confidence because I knew he could handle the course and it suited him.”
Bryn Sadler and Bon Giorno. ManciniPhotos
Speaking candidly of her biggest career win, Holloway immediately complimented the heart and never-ending try of Cassevel, who she hopes will help her secure top results in FEI ranking classes throughout the remainder of the year.
“This was the biggest class I’ve ever won and it just is so exciting. It’s a great feeling and it’s only the second grand prix I’ve done with him, so this is a big result for us,” she smiled. “I am really proud of how my horses performed this week and I am just over the moon right now.”
Hunter Holloway and Cassevel in their presentation ceremony with groom Gerardo Lopez, Sharon Decker of TIEC, alongside Howard and Gwen Dvorkin. ManciniPhotos
“It’s been a very cool week for us. Each one of our grand prix horses has won a big class this past week. I think it’s a great feeling and it also makes you appreciate your horses. It’s such a great opportunity and we’re so lucky to have the rides on these guys. They’re a really special group and I just am so ecstatic right now,” she continued.
Holloway’s groom Gerardo Lopez was awarded with the Groom’s Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo and the Tryon Equestrian Partners in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the care of Holloway’s grand prix mount Cassevel.
“Gerardo is absolutely incredible with our horses and we’re so lucky to have him. He takes impeccable care of them and he’s the only one I trust with my grand prix horses. He understands them and does an amazing job,” said Holloway. “He’s such an important part of our team and I’m so happy that he was recognized for his hard work.”
Final Results $75,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix
1. CASSEVEL, 2007 Holsteiner gelding by Cassini II x Tamara IX
HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Hays Investment Corp.: 0/0/43.373
2. BINKIE, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Larino x Whisper B
DAVID BLAKE, Pine Hollow Farm: 0/0/44.86
3. BON GIORNO, 1999 Swedish Warmblood gelding by Acacio 948 x Bon-Ami
Bryn Sadler, Showcase 81, LLC: 0/0/46.257
4. BARON, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding Ukato x Vera Van Veecaten
DAVID BLAKE, Pine Hollow Farm: 0/12/52.002
5. AJE CLUNY, 2004 Oldenburg gelding by Cash & Carry x Dorina
CHRISTIAN HEINEKING, AJE Equitation: 0/EL
6. HAPPY WANDOR VAN T ROOSAKKER, 2007 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Wandor van de Mispelaere
CARLOS RAMIREZ, Carolos Ramirez: 2/83.485
7. BULL RUN’S HOLY SMOKE, 2004 Belgian Warmblood mare by Wunder Boy van de Zuuthoeve x Belle
KRISTEN VANDERVEEN, Bull Run Jumpers, Inc: 4/74.366
8. QUATTRO, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Quasimodo Z x Olavsca F
DANIEL BEDOYA, Daniel Bedoya: 4/77.554
9. VDL BRAVO S, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Ephepe For Ever x Urbine S
HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Hays Investment Corp.: 4/77.804
10. NKH QUANTO, 2006 Holsteiner gelding by Quidam de Revel x I-Carina I
CHRISTIAN HEINEKING, NKH LLC: 4/80.327
11. FIFTY SHADES, 2008 Westphalian gelding by Call Me Number One x Sheltana
ANDREA TORRES GUERREIRO, Andrea Torres Guerreiro: 4/80.408
12. HHS LOUIS, 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Quidam Junior x HHS Flowing
AMANDA FORTE, Cerulean Stables LLC: 4/81.053