Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef sped through the timers in 34.857 seconds to best the $37,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Sharn Wordley (NZL) and his own Casper, the 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet Du Rouet), cleared the short course in 35.191 seconds to take second, while Lillie Keenan (USA) and Fasther, a 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Vigo D’Arsouilles x Farmer) owned by Chansonette Farm LLC, produced a 35.2 second jump-off round to claim third.
Shane Sweetnam and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef. Photo by Sportfot.
Sweetnam and his own 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare (Casantos x Action-Breaker) were one of 60 entries to test the first-round track set by Ken Krome (USA), and one of 12 pairs to qualify for the jump-off round. “It was a tricky course. Ken did a good job. There were a lot of good riders and partnerships out there today. It was quite strong for a ranking class,” he shared. “I’m sure it set the horses up well for Saturday night. It was a bit more of a test than yesterday [$37,000 Wednesday Classic CSI 3*],” where Sweetnam and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef claimed second.
Sharn Wordley and Casper. Photo by Sportfot.
In the jump-off, which Sweetnam called “tricky,” some unintentional distances still worked out favorably for the naturally- quick mare, he explained. “Things came up a little awkward, especially to the last jump. I didn’t get what I wanted there, but it still worked out well for me. She is a quick horse and she really wants to leave the jumps up. I really just had to try to get her there as quickly as I could, and she did her best.”
Lillie Keenan on Fasther. Photo by Sportfot.
If he had to pick a spot where he cut time, Sweetnam said it would be that he was “quick to the in-and-out, as I can trust her there.” And now that Indra Van De Oude Heihoef has two FEI podium finishings under her belt for the week, Sweetnam emphasized that she’s earned a break for the remainder of Tryon Summer 6 competition. “She’s finished for the week, because she was second yesterday and won today!”
Shane Sweetnam on Indra Van De Oude Heihoef in their presentation ceremony. Photo by Sportfot.
Instead, Sweetnam will pilot Chaqui Z, a familiar mount at the venue, in Saturday night’s $137,000 EquiSafe Global Grand Prix CSI 3*, and noted that he’s happy to be back competing in Tryon Stadium after spending several weeks at TIEC throughout the summer. “The footing is great! They’ve really done a good job. I was here the first week they showed on [the new footing], and it was brilliant then, and still is now. I’m happy to be jumping on it!”
For full class results, click here. Tryon Summer 6 continues through Sunday, July 19, with a $6,000 Speed Stake CSI 3* at 8:00am in Tryon Stadium ahead of Saturday evening’s $137,000 EquiSafe Global Grand Prix CSI 3*.