Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – October 17, 2018 – 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.

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 (IRL) for his help,” O’Brien concluded.

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release by TIEC – Tryon International Equestrian Center

Photo: © Sportfot