Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – June 22, 2019 – Samuel Parot (CHI) & Bahira S sped to a swift time of 42.176 seconds in the jump-off, securing victory in the $25,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix yesterday at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Sarah Bagworth (CAN) & Malou

Sarah Bagworth (CAN) and her own Malou, a 2004 Swedish Warmblood mare (Maloubet de Pleville x Carthago), took second place with a short-course performance of 46.766 seconds.

David O’Brien (IRL) & Kir Royal SCF

David O’Brien (IRL) and Kir Royal SCF, a Belgian Warmblood gelding (Amaretto D’arco x Nabab de Reve) owned by Spy Coast Farm, claimed third-place honors finishing in 40.821 seconds.

The course designed by Keith Bollotte (USA) saw 35 entries attempt the first-round track with nine pairs returning for the jump-off round. Parot and his own 2010 Oldenburg mare (Balou du Rouet x Unknown) were the only pair to navigate the short-course without any faults.

Samuel Parot (CHI) with David O’Brien (IRL) and Sarah Bagworth (CAN) in their presentation ceremony alongside Stephen Brady of Main Street Insurance Group and Eric Straus, TIEC General Manager of Equestrian.

“This is this horse’s [Bahira S] first time jumping at the Grand Prix level, so she is very new,” commented Parot. “She is young, [only] 8 years old. She is very careful and very fast, it makes me very happy!”

In the past few weeks, Parot has had success competing at TIEC on a few of his other mounts, as well. “For me, it is the best show in the United States!” Parot exclaimed. “The people are fantastic. The atmosphere is fantastic. The show is fantastic. Everything is good.”

Parot expressed that he plans to continue to show throughout the remaining weeks of the Summer Series at TIEC. “I will be here for July and then I do not know, maybe a show or two in Europe, and then I will come back to [North] Carolina in September, then again in October,” Parot concluded.

The Tryon Summer Series will continue through Sunday, July 21, and features six weeks of Hunter, Jumper, Equitation, and Dressage competition. To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

For full results from the $25,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix, please here.

Source: Press release from TIEC – Tryon International Equestrian Center

Photos: © Sportfot