Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – June 29, 2019 – Sydney Shulman (ISR) and Villamoura sped to win the $72,000 Ingles Grand Prix CSI 2* last night during the Tryon Summer Series at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA.

The American-born rider who represents Israel and the 2009 bay Selle Francais mare (Diamant de Semilly x Unknown) halted the jump-off timers at 36.291 seconds while having no penalties attributed to them.

Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Casper

Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Casper, a 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet Du Rouet) owned by Sky Group, took second place for their penalty-free performance of 40.316 seconds.

Santiago Lambre (MEX) & Ibabco

Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Ibabco, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Nabab de Reve x Darco) owned by Lambre and Stephex Stables, claimed third-place honors with four penalty-points and a jump-off time of 36.543 seconds.

The course, designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA), challenged 41 pairs, with five returning to pilot the short course. Jorge was the architect of the show jumping course for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and will design for this summer’s 2019 Pan American Games held in Lima, Peru from July 26 to August 11.

Shulman and the mare owned by Jill Shulman conquered a course that “was made for her,” Shulman said. “When I walked the course, I immediately thought, ‘Okay, this course is made for Villamoura.’ Anywhere I needed to add [a stride] it was available to me, because she’s a small horse, so I was super excited to jump her tonight. And I loved the jump-off course.”

Sydney Shulman (ISR) & Villamoura

“She is amazing. She’s everything you could want in a horse: she’s light, hot, careful, and brave. Once she starts, you don’t have much of an option to stop. Her normal pace is very fast, so I always think stay calm and steady for the jump-off, not too fast,” Shulman shared after laying down an early clear round that ended up more than four seconds faster than the rest of the field.

Shulman revealed that the win was especially meaningful because it was her first FEI win as a rider representing Israel: “To hear the Hatikvah play was just super meaningful to me,” said Shulman. “My family has always been super connected to Israel and I’ve been wanting to do this for a very long time, and was waiting for the right time. Last fall I went with my dad to Israel and made Aliyah, and it was super exciting. I’ve been waiting for this moment to hear the Hatikvah play.”

Shulman continued, “I’m just working on building my string up to help support the Israeli team, which will continue to thrive. So I think the next few years will be a huge stepping stone for Israel, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”

Kristen Chandler was presented with the Absorbine® Groom’s Award for her care and devotion to Villamoura.

“I want to thank my mom, Jill Shulman, and John Roche, who is very influential in tonight’s win. He spends a lot of time with Villamoura and he said to me this morning, “if you get it right, she could win.” So, I’m glad it turned out that way!” Shulman concluded.