Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – July 20, 2019 – Alison Robitaille (USA) and Ace dominated the $134,00 Horseware Grand Prix CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA.

The American and the Dutch Warmblood gelding (Berlin x Irco Polo) mastered all the obstacles on the course for no penalties at the end of their two performances, stopping the jump-off timers at 40.376 seconds for the victory.

Scott Keach (AUS) & Falcon de Hus Z

Scott Keach (AUS) and Falcon de Hus Z, a 2009 Zangersheide gelding (Florian de la Vie*Bazooka x Adlantus AS) owned by Five Henry Stables, took second place on a clear jump-off performance of 40.805 seconds.

Hector Florentino (DOM) & Carnaval

Hector Florentino (DOM) and Carnaval, a 2005 Oldenburg gelding (Chacco-Blue x Landadel) owned by Spruce Meadows Ltd., claimed third-place honors on a 40.947 second finish.

The course, designed by Ken Krome (USA), tested 30 entries in the class and had only six pairs return for the jump-off. Robitaille shared that she had anticipated more riders to make it into the jump-off when she originally walked the course: “I thought there might be more actually when I walked the course, but there seemed to be faults everywhere.”

Podium: 3) Hector Florentino (DOM), 1) Alison Robitaille (USA) 2) Scott Keach (AUS) joined by Horseware Ireland representatives, Daniel and Kloe Kerins

Robitaille was proud to be one of the six to continue into the jump-off. “I thought it was a really fair course considering the field of riders and the courses that Kenny had. I thought he ended up with an ideal clear amount,” commented Robitaille.

Ace, owned by Bertram and Diana Firestone, has been paired with Robitaille for the past three years, allowing her to return to Grand Prix level competition. “I took a pretty big break from riding at the Grand Prix level – I was married and had two children. He [Ace] was the first horse I got to really get back into the upper level of the sport with,” Robitaille shared.

A little champagne shower celebration for Hector Florentino (DOM), Alison Robitaille (USA) and Scott Keach (AUS)

Robitaille and her family, residents of northern Virginia, enjoy having a facility like TIEC closer to home. “I’m from Upperville in northern Virginia, so it’s not a long drive for us and I love the facilities [at TIEC] and it’s a beautiful area on top of that,” Robitaille concluded.

Sabina Sander was presented with the Absorbine® Groom’s Award for her care and dedication to Ace.

Since returning to the International Grand Prix level in 2017, Robitaille and Ace have represented the United States in the 2017 Nations Cup in Coapexpan, Mexico, and also competed in the 2018 FEI World Cup Finals in Paris, where Robitaille made her fifth World Cup Final appearance and finished 14th overall. “I really missed it,” Robitaille admitted of the five year break she took from the international circuit.

Results – $134,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3* Results:

Place / Rider / Country / Horse / Breed / Sire x Dam Sire / R1 Penalties / Jump-off Penalties / Time

1. Alison Robitaille (USA) & Ace, 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Berlin x Irco Polo) – 0 / 0 / 40.376

2. Scott Keach (AUS) & Falcon de Hus Z, 2009 Zangersheide gelding (Florian de la Vie*Bazooka x Adlantus AS) – 0/ 0 / 40.805

3. Hector Florentino (DOM) & Carnaval, 2005 Oldenburg gelding (Chacco-Blue x Landadel) – 0 / 0 / 40.947

4. Thaisa Erwin (AUS) & Evita, 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Cash) – 0 / 0 / 43.386

5. Darragh Kerins (IRL) & Carlos JD Z, 2009 Zangersheide gelding (Canturo x Baloubet) – 0 / 0 / 44.832

6. David Blake (IRL) & Keoki, 2009 Holsteiner gelding (Catoki x Cassini I) –  0 / 4 / 43.226

7. Juan Andres Rodriguez (ESA) & Magnolia Mystic Rose, 2008 Brazilian Sport Horse mare (Unknown x Unknown) – 1 / 87.5

8. Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Casper, 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet du Rouet) – 4 / 78.27

9. Todd Minikus (USA) & Calvalou, 2007 Oldenburg gelding (Calvaro F.C. x Baloubet du Rouet) – 4 / 79.92

10. Samuel Parot (CHI) & Thriller P, 2004 Swedish Warmblood stallion (Cardento 933 x Lucky Light) – 4 / 80.27

11. Freddie Vazquez (PUR) &Dontez, 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Verdi Tn x Wolfgang) – 4 / 81.08

12. Luiz Francisco de Azevedo (BRA) & Collin, 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Colandro x Amethist) – 4 / 82.67

Source: Press release from TIEC – Tryon International Equestrian Center

For full results from the $134,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix, please click here.

Photos: © Sportfot