Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – May 23, 2023 – A one-two for Ireland on American soil! Saturday Night Lights, presented by Tryon Horse & Home, welcomed the $35,000 Cooper Motor Company Grand Prix to Tryon Stadium as the feature class during the third week of competition during the Tryon Spring Series at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) & Resort and it was David O’Brien (IRL) and El Balou OLD claimed the top prize.
The Irishman and the 11-year-old bay Oldenburg stallion (Eldorado Vd Zeshoek x Balou du Rouet) with their 35.839-second jump-off performance, besting the field of just four clear rounds presented by Stuller Power Solutions.
Willie Tynan (IRL) piloted Ballinteskin Joe, the 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding (KEC Maximum Joe x Aldi Clover) owned by Michelle Guardino, to reserve honors in a time of 36.151 seconds.
Gonzalo Busca Roca (ESP) rode the remaining two jump-off qualifiers to third and fourth place, respectively: Cristiano Obolensky (Cornet Obolensky x Stakkato), his own 2015 Hanoverian gelding, who cleared the short course in a time of 37.25 seconds; and Classified, the 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Liliane Stransky, who was eliminated for going off course as the trailblazer of the jump off round.
Final Results – $35,000 Cooper Motor Company Grand Prix CSI 2*
1) David O’ Brien (IRL) & El Balou Old – 0 / 0 – 35.839
2) Willie Tynan (IRL) & Ballinteskin Joe – 0 / 0 – 36.151
3) Gonzalo Busca Roca (ESP) & Cristiano Obolensky – 0 / 0 – 37.25
Source: Press Release from Tryon International Equestrian Center
Photo: © TIEC / Brittany Hirst for Natalie Suto Photography
Categories: CSI 2*, Jumper News Ireland, Languages
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