Cormac Hanley Scores Big to Win the $70,000 Core Specialty Equine Grand Prix CSI 2*

By Jumper News on 2026-10-06

Mill Spring, United States – October 03, 2026 – The Tryon Fall Series presented by Coca-Cola saw the return of international Grand Prix competition with the $70,000 Core Specialty Equine Grand Prix CSI 2*, with fifty-five trips initially seeing the Christopher Barnard-designed course. Narrowing the field down to seven teams for the short track, Cormac Hanley (IRL) secured a clear jump off effort on a time of 34.80 seconds, ultimately taking the top podium position.

Winning aboard Heathman Farm’s Santiago VH Netehof, Hanley noted that the eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding “has been a fantastic horse and is in great form this year. He stepped up to the FEI division in June, and he’s placed in almost every ranking class he’s done.” Saturday’s $70,000 Core Specialty Equine Grand Prix CSI2*, however, marks Santiago VH Netehof’s first FEI win.

**Richard Spooner** (USA) & **Lyjanair**

Richard Spooner (USA) and Lyjanair, owned by Show Jumping Syndications International, slotted into second place, marking a 35.95 second jump off time.

**Catherine Tyree Flores** (USA) & **Kadans**

With 37.84 seconds on the clock, Catherine Tyree Flores (USA) piloted her own Kadans to third place.

The preliminary course provided an abundance of challenges, leaving an elite field of seven horse and rider pairs to test the short track. “The first round was actually very difficult,” Hanley acknowledged. “The standard here is very, very high. The designer had to build a big course. My horse, thankfully, handled it beautifully.”

With third place finishers Catherine Tyree Flores and Kadans acting as pace setters in the jump off, the standard was set early on. “[Catherine] was clear, so that puts the pressure on,” Hanley explained.

As the only rider to manage seven strides from the short round’s fourth fence to the double combination, Hanley was able to save precious time. “At that moment, I thought, ‘I have to try something now, otherwise this win is going to get away from me’”, he stated.

For his dedication and care for Santiago VH Netehof, Andres Marcus received Saturday’s Grooms Award, presented by DB Equestrian Services. Hanley gave special recognition to Marcus’ efforts. “He does so much with this horse, and he does so much for me. He’s like part of the family!”

Hanley concluded with thanks and appreciation to the team behind him. “I want to say thank you to Thea Stinnett and Heathman Farm for backing me!”