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For Immediate Release
Mill Spring, NC – May 18, 2019 – Jimmy Torano and Chanel One raced around the jump-off track in a time of 35.484 seconds to secure the $25,000 Marshal & Sterling Insurance Grand Prix win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), taking top honors to represent Wellington, FL. Taylor Land (Atlanta, GA) and Liroy 30, a 2009 Dutch Sport Horse gelding (Levistano x King Kolibri) owned by Jay Land, Taylor Land, and Pinetree Farms Inc., cleared the short course in 36.714 seconds to earn second, while Nicky Galligan (Keswick, VA) and his own Javas Miss Jordan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse mare (Luidam x Obos Quality 004), rounded out the podium in third after their 38.052-second jump-off performance.
Jimmy Torano and Chanel One
©TIEC
Fifteen horse-and-rider pairs tested the Oscar Soberon-designed course, with five clear-round combinations qualifying for the Dallas, TX, designer’s second-round track. Torano and the 2010 Holsteiner stallion (Catoki x F-Cover Girl) owned by The New Group LLC were able to best a blazing performance from Land that Torano wasn’t sure he could beat, he revealed.
“Taylor really put the pressure on and was blazing fast – to be honest, when she went I thought it was over, and she couldn’t be caught. So, when I went in, I wasn’t riding for second or third, but all or nothing. I wasn’t going to try to back in to the podium. And Chanel One did everything I asked.”
Taylor Land and Leroy 30
©TIEC
Most importantly, Torano noted, was that it was the stallion’s first competition under the lights to date, adding even more pressure to a competitive class.
“This is his first time ever showing at night. His heart was pounding, his eyes were bugging out of his head a little bit – he was definitely nervous going in, and I felt like I had to hold his hand the first round. When I came back for the jump-off, he was all business, and right there with me,” Torano said of the ride he’s been saving in lower-level classes.
Nicky Galligan and Javas Miss Jordan
©Bailey Beck Photography
“Chanel One is a fairly new ride for me. I’ve only ridden the horse a handful of times, and I’ve been doing him in lower classes, but decided to step him up this week. He won the 1.40m class this week, jumped a nice round in the Welcome Stake on Thursday, and tonight he was spot on,” Torano emphasized. “I had a little bit of bad luck on my other two horses, and I think I really called on Chanel One tonight. I needed a clear round, and he really came through.”
Complimentary of the venue’s atmosphere, Torano mentioned that TIEC’s signature “Saturday Night Lights” event is an incomparable experience for competitors and fans alike, saying, “It doesn’t really get any better than this. The crowds come out Saturday night as good as anywhere, and they’re into it. You really feel like they’re pulling for you,” he continued. “It’s great to have these big classes and it’s a great atmosphere to have.”
Jimmy Torano, Taylor Land, and Nicky Galligan in their presentation ceremony. Alongside (L-R): Jennifer Smith, Tryon Equestrian Partners; and Missy Sullivan, Assistant Vice President of Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Equisport Division. ©Bailey Beck Photography
Torano and team have been competing at TIEC for the past three weeks enjoying the Tryon Spring Series, and while the barn will tour the southeast going forward into summer, Torano made it clear that he’s looking to make it back to the venue as soon as he can:
“I wish I was staying here, to be honest. We’ll go to Devon, Upperville, some others, and I want to get back here this summer. We love it here in Tryon – we love everything about it. The show has been good to me and we’ve had a good three weeks here, in and out of the ring. The clients like it, too. We love Tryon,” he concluded.
Tryon Spring 3 competition concludes Sunday, May 19, and features the $10,000 1.40m High/Junior Amateur Classic in Tryon Stadium beginning at 8:15am. The Tryon Spring Series continues with Tryon Spring 4 hosted May 22-26.
Click here for full results from the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Insurance Grand Prix.
Photo credit ©TIEC unless otherwise noted. These photos may be used only once in relation to this release.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort:
Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort, host of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, is one of the world’s ultimate equestrian lifestyle destinations with first-class facilities for all FEI disciplines and showcasing Hunter/Jumper, Equitation, Steeplechase, Polo, and multidiscipline events in Mill Spring, NC. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. A haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, Tryon Resort is an iconic, year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment. Learn more at www.Tryon.com.
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