Cormac Hanley Scores Big To Win $70,000 Core Specialty Equine Grand Prix CSI2*
For Immediate Release
Rette Solomon for Tryon International
October 3rd, 2026 – Mill Spring, NC – 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 CSI2*, 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. Richard Spooner (USA) and Lyjanair, owned by Show Jumping Syndications International, slotted into second place, marking a 35.95 second jump off time. With 37.84 seconds on the clock, Catherine Tyree Flores (USA) piloted her own Kadans to third place.
Cormac Hanley and Santiago VH Netehof
©Chelsey Somohano for Natalie Suto Photography
Winning aboard Heathman Farm LLC’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 and Lyjanair
©Chelsey Somohano for Natalie Suto Photography
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.”
Catherine Tyree Flores and Kadans
©Chelsey Somohano for Natalie Suto Photography
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.
Cormac Hanley, Richard Spooner, and Catherine Tyree Flores alongside Amy Gavel, Nicole Madden, and Misty Hunter of Core Specialty Equine, and Tryon International’s Chief Operating Officer Doug Grondahl.
©Chelsey Somohano for Natalie Suto Photography
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!”
Andres Marcus received the Groom’s Award, presented by DB Equestrian Services, for
his care and support of Santiago VH Netehof.
©Rette Solomon for Tryon International
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!”
For her efforts as the highest placing female rider of the evening, Catherine Tyree Flores received the Leading Lady Award, presented by Stacy Bradley Design, alongside Leigh Ann Edwards.
©Chelsey Somohano for Natalie Suto Photography
For full results from the $70,000 Core Specialty Equine Grand Prix CSI2*, click here.
Saturday Night Lights presented by Skyla Credit Union returns on Saturday, October 10th, featuring the $120,000 Coca-Cola Grand Prix CSI3*. Plan your evening by visiting Tryon.com/snl!
Photos ©Natalie Suto Photography (Chelsey Somohano as noted) unless otherwise noted. These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. Competitors may view and purchase competition photos at www.nataliesutophotography.com.