David Blake and Conblue Strike Gold in $120,000 Advent Health Grand Prix CSI3*
For Immediate Release
Rette Solomon for Tryon International
July 18, 2026 – Mill Spring, NC – Closing out the 2026 Tryon Summer Series presented by The Farm House, it was David Blake (IRL) who stepped up to the winner’s podium position in the $120,000 Advent Health Grand Prix CSI3*. Teaming up with Pine Hollow Farm’s Conblue (Conthargos x Chacco Blue), Blake and the 2014 Oldenburg gelding locked in the only double clear effort of the evening, tackling the Catsy Cruz-designed short track in 45.71 seconds. The jump off pace setter, Richie Moloney (IRL) proved faster on the clock with Equinimity LLC’s Daisycutter (Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x Quidam De Revel), but one rail down slotted the team into the second place position. Nicolette Hirt-Slade (USA) and Dalton Van De Lindehoeve Z, owned by Chatwood Farms LLC, were the fastest four-faulters in round one, claiming third place.
David Blake and Conblue
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
“Conblue is a twelve-year-old gelding that we have had for about a year,” winner David Blake explained. “The last time here, Amanda Derbyshire rode him – she’s at home this week, so I said I’d take him back for the week, which paid off!”
Richie Moloney and Daisycutter
©Brienna Phipps for Natalie Suto Photography
With Conblue being shown by both David Blake and Amanda Derbyshire, the Oldenburg gelding has seen consistent podium placings at Tryon International. “We know him very well, and I’m involved in his day to day riding,” Blake shared. “I’ve competed with him plenty over the last year. It’s nice that we can swap over and back and both do well on him.”
Nicolette Hirt-Slade and Dalton Van De Lindehoeve Z
©Chelsey Somohano for Natalie Suto Photography
As the second of two riders to take on the jump off course, Blake detailed his winning short round strategy. “There was obviously a lot more pressure on Richie Moloney, because I was behind him. I knew I just had to go clear after him – there was still a little bit of pressure, but I had the advantage there.”
David Blake, Richie Moloney, and Nicolette Hirt-Slade in their awards presentation ceremony, alongside Tryon International's General Manager, Equestrian Operations Glenn Petty, Advent Health Polk Executive Director David Scherping, and Tryon International’s Chief Operating Officer Doug Grondahl.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Fans can look forward to seeing David Blake and team compete during the Tryon Fall Series presented by Coca-Cola, kicking off on September 18th. “We show here every year, and we love coming back,” Blake concluded. “There’s a great atmosphere here on a Saturday, and we find the horses develop very well here.”
Rafael Carias was presented the Groom’s Award, presented by DB Equestrian Services, for his care and dedication to Conblue.
©Chelsey Somohano for Natalie Suto Photography
For her efforts as the highest placing female rider of the evening, Nicolette Hirt-Slade received the Leading Lady Award, presented by Stacy Bradley Design, alongside Leigh Ann Edwards.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
The top athletes in the Grand Prix celebrate with a champagne toast presented by La Marca.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
For full results from the $120,000 Advent Health Grand Prix CSI3*, click here.
Thank you to all our fans who joined us for a summer full of Saturday Night Lights! Saturday Night Lights presented by Skyla Credit Union returns on September 19th. Visit tryon.com/snl to plan your visit!
Photos ©Natalie Suto Photography (Bailey Beck, Chelsey Somohano, and Brienna Phipps 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.