Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) hosted its largest event of the spring season, packing the Tryon Stadium at the George H. Morris Arena with a crowd of more than 10,000 people. The stands were overflowing as visitors and guests from around the state flocked to Mill Spring, NC, to see the biggest Grand Prix the venue has hosted in its relatively short history. Richie Moloney (IRL) and Carrabis Z were the last to go in the jump-off and pulled off the win in a nail-bitingly intense atmosphere to seal the win in the $210,000 Tryon Grand Prix for the Governor's Cup presented by Rolex. The duo finished in 36.957 seconds in front of Ali Wolff (USA) and Casall who completed the jump-off track in 37.812 seconds. Charlie Jayne (USA) and Chill R Z finished in third, crossing the timers in 38.422 seconds. The Tryon Spring Series concludes tomorrow with the $34,000 FEI Tryon 1.50m Challenge. The Tryon Summer Series will begin on June 24, hosting four weeks of consecutive FEI competition.
Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z concluded the class with a large cheer from the crowd, racing to the last oxer of the Catalina Ana Cruz designed jump-off, barely nudging out Wolff for the win. Moloney, who was aware of the tight time coming into the round, was thrilled with Carrabis Z's performance.
"The first round was a bit careful and there were options on one or two lines that you needed to really be aware of," said Moloney. "It was a very well built course and seven clear rounds from the first round was a very good result. I didn't really have a plan going in other than to be as fast and careful as I could. I knew Charlie and Ali put in two very fast rounds and I had nothing to lose by going for it."
The class of 29 proved to bring their best to the biggest night in the facility's history. The impeccably designed course by Cruz created electric excitement throughout the crowd, especially in the jump-off as the riders had a quick turn to the left and then needed to maintain a full gallop to the last fence, a large Spy Coast Farm over.
Jayne and Chill R Z were the first ride in the jump-off to hit the time before 38.50 seconds and seemed to have possibly completed the fastest round of the night before the last two riders contested the jump-off. Jayne, who has been competing at TIEC for the past two weeks, has been thrilled with the facility and the venue's commitment to continue providing opportunities for riders.
"This venue is spectacular and there is this saying that, 'If you build it, they will come' and I don't think that has ever proven more true than here in Tryon," said Jayne. "This facility has the best footing in the world and the plans for expansion will make this just overall world class and offers a truly bright future for our sport. The number of people we saw here today and the atmosphere was incredible. I've shown in a number of places around the world and this is by far the most horse-friendly and well executed show I've ever been too."
