Set at a height of 1.45m the $8,000 Open Jumper at the Tryon Equestrian Center saw 24 combinations at the start. Only six combinations produced a clear round, advancing to the jump-off. Finishing in a time of 34.711 seconds, Eugenio Garza speeded to victory. Aboard the Zangersheide-gelding Victor Finn DH Z he claimed the 2,200 USD prize. Victer Finn DH Z is an 8-year-old belgian bred son out of Va Vite. Tal Milstein and Ilan Ferder's rider, Alberto Michan followed in a second place aboard the KWPN-mare Cottica II RV (by VDL Groep Verdi TN N.O.P.). The combination crossed the finish in 36.189 seconds. Angel Karolyi and the Carthago Z-sire, Califa LS placed third as they finished faultless in 39.83 seconds. Only these three combinations finished clear. Record time was set by Emanuel Andrade and the 14-year-old Walter 61 (by Werenfels). The pair stopped the clock in 32.328 seconds, but jumped one rail down. Ireland's Richie Moloney and the 8-year-old Rocksy Music completed the top five. The Under 25 international riders were offered a nicely build 1.45m track. Fabio Andres Rodriguez and Venus speeded to victory after a clear jump-off in 33.336 seconds. The stage was completed by Hilary Mc Merney (Contact) and Viggo Bjorklund (Abu Dhabi Gold) in second and third.
