The $25,000 Sunday Classic win was awarded to Lauren Tyree (Chicago, IL) and her Voltanos with a time of 40.881 seconds. Second went to Sarah Hubbard (Cornwall, CT) and Hubbard Horses International, LLC’s Japardie (Cidane x Capardie), the 2014 Dutch Warmblood gelding, with eight jumping faults and a time of 43.884 seconds in the jump-off. Jacqueline Ruyle (Houston, TX) riding her own 2009 Oldenburg gelding San Chano (Sandro Boy x Carusa) finished in third with two time penalties in the first round and a time of 79.359 seconds.
Twenty-five entries contested the Anthony d'Ambrosio’s (Red Hook, NY) course, with only two pairs to advance to the jump-off round. Tyree and the 2013 Oldenburg gelding Voltanos (Voltaire x La Spumante) were the only pair to jump double clear, securing them the win.
“I thought the course was super fair. Everything wrote a bit short off the turn, so it was definitely inviting for a careful horse. I felt like every stride [Voltanos] was with me. He jumped his heart out the first round and jumped even better in the jump off. It was a really good, technical course. We were definitely prepared for the jump-off. We went a little safer, but I wanted to give him a good solid round. He's newer to the 1.45m level," she revealed, "so it was about keeping the jumps up within a reasonable amount of time. I know Sarah [Hubbard] is really fast, so there was a little bit of pressure, but I'm happy with the result.”
Despite being new to this level, Voltanos tackled the course with ease: “[Voltanos] is only nine and this is only his second time at [TIEC],” explained Tyree. “I've had him for a little over a year now. He actually just stepped up to the 1.45m division this summer. He's the best character. He's a little horse, but he has the biggest heart. He can be a little bit cheeky, but he's the sweetest animal. He's definitely a barn favorite.”
Tyree also made sure to thank her team, saying, “I also just want to say thank you to Cameron Fraatz and Vasco Flores, my two trainers, as well as my two grooms Heather Cappolo and Eddie from HighPort Stables. I wouldn't be in this without any of them.”
For full results from the $25,000 Sunday Classic, click here.