Cournane was one of 24 to advance to the jump-off track set by course designer Ken Krome of Westminster, MD. From a starting field of 52, only 20 elected to return and jump for the top prize.
“The course walked more difficult than it jumped,” said Cournane, who is competing at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows for the first time this week. “It was up to height, but the footing here is just so good the horses jump so well off it. I think that is why there were so many through to the jump-off.
“I made up time from [jumps] one to two and went nine strides,” continued Cournane of his course, which he finished in 42.35 seconds. “From there, I went as fast as I could and tried to turn inside when I could. I wanted to be a little cautious to the last jump, so I added a stride, but I was very happy with the round.”
Cournane got the ride on Armik, a nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Armitage x Justinian xx at the end of 2017 when his wife’s parents, Bob and Christine Stiller, purchased the mount for him to produce.
“He was jumping 1.45m before they got him for me and I am very grateful for their support because he is a really nice horse,” said Cournane, who is also competing at Old Salem Farm with an Irish-bred mare, Penelope Cruz. “It has been a great week so far and I am really looking forward to the grand prix [on Sunday]. It’s a beautiful show and you’ve got some of the best footing in North America. It’s great to be here.”
Fractions of a second separated the top four finishers with Katherine Dinan (USA) taking second aboard Dougie Douglas in 42.61 seconds for owner Grant Road Partners, and Lucy Deslauriers (USA) finishing in third with Hester, owned by Lisa Deslauriers, in a time of 42.77 seconds. Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) took fourth in 42.95 seconds riding Toulago for Starlight Farms, LLC, and Mattias Tromp (USA) rounded out the top five with Beyaert Farm’s Crack Elle Chavannaise in 45.40 seconds.