Jimmy Torano and Chanel One ©TIEC.
Mill Spring, NC – May 18, 2019 – Jimmy Torano and Chanel One raced around the jump-off track in a time of 35.484 seconds to secure the $25,000 Marshal & Sterling Insurance Grand Prix win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), taking top honors to represent Wellington, FL. Taylor Land (Atlanta, GA) and Liroy 30, a 2009 Dutch Sport Horse gelding (Levistano x King Kolibri) owned by Jay Land, Taylor Land, and Pinetree Farms Inc., cleared the short course in 36.714 seconds to earn second, while Nicky Galligan (Keswick, VA) and his own Javas Miss Jordan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse mare (Luidam x Obos Quality 004), rounded out the podium in third after their 38.052-second jump-off performance.
Fifteen horse-and-rider pairs tested the Oscar Soberon-designed course, with five combinations qualifying for the Dallas, TX designer’s second-round track. Torano and the 2010 Holsteiner stallion (Catoki x F-Cover Girl) owned by The New Group LLC were able to best a blazing performance from Land that Torano wasn’t sure he could beat, he revealed.
“Taylor really put the pressure on and was blazing fast – to be honest, when she went, I thought it was over, and she couldn’t be caught. So when I went in, I wasn’t riding for second or third, but all or nothing. I wasn’t going to try to back in to the podium. And Chanel One did everything I asked.”
Most importantly, Torano noted, was that it was the stallion’s first competition under the lights to date, adding even more pressure to a competitive class.
“This is his first time ever showing at night. His heart was pounding, his eyes were bugging out of his head a little bit – he was definitely nervous going in, and I felt like I had to hold his hand the first round. When I came back for the jump-off, he was all business, and right there with me,” Torano said of the ride he’s been saving in lower-level classes.
“Chanel One is a fairly new ride for me. I’ve only ridden the horse a handful of times, and I’ve been doing him in lower classes, but decided to step him up this week. He won the 1.40m class this week, jumped a nice round in the Welcome Stake on Thursday, and tonight he was spot on,” Torano emphasized. “I had a little bit of bad luck on my other two horses, and I think I really called on Chanel One tonight. I needed a clear round, and he really came through.”
Complimentary of the venue’s atmosphere, Torano mentioned that TIEC’s signature “Saturday Night Lights” event is an incomparable experience for competitors and fans alike, saying, “It doesn’t really get any better than this. The crowds come out Saturday night as good as anywhere, and they’re into it. You really feel like they’re pulling for you,” he continued. “It’s great to have these big classes and it’s a great atmosphere to have.”
For more information and results, please visit www.Tryon.com.