Tag Archives: Jimmy Torano

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

Paul O’Shea and Chancelloress Win $140k CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Series Final

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Paul O’Shea and Chancelloress. © Sportfot.

Competition for “Saturday Night Lights” during week 11, sponsored by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, of the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) was packed with action during the circuit’s penultimate week. While hunter riders had the opportunity to take center stage on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village over the weekend in both international and national derby events, show jumpers took to the Wellington International Arena to compete for the top prize in the $140,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Final. In a mad dash across the finish line, Paul O’Shea (IRL) and Chancelloress claimed the leading spot.

The night culminated with both an overall series champion as well as the final class winner. Spectators in the night’s crowd were treated to extra excitement as the new name of the venue, Wellington International, was revealed prior to the first horse on course. Course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) raised an impressive challenge to the field of 48 starters representing 17 nations, and only five of the original entries managed to earn a slot for the short track. The jump-off came down to a battle between the U.S. and Ireland as Spencer Smith (USA), Laura Kraut (USA), and Alex Matz (USA) took on countrymen Mark McAuley (IRL) and O’Shea.

With three to follow, McAuley was the first to produce a double-clear effort in a tidy time of 36.97 seconds aboard LT Competition’s 10-year-old CH mare O’Hara ELS (Ogano Sitte x Liandero). However, the taste of victory didn’t last quite as long as hoped when O’Shea immediately followed and shaved over a second off of McAuley’s effort in 35.51 seconds.

“I knew Alex would be fast, and that Laura was after me too,” explained O’Shea. “I didn’t get to see Mark go but he is always fast, so I just tried to do the best round that I could.”

O’Shea credited his mount with rising to the occasion for the class and has high hopes for the end of season with the Trelawny Farms’ 13-year-old Hanoverian mare (Chacco-Blue x Balou Du Rouet).

The Irish also took the overall victory of the CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Series as Shane Sweetnam was named the leading rider through the entirety of the circuit. Despite never having worn the winning cooler, Sweetnam’s consistency and six top-five placings throughout the season with four different mounts was enough to earn the honors.

Jimmy Torano and Laskano Can’t Be Beat in $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

As top hunter riders took their final turn on the turf at Equestrian Village, Jimmy Torano once again led the lap of honor across the grass as he claimed yet another victory aboard Isalou Inc.’s Laskano. Thirty of the country’s best hunter riders donned their shadbellies astride perfectly manicured athletes for the $50,000 USHJA International Derby. The competition was down to the wire but ultimately, as the pair have done repeatedly throughout the WEF season, Jimmy Torano and Laskano emerged at the top of the elite field. Torano and his talented mount held one of the top 12 coveted spots from the start and returned as one of the final few pairings to contest Ken Krome’s handy course.

Looking on to determine the class winner were Bob Crandall and Ken Krome from the Panel One judges box and Rob Bielefeld with Melissa Bark for Panel Two. Krome designed a handy phase worthy of its opponents that included multiple rollbacks, a trot fence, and a two-stride combination in a bending line to a bounce. Competitors could earn four additional points for high options and were rewarded with extra points for handiness.

The top 12 returned in reverse order and after returning in the tenth-place position, Hannah Isop put the pressure on the remaining riders when she and Red Ryder, an 18-year-old Selle Francais gelding, scored a total of 210 for their efforts in the handy. The massive score catapulted Isop into the lead and put the pressure on Torano to display another flawless effort.

Kelley Farmer took the yellow ribbon honors aboard a horse that is competing for the first time in the U.S.

Torano was not going down without a fight, however, and he gave it his all with the 10-year-old Westphalian gelding to earn another incredible score over the 200-mark with a total of 206 points from the respective judges. The round once again led the field, and Torano piloted Laskano to an overall score of 393 points.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, USHJA

Laskano Continues Derby Win Streak in $15,000 USHJA International Hunt & Go at WEF

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Jimmy Torano and Laskano. © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 25, 2022 – The 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival continued week 11 competition, sponsored by Palm Beach County Sports Commission, on Friday, March 25, 2022, with top hunter competition on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village and international jumpers in CSI4* and CSI2* classes on the main grounds of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Taking home yet another derby win this winter, Jimmy Torano and Laskano captured the title in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Hunt & Go. Victoria Colvin, Macquarie Simon, and Caroline Olsen took the top prizes in the three sections of the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Thirty-two riders attempted a course of 13 obstacles in a “Hunt & Go” format, with the first seven fences as their classic round, and the last six fences judged as their handy round.

This “Hunt & Go” format also allowed for a possible extra two points awarded per section for high options taken and handy round bonus points awarded up to a maximum of 10 per judging panel.

Over a course designed by Ken Krome, it was the 30th pair to go, Laskano and Jimmy Torano, that would claim yet another derby victory.

Simon, Olsen, and Colvin Win in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby out on the grass saw junior, amateur, and open sections with 41, 33, and 43 entries, respectively.

Each section would follow the “Hunt & Go” format with riders attempting a course of 13 obstacles with the first seven fences as their classic round, and the last six fences judged as their handy round with extra points being awarded for high options taken.

The junior and amateur sections ran together but were pinned separately, and riders from each section could end up riding back-to-back, as was the case with the amateur and junior winners, Macquarie Simon and Caroline Olsen.

Macquarie Simon and her own Call Me Cool were 43rd in the order of go and posted a pair of 87s (+2 high options each) for her “classic” and “handy” portions of the course giving them a total of 178 and first position in the amateur section.

The Open section of the derby ran separately and was won by Victoria Colvin on Joelle Sedlacek’s My Style.

Victoria Colvin and My Style chose all of the high options with base scores of 86 and 89 to give them a final total of 179 to earn the first-place sash.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Laskano and Jimmy Torano Three-Peat in Hunter Derby Performances

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Jimmy Torano aboard Laskano. © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 4, 2022 – The 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued on Friday, February 4, with major competition in a multitude of arenas. While international jumpers competed at Equestrian Village, the hunters were featured in the International Arena. A field of 51 entries faced the “Hunt & Go” Format of the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Jimmy Torano and Laskano, owned by Isalou, Inc., securing yet another win.

The Hunt & Go Format for the hunter derby consolidates two rounds into one round with both a classic and a handy portion of the course.

Laskano is a 10-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Daryl Portela of Isalou, Inc., and he and Torano have been quite successful together so far, capturing a derby win in December with the start of the new show year and winning the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 2* during WEF Premiere week.

Second place in the derby with a score of 380.25 went to Mindful and Jennifer Hannan, who rode for Kensel LLC, while third place on a score of 375 went to Meaningful, owned by Emma Vandenhouten and ridden by Kelley Farmer.

Nicole Walker Wastes No Time in $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI4* Win

A busy weekend of competition started promptly Friday morning with all FEI riders heading back to the Derby Field at Equestrian Village. The day was packed with action from the beginning as 49 elite entries debuted in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSI4* where Canada’s Nicole Walker stole the show.

Anderson Lima’s (BRA) first track was held as a single-round speed class at the 1.45m height with a time allowed of 80 seconds flat. A little less than half of the field managed to produce fault-free efforts while 12 entries ended on a single downed rail. Olympic team silver medalist Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Stone Hill Farm’s Volage Du Val Henry looked set to take the victory, but Walker managed to shave over a second off of the pair’s time. She and her own 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding Atout Des Trambles (Nectar Des Forets*hn x Apache D’Adriers) left no room for contest as they stepped on the gas and flew through the finish line in a time of 58.36 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Jimmy Torano and Chewbacca HCC Take First Win of FEI Competition during WEF

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Jimmy Torano and Chewbacca HCC © Sportfot.

The 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued with the second week of the 13-week long circuit. Starting out the International Arena with a win was Jimmy Torano (USA) and Chewbacca HCC with victory in the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Jumpers.

While the first FEI ranking class takes place Thursday, January 13, FEI horses were able to compete Wednesday in the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Jumper Pre-FEI Horses class. Torano and Chewbacca HCC came away with the win in a time of 76.093 seconds. Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) & Andy Christiansen Jr. (ECU) are the course designers for the International Arena this week.

Just behind them was David O’Brien (IRL), who rode Chansonette Farm LLC’s EL Balou Old, a 10-year-old stallion by Eldorado VD Zeshoek x Balou Du Rouet, in 76.478 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and the 13-year-old Rhinelander gelding Alejandro (Acorado’s ASS x Continue), owned by Sweet Oak Farm, Spy Coast Farm, and Seabrook LLC.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

Laskano Takes Top Spot in $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 2*

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Jimmy Torano and Laskano © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2022 – Hunters were the highlight on Friday, January 7, 2022, at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), as Jimmy Torano and Isalou Inc.’s Laskano took the top spot in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 2*.

After securing the second spot in round one with a score of 182 out of 26 entries, Jimmy Torano piloted Laskano around a twisty second round with bold and precise execution to finish top of the field with a second-round score of 211 and a total of 393.

McLain Ward Notches First 2022 WEF Win

Four-time Olympic medalist McLain Ward (USA) notched his first win of the 2022 WEF circuit on Friday in the $6,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Speed Challenge on Bonnie M Z over 44 other entries. The pair sped to victory in 60.780 seconds over the Eric Hasbrouck-designed course. Finishing just off the pace in second place were Laura Chapot (USA) and Out of Ireland, owned by Chapot and The Edge, who stopped the timers in 61.304 seconds. Catherine Tyree (USA) and Newton van het Krekelhof were third in 65.324 seconds.

Ward and Bonnie M Z showed on Wednesday and improved to a winning performance in Friday’s 1.40m class. Ward got the ride on Bonnie M Z two weeks ago through the Holtgers family of Gut Einhaus LLC. Ward has started a new partnership with them and will train Ansgar Holtgers Jr. Gut Einhaus entered into ownership of the horse in 2018, and he has been ridden by Olympic champions Eric Lamaze of Canada and Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED).

“They asked me to ride the horse and see what I thought he could be,” said Ward of the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Bentley Van De Heffinck x Berlin. “He’s done up to three-star grand prix. The Holtgers have owned him for a few years, and now we’re getting started with him.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Jordan Coyle and Picador Navigate to $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix Win

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Jordan Coyle and Picador ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring – October 26, 2020 – Jordan Coyle and Picador (Brewster, NY) galloped to victory in the $25,000 Nutrena® Grand Prix at Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort (TIEC) to conclude Tryon Fall 6 competition. Ken Dickey (Phoenix, AZ) and Rocking D Ranch’s Opium du Soufflet, a 2009 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Ogano Sitte x Nicky du Soufflet), were the short-course trailblazers, unfortunately going off course at the last fence to receive second place. Connor O’Regan (Upperville, VA) navigated the 2012 Belgian Warmblood mare (Hunter’s Scendix x Cleopatra van Spalbeek) owned by Dynomite Ranch, LLC, Mendini DR, to a third place finish on a time of 78.186 in the first round, with a single time fault keeping them from the speed test.

Coyle and the 2007 Anglo European gelding (Lupicor x Kind of Magic), owned by Elan Farm, were one of 39 entries to challenge the long course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA), with only two pairs gaining entry to the jump-off. Dickey was first to go, and his navigational error at the end of the course paved the way for a pressure-free jump-off experience for Coyle. The pair ended up on a time of 38.51 seconds with one rail down, but Coyle shared that it was nice for Picador to end his time at TIEC on a high note after a difficult two weeks.

“He [Picador] won the first class last week [$37,000 EquiSafe Global Power & Speed Stake CSI 3*] and things just didn’t work out in between, but it’s good he won today. The course rode tough… much tougher than I expected,” Coyle revealed. “Since we’re going to Kentucky next week I wanted to jump today just as an easy round. But there was nothing easy about that: it was as tough as any of the FEI classes!”

Jimmy Torano and Laskano Achieve Brilliance in $20,000 Hunter Classic

October 23, 2020 – Jimmy Torano (Wellington, FL) and Laskano were unstoppable in the $20,000 Hunter Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center, earning a first round leading score of 90 followed by a second round score of 87 for a combined 177 total over the Skip Bailey (Loxahatchee, FL) course design. Michael Britt-Leon (Canton, GA) claimed the second and third place ribbons with Kelly Sims’ Private I, the 2012 Oldenburg gelding (Corrado x Verdi) owned by Kelly Sims, earning a combined score of 175, and Bacchus, Sims’ 2013 Hanoverian gelding (Bisquet Balou x Feliz V/D Donkhoeve) with a final score of 168.

“He [Laskano] is a new horse. We just got him in May and this [TIEC] was his first horse show back in June and from day one he has been a winner,” Torano shared of his mount, the Isalou, Inc. entry and 2012 Westphalian gelding (Los Angeles x Laskaja). “Laskano is just one of those horses that never wants to let you down. You can count on him every time, and he is very predictable.”

Rodrigo Pessoa and La Caramba Sprint to $6,000 Speed Stake CSI 4* Win

October 23, 2020 – Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and La Caramba soared to a swift victory in the $6,000 Speed Stake CSI 4* with a time of 60.54 seconds over the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) track, piloting the 2010 Holsteiner mare (Carambole x Caretino 2) owned in partnership with Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC. Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Ronja, Ilan Ferder’s 2011 Swiss Warmblood mare (Conteur x Czandor), stopped the timer at 61.37 seconds to land them a second-place finish, while Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) piloted Conrad 119, the 2010 Oldenburg gelding (Comme il Faut 5 x Landfrieden) owned by Louisburg Farm, to a third-place finish on a time of 64.1 seconds.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

O’Brien and Vale Ride Away with Jumper Wins in Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tours

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David O’Brien and Merly Chin SCF.

Lexington, Ky. – July 31, 2019 – The Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour kicked off its fifth show of the eight-part tour Wednesday at the Kentucky Summer Classic with a talented collection of up-and-coming young horses tackling the 5, 6 and 7-year-old divisions. While Aaron Vale and Gray’s Inn topped the leaderboard in the 5-year-old class held in the Walnut Ring, the Rolex Stadium saw David O’Brien emerging victorious with the fastest double-clear round in the 7-Year-Old Jumpers. The 6-Year-Old division followed, where Vale topped the leaderboard once again, this time competing three horses in the class before riding away with a one-two finish with Vander Esch and Carina, respectively.

Gogul and Torano Tie for Grand Hunter Champion

Professional hunters wrapped up Wednesday. The Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Visse Wedell, is awarded to the competitors with the most points accumulated in the Green 3’6″ Hunter, Green 3’9″ Hunter, Green Conformation Hunter, High Performance Conformation Hunter, and the High Performance Working Hunter divisions. Similar to last week, there was a tie for Grand Hunter Championship title. Jeff Gogul with Roberts Stables LLC’s Maverick alongside Jimmy Torano aboard Amethyst Equestrian Consulting LLC’s California both earned 44 points in their respective divisions to tie for the prestigious prize.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Uxanna Tops $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers with Jimmy Torano

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Jimmy Torano and Uxanna.

Lexington, Ky. – July 26, 2019 – The Kentucky Summer Horse Show opened Friday morning competition in the Rolex Stadium with the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers, where 14 horse-and-rider combinations contested the 14-effort track designed by Marina Azevedo. As a power and speed class, the contenders jumped the first seven jumps clear before moving onto the second speed phase. While riders raced to beat the clock, none could catch Jimmy Torano who rode the quickest clean round for the top spot on Uxanna, while Lorcan Gallagher on Colada and Pablo Barrios on Fursina VDM placed second and third, respectively.

Sophia Mitchell Rides to THIS National Medal Win

Equitation was on display Friday morning at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park starting with the THIS National Children’s Medal in the Claiborne Ring. Seventeen horse and rider combinations tackled the 3′ course, and it was Sophia Mitchell aboard her horse Callahan that rode away with the win after a four-horse test consisting of a roll-backs, trot fence, a halt and two changes of lead in front of the judge. Mitchell kept her lead from the first round after a stellar test earn the top prize.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Jimmy Torano and Chanel One Win $25k Marshall & Sterling Insurance Grand Prix at TIEC

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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.

Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Jimmy Torano Sprints to Win in $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix

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Photo: Jimmy Torano and Glasgow De Muze.

Lexington, Ky. – July 28, 2018 – The crowds came to cheer on top athletes at the Kentucky Horse Park and were not disappointed by the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix on Saturday. After a field of 35 horse and rider combinations entered the ring, only five returned for a competitive jump-off. Veteran professional, Jimmy Torano, piloted Ilan Feder’s gelding, Glasgow De Muze, to the win in a time of 40.203 seconds, narrowly beating another favorite, Aaron Vale, on his mount Major who crossed the timers with a speedy 41.557. Torano took home the prestigious grand prix win as well as the Envisian Leading Rider Award.

The Rolex Stadium was filled to the brim with spectators who came to the venue to participate in Hats Off Day, which celebrates the impact the horse has had on the state of Kentucky. The crowd was vibrant and cheered excitedly when Sydney Shulman and the first of her two rides, Villamoura, produced the first clear round.  Vale, who entered the ring after Shulman, wasted no time in producing his own clear round and guaranteeing the crowd a jump-off. The challenging course, designed by Bobby Murphy, did not allow for another clear round until Torano, followed by Katy Abrahamson, and later Sharn Wordley.

Torano, who has been a prominent equestrian and equestrian sports commentator, only took over the ride on Glasgow De Muze a few months ago, when fellow professional, Ilan Feder, called to let him know that the gelding was on his way to his farm. The 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood is no stranger to the winner’s circle, just recently taking home the blue ribbon in the Open Jumper division at the Lake Placid Horse Show as well as top finishes at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Returning for the jump-off Shulman set a blistering pace only to have an unfortunate rail at the last fence. Vale, who is known to be almost unbeatable in the Rolex Arena, laid down a fierce ride, besting Shulman and forcing Torano to leave it all on the line. Torano, who has represented the United States in multiple FEI World Cup Finals and was a member on several Nations Cup teams, masterfully navigated the short course to produce a time that proved unbeatable by Abrahamson or Wordley.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com