With a field of Olympians, young rider champions, and a former World No. 1 rider assembled for the $135,000 CSI3*-W Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Columbus (USA), a close finish seemed inevitable. Then Alex Granato (USA) entered the ring with Carlchen W.
Granato, 36, and his longtime mount set themselves apart to record a dominant victory over a competitive jump-off field of 12. The duo crossed the timers of Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s (GER) shortened course nearly two seconds fastest, with a final time 44.26 seconds. Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA) and Dicas finished second with a jump-off time of 46.20 seconds, while Nicole Simpson (USA) and Akuna Mattata completed an all-American podium; that duo’s time was 46.91 seconds.
“I know I have a quick horse. I wanted to get a good pace started early, so I tried to get a big open canter [and] from there to stay on the pace. I tried to stay focused and keep [my horse] focused on me and the plan, rather than getting too anxious and getting ahead of ourselves.” — Alex Granato (USA)
The win marked the duo’s second Longines victory after racing to the top of Wellington’s (USA) leg at the end of last season. In the time since, the duo contested their first major championship when representing Team USA at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima (PER). There, they earned a team bronze medal.
“We shifted gears from Wellington,” Granato said. “We spent the winter focused on just me and the horse, on our [Longines World Jumping Ranking] and our consistency, and we had a super winter. From there, we focused more toward team events. We did the [Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Mexico], and from there we geared toward the Pan Ams. Now, I’m trying to refocus back again on us, just the partnership between me and him, so we can focus toward [the 2020 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final].”
Beezie Madden (USA), who finished fourth, continues to lead the east coast sub league standings of the North American League with 48 points. Granato moved into second on the west coast sub league leaderboard with 25 points, behind Karl Cook’s (USA) 37 points.
“I want to put my focus toward World Cup Finals,” Granato said. “[Carlchen W] will jump at two more events this year, both World Cup qualifiers. Hopefully we can continue off this [result] and get some good points to be in the game early, so we can coast through the winter circuit to focus on the Final.”
Lexington, Ky. – May 18, 2019 – The highlight of the Kentucky Spring Classic took place on Saturday evening with the $134,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3*, honoring the late Mary Rena Murphy. Hosted in the Rolex Stadium, top horse-and-rider combinations took to the ring hoping to walk away with the week’s highest honors and prize money. After 40 athletes tried their hand, it was Alex Granato (USA) and Page Tredennick’s Carlchen W who excelled with clean and quick rounds to take the night’s victory.
Campbell Kahn and Josephine Rose Lead First Day of Small Junior Hunter Competition
Saturday morning saw junior hunter riders take center stage in the Stonelea Ring, competing in their respective divisions to earn points ahead of Sunday’s Junior Hunter Grand Champion crowning, presented by Visse Wedell. Competition kicked off with the Large Junior Hunter division led by Kaitlyn Lovingfoss followed by the Small Junior Hunters where Campbell Kahn and Josephine Rose currently sit tied at the top.
Alex Granato and Carlchen W. (FEI/Kathy Russell Photography)
In 2018, Alex Granato (USA) and Carlchen W made their Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ debut in Wellington. A year later, they earned their first World Cup victory at the same venue.
Granato and ‘Carl’ topped a competitive nine-horse jump-off to claim the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Wellington under picturesque conditions at the Jacobs family’s Deeridge Farms. Using footspeed to their advantage, they tore around Alan Wade (IRL)’s shortened track in 42.70 seconds, nearly a second ahead of Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Bardolina (43.48 seconds). Beat Mändli (SUI) and Dsarie were third, finishing with a time of 44.16 seconds.
“It’s all very surreal. It’s been an amazing week. It’s a privilege to ride at a venue like this, against riders like this that I’ve looked up to for a long time.” — Alex Granato (USA)
Granato has had Carl, an 11-year-old Mecklenberg gelding, for five years. Originally meant to be a sales prospect, he put together a partnership with owner Paige Tredennick to develop the horse for top sport.
“He’s a naturally fast horse, so I got to play that to my advantage and let him run at his pace and stay focused on my track and turns,” Granato said. “We got a bit lucky with a rub in the jump-off, but my horse is very fresh, and we were gearing him toward this week. He came out fresh, strong and ready for it.”
World Cup Race Tightens
Reigning Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final Champion Beezie Madden took over the lead in the east coast sub league standings of the North American League with her fifth-place finish but is already pre-qualified based on her 2018 Finals victory in Paris (FRA). She currently has 58 points, three ahead of Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) with 55.
Just five points separate the following three placings — Germany’s Wilhelm Genn (47), the USA’s McLain Ward (45), and American teammate Laura Kraut (42) — with one east coast event remaining at Live Oak (USA).
Richard Spooner (USA) leads the west coast sub league standings with 49 points. Granato sits ninth with 24 points.
“Coming into the season, World Cup Finals was a big goal, but after jumping at Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona, I missed many of the early qualifiers,” Granato said. “I’ll take a look at my points, and if I’m in contention, I’ll go to Live Oak.”
The North American League continues next on the west coast. The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Leon (MEX) gets underway 09 February 2019.
Wellington, FL – November 29, 2018 – Alex Granato (USA) rode home with blue in the $35,000 Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital 1.50m Qualifier CSI 4* with Carlchen W at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Granato dashed through the jump-off in 37.454 seconds to secure the win aboard the 2008 Mecklenburger gelding (Celline x Continue) owned by Page Tredennick. Jumping in close behind, Luiz Francisco De Azevedo (BRA) secured second place in 37.477 seconds riding Collin, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Oberlina x Amethist) owned by Santa Cecilia Stables. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) clinched third place aboard Bull Run’s Almighty, a 2008 Hanoverian gelding (Queen x Quidam De Revel) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC, with a jump-off time of 37.849 seconds.
Among 45 pairs, Granato remained victorious with his tidy turns in the course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA). “I was really happy with him today. He felt super. He is a naturally quick horse and with going first, I wanted to be prompt and efficient and just let him carry his own motor and now have to ask for a whole lot extra since we have another big class this week,” he commented.
“It was a pretty nice course and it was smooth. I was more focused on rideability early in the first turn, because [from fence] one to two was a pretty big gallop across the ring, and in one of the tight turnbacks from the second jump back to the liverpool oxer. I just wanted to keep him pretty focused there so that he had a tidy turn and was rideable. He did that really well – he galloped to the vertical and then really sat down and rolled back well. From there, I just wanted to keep it smooth and stay tidy to be as efficient as we could,” stated Granato.
Granato relayed his plans for the upcoming week, saying, “Today was our warm-up for the Grand Prix on Saturday. Tomorrow will be a relaxing day for him. He’s a naturally hot-blooded horse, so tomorrow we’ll do a long, relaxing flat to just get his focus and his rideability back and hopefully he comes out Saturday ready to jump the same way.”
Samantha Cohen Collects $10,000 USEF U25 National Show Jumping Championship Class 1 aboard Carmen
Samantha Cohen (New York, NY) piloted her own Carmen to victory in Thursday’s $10,000 USEF U25 Show Jumping National Championship Class 1, slicing the 2007 Dutch Warmblood mare (Whitesnake x Wanado) through the timers in 66.35 seconds to best the field. Abigail McArdle claimed the second-place rosette, hailing from Barrington, IL and riding the Victorio Equine Group LLC entry, Victorio 5, a 2006 Hanoverian stallion (Uccello x Graefin). Rounding out the podium in third, Mattias Tromp (North Salem, NY) and Eyecatcher, a 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare (Harley VDL x Ninewood) owned by Beyaert Farm Inc., cleared the course in 66.89 seconds.
In the single-round, faults-converted competition boasting 16 of the division’s best young riders to test the course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA), Cohen and Carmen were able to save time on every turn to take the win. She explained, “Carmen is awesome at the speed – she’s kind of just kick and turn, and she’s always right there for me. I went late in the order and since it was faults converted, I thought I would go in and just give it my best shot and it worked out well. There were a few turns where I was really kicking on and she really helped me, so I couldn’t be happier.”
Cohen and her “horse of a lifetime” have competed together from the High Juniors to international Grand Prix classes. She elaborated: “I cannot say enough good things about her. It’s just been an amazing year and a half with her. I started with her in the High Juniors and she’s taken me up to the U25. I’ve gotten to do some 2* and 3* with her and she really is the most perfect horse you could ask for at home. She’s a little bit quirky,” Cohen continued. “She looks around the ring and is a bit of a mare at home, but she would never put a foot wrong at the show and has the biggest heart.”
Cohen’s victory on Thursday kicked off the USEF U25 National Show Jumping Championship week at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), which will continue through Sunday, December 2. Cohen praised the U25 division for its importance to up-and-coming riders, stating, “The U25 circuit has prepared me really well for international classes. Last season was my first year competing on the U25 circuit and it was definitely a learning experience. It was nice because in Europe the classes are so big and competitive with lots of professionals, so this division has done amazing things for me in terms of bridging the gap from the High Juniors to the bigger FEI Grand Prix competitions,” she elaborated. “I predict throughout the week it’ll keep getting bigger and more technical. I think this division is great and I look forward to doing it and learning from it for a few more years.”
For more information on PBIEC and the ESP Holiday Series, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Wellington, FL – March 1, 2018 – Highlighting the day’s competition on Thursday, March 1, during the eighth week of the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Alex Granato (USA) and Carlchen W, owned by Page Tredennick, took the top spot in the $35,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 8.
There were 67 entries in Thursday’s feature class, and the format was a speed course designed by Ken Krome (USA). Granato and Carlchen W, a ten-year-old Mecklenberg gelding by Chacco-Blue x Continue, sped over the obstacles and stopped the timers in 65.03 seconds.
They finished just ahead of Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Con Taggio, who finished in 65.81 seconds. Third place went to Richie Moloney (IRL) and Ypaja Yando, owned by Equinimity LLC, who had a time of 65.93 seconds.
Peter Pletcher Pilots Kennedy to Conformation Hunter Championship
Peter Pletcher, aboard Kennedy, owned by Blanche Strunk, was crowned the Conformation Hunter champion on Thursday afternoon with a top scoring total of 39 points. The duo was fourth in the model, fourth in the under saddle, and first, first, and second over fences. Victoria Colvin claimed the reserve with 26 points and a third in the model, first in the under saddle, and a second, third, fourth, and fourth over fences.
Wellington, FL – January 10, 2018 – Alex Granato of Wellington, FL rode to victory in the $50,000 Equiline Grand Prix aboard Page Tredennick’s Carlchen W during the final day of competition at Equestrian Sport Productions Holiday Finale on Sunday, January 7, which served as the conclusion of the ESP Holiday Series at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).
Granato, who picked up the ride on the gelding as a five-year-old, piloted his mount around the short track designed by Andy Christianson Jr. of Wellington, FL in a quick 39.325 seconds. Diego Vivero of Wellington, FL and Gabriela SAA’s HRB Dance finished just behind Granato, completing the jump-off in 40.056 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Reus de la Nutria rounded out the top three, riding to a jump-off time of 40.139 seconds.
Jumper Highlights:
Earlier in the week Amber Harte of Wellington, FL and Cafino were victorious in the $10,000 Equiline Open Stake Class, with a jump-off time of 36.293 seconds. Second place honors went to Emanuel Andrade and Reus de la Nutrina, after stopping timers in 36.382 seconds. Third place was awarded to Taylor Land of Alpharetta, GA piloting Liroy 30, owned by Pinetree Farms Inc., completing the short course in 36.593 seconds.
The $2,500 Low Amateur Owner Jumper Classic saw Christina Antonucci of Lake Hopatcong, NJ and her own Cupido Van’t Schuurke take top honors with a jump-off time of 37.92 seconds. Alexandra Welles of Wellington, FL and XM, took second place with a jump-off time of 38.582 seconds. Quinn Larimer of Mableton, GA and Bronson, owned by Nestledown Equine Services, LLC, finished in third place with a time of 39.576 seconds.
Victory in the $2,500 Equiline High Junior/Adult Amateur Jumper Classic went to Thaisa Erwin of Ocala, FL and Evita, owned by Hollberg Equestrian, with a jump-off time of 39.365 seconds. Second place was achieved by Helena Le Picart of New York, NY and her own Bon Vivant, with a jump-off time of 43.184 seconds. Third place was awarded to Nora Gray of Owen Sound, ON and Dior, owned by Gray, rounding out the jump-off in 42.242 seconds.
The $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic was championed by Jessica Gollel of Wellington, FL and Rosiano Farm’s Prescott 3 rose to the top of the class with a time of 36.539 seconds in the jump-off. Stephanie King of St. Augustine, FL and Co-Starr took second place with a time of 38.69 seconds. Allyson Blais of Boynton Beach, FL and Castlewood Farm Inc.’s Landanima collected third place with a time of 38.909 seconds.
The $5,000 Brazilian Court Hotel 1.35m Stake saw Leslie Howard of Darien, CT and GJ Stable’s Flo take first place with a jump-off time of 31.714 seconds. Jordan Coyle of North Salem, NY and Abigail Poss’ Droomfee HB achieved second place with a time of 32.758 seconds. Samuel Parot of Wellington, FL collected third place with Parot Sport Horses LLC’s Buga Z, after finishing with a time of 32.777 seconds around the short course.
Cassie Kime of Collierville, TN rode to victory aboard her own Tenacious D in the $1,500 Accuhorsemat Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic after stopping the jump-off timers in 40.22 seconds. Allyson Blais of Boynton Beach, FL and Castlewood Farm Inc.’s Landanima took second place with a time of 41.089 seconds. Olivia Minicucci of Montreal, QC and her own Arian P earned third place after a jump-off time of 41.84 seconds.
Hunter Highlights:
Julie Curtin of Woodstock, GA and Julie Curtin’s Cassico finished with the blue ribbon in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Arly Golombek of Lake Worth, FL and Pumpkin Patch Farm LLC’s Czech Mate captured second place. Third place honors were presented to Kim Barone of Watertown, MN and Cynthia Bulwicz’s Cyril.
Sophia Calamari of New Milford, PA and California Dreamin’, owned by Millennium Farm Inc., finished atop the Score at the Top Large Pony Hunter Division, ahead of Libbie Gordon of Statesville, NC, who collected reserve champion with Small Wonder, owned by Elsa Batalden.
The Pilates Rocks Low Adult Hunter Division saw Laurie Stevens of Boca Raton, FL and her own Santiago rise to the top of the division. Joy Erikson of Wellington, NJ and Bode Well, owned by Melissa Burns, captured reserve champion honors in the division.
Olympia Boardman of New York, NY and Soprano, owned by Alexa Stiegler, were champions of the Palm Beach Riding Academy Short Stirrup Division, while reserve champion was awarded to Isabella Roman, riding Papillon Blue, owned by Holman Imports LLC.
The USHJA Hunter 3′ Division saw Christina Kalinski of Roxbury, CT riding Bozeman, owned by Katherine Oberkircher, take top divisional honors. Reserve champion was awarded to Mary Eufemia of Palm Harbor, FL and her own Central Park.
Taylor Alexander and Gypsy King Impress in U25 Welcome Stake; Daniel Geitner Takes $10,000 Pre-Green Carolinas’ Challenge Cup aboard Walk the Moon
Mill Spring, NC – October 14, 2016 – Alex Granato of Wellington, FL guided Criss Cross to victory in the $8,000 1.40m Open Jumper Classic presented by Nutrena®, earning the first ever victory on the Grass Complex at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The duo took the win after completing the track in 36.433 seconds, while Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and Cortina 186 followed closely behind to finish in second with a time of 37.256 seconds. Adrienne Sternlicht of Greenwich, CT and Raia D’ Helby collected third place honors with a time of 37.262 seconds.
Granato has been a mainstay at TIEC all circuit, as his farm Mad Season, LLC has been based in Mill Spring, NC since the spring. This is the pair’s first major win this season and Granato was ecstatic with the performance of Criss Cross, as the pair topped a class of 42 entries.
“I am very pleased with him and how he handled the grass. He has experience on grass as a young horse but this was my first time competing with him on grass since we got him last fall,” explained Granato. “He is a very game, careful jumper. We’ve taken our time getting to know him this past season and now we are really starting to hit our stride with him.
“I really liked the course. I thought it was a nice use of the field and asked good questions while still being welcoming to build for the Grand Prix on Sunday,” he added.
The $8,000 1.40m Open Jumper presented by Nutrena® was the first show jumping class to be hosted on the new Grass Complex at TIEC and Granato’s win marked a full circle cycle for the talented rider, who also claimed top honors in the inaugural grand prix class at the venue.
“I’m really excited about getting to win the first open class in the grass complex. We’ve really enjoyed showing at TIEC,” he said. “We’ve shown here off and on since the first set shows and I actually happened to win the inaugural grand prix here as well. We’ve been based here for the summer and it’s a great place to build our younger string of horses.”
Granato has been building a strong string of young horses throughout the year, highlighted by top performances from Criss Cross, as the pair has secured top placings in numerous classes throughout the summer and fall seasons. Granato and team will head to Florida to prepare for a competitive winter circuit after competition concludes at TIEC later this month.
“This series is our last show to wrap up our fall before we head south and rest the horses for the winter circuit. We want to continue strong and finish with confident horses ready to move forward and move up in Wellington,” he concluded.
Adrienne Sternlicht, who is competing at TIEC for the first time this year and has earned top results so far this week, was elated with the opportunity to compete on the new Grass Complex and noted that her horse handled the atmosphere exceedingly well.
“I thought today’s class on the field was great! My horse loves jumping on grass, and the addition of the derby field provides valuable diversity to the show jumping facilities here,” commented Sternlicht. “For me, it allowed me to place my horse in a class where she would be most successful, so hopefully we’ll have a similar result in Sunday’s Grand Prix!”
Taylor Alexander and Gypsy King Impress in U25 Welcome Stake
Taylor Alexander of Castle Rock, CO and Gipsy King earned top honors in the U25 Welcome Stake at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) with a speedy jump-off time of 35.709 seconds. Taylor Land of Atlanta, GA and For Edition took home the red rosette with a time of 36.334 seconds, while Alise Oken of Charlotte, NC and Iraola Del Maset stopped the timers at 38.054 seconds for third.
Taylor Alexander and Gipsy King
Alexander and Gipsy King, owned by Alexander LLC, have been partners since March of this year. Before traveling to TIEC, the pair competed in Europe this past summer, where they were very successful in multiple 1.40m and 1.45m classes.
Alexander was confident coming into the jump-off with Gipsy King, a Belgian Warmblood gelding (Wandor Van De Mispelaere x Lys De Darmen), having the advantage of already riding the tough track set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) on her first mount Ryanair De Riverland, on whom she placed fourth.
“Ryanair De Riverland is quicker and covers more ground, and I tried to make up my time in the turns but that caused me to have a rail. With Gipsy King, I wanted to do the same thing but not have any down. He spends a little more time in the air and I had to make up more time in the corners,” Alexander said.
“Going twice is definitely an advantage. I already had a feel for the jump-off and I know Gipsy King really well from competing this summer,” she elaborated.
Alexander touched on how she has had to adjust her riding style for Gipsy King because he is very straightforward but is quite sensitive in the mouth.
“I have had to look past the sensitivity, and learning how to ride him well on the flat has helped me tremendously in the show ring,” she explained.
Securing the win and a fourth place finish set Alexander on the right foot as she looks forward to the U25 Grand Prix on Sunday. Alexander and her team will remain in Tryon this weekend and next week for the highly anticipated CSI 5* and are planning to continue contesting the U25 classes.
“This was a great way to start off the weekend, especially looking ahead to the U25 class on Sunday. My horses have not jumped since Gold Cup which was four weeks ago, so this was a positive note to come in on.”
Alexander wrapped up talking about her first time competing at TIEC, saying, “It is really, really nice. This is a great stop for us in the fall.”
Daniel Geitner Takes $10,000 Pre-Green Carolinas’ Challenge Cup aboard Walk the Moon
Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC and Walk the Moon, owned by Lynn Seithel, took top honors in the $10,000 Pre-Green Carolinas’ Challenge Cup with a two round score of 175. Robert Carey of Bolton, OH guided First Watch, owned by Barbara Mitchell, to a second place finish after receiving a 170.5, while Caroline Weeden of Lake Forest, IL piloted In Time, owned by Glory Days Farm, LLC, to third place with a score of 166.
Geitner and Walk the Moon impressed the judges receiving an 87 in the first round and an 88 in the second round. Carey and First Watch also laid down two smooth courses in the George H. Morris Arena to earn an 86 and 84.5, respectively. Caroline Weeden and In Time also earned two scores about the 80 mark, collecting an 82 and 84 for their efforts.
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
Wellington, FL – April 15, 2016 – Alex Granato of Wellington, FL and Carlchen W earned top honors in the $10,000 Equiline Open Welcome at ESP Spring II at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The duo produced the fastest time in the jump-off round, crossing through the timers in 35.86 seconds. Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Don Juan finished in second with a time of 36.338 seconds, while Amanda Derbyshire of Wellington, FL piloted Goldbreaker to a third place finish in 36.425 seconds. Competition at ESP Spring II continues through Sunday, April 17, highlighting the $30,000 Noble Outfitters Grand Prix on the final day of competition.
Granato and Carlchen W produced a solid first round finish, completing their first go around the course set by Ken Krome (USA) in 74.823 seconds before dominating the large jump-off competition. The class saw 33 riders move forward to the short course, after 63 original entries contested the first round in one of the largest post-circuit classes in history.
“I thought it was a nice course. I actually just walked it quickly because we had some young horses going in the ring next door,” explained Granato. “Post-circuit is a good chance for people to get a lot of their young horses out there and I thought it was a nice course for that today, which is what we were doing with Carl. It was a nice track around that used a lot of the ring well. ”
Granato has had the ride on the 2008 Warmblood gelding (Chaco-Blue x Celline-W) owned by Page Treddenick, for nearly three years and is continuing to build his efficiency and quickness in the ring.
“This horse is actually one I’ve been working with since he was five and a half and he is eight this year, so I know him pretty well and this whole circuit has been geared toward stepping him up and getting him really ready for summer,” he explained. “This week he’s going to do the class on Sunday, which will be his first national standard grand prix. That’s exciting and then the next few months are going to be continuing with that and getting him comfortable with the 1.45 national standard level so that coming into late summer and fall he’ll be ready to step in to the FEI range classes and continue on building from there.”
With the talent and scope to make it to the top, Carlchen W has been slowly brought along by Granato in hopes of carefully guiding the gelding to his ultimate potential. Granato was not originally planning to go for the win with the gelding on a beautiful afternoon in Wellington, FL, but was pleased with the duo’s performance and the confidence “Carl” brought to the class.
“Actually, I felt a little nervous, to be honest, after watching Tori [Colvin] and Don Juan go because they were just so fast. Carl is naturally fast and actually my main goal wasn’t to win, I just wanted to go in and be competitive with him because he is quick and careful,” he noted.
The large class, which saw more than 30 entries move forward to the jump-off round, had Granato pushing a fast pace around the short course, which proved to be a great educational test.
“When I pre-loaded into the ring during the jump-off, I was watching Tori [Colvin] go and honestly, I thought to myself, ‘Well I can’t catch that; I can’t even try,'” elaborated Granato. “Then when he jumped clean in the first round and when I started jumping off, like I said, he’s just naturally such a quick horse and the more you try to contain him, the more you can get in his way. I let his natural speed take over and I tried to be efficient and he ended up being very quick.”
While competing on the winter circuit at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is important for many professionals, Granato spent much of the winter season gaining valuable experience with a string of younger horses, and is looking forward to a strong spring campaign with the talented group he hopes will make it to the top of the sport.
He explained, “We are going to take a couple of light weeks to finish up April, and then at the beginning of May we are headed to Tryon. We have a farm leased there for the rest of the spring and summer, so we’ll be very close to the show there. We plan to travel a bit to the shows in Lexington, KY, but we’ll show quite a bit in Tryon and maybe pick up a couple of national classes with these younger guys there as well.”
For more information on the ESP Spring Series and Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), please visit www.pbiec.com.
Mill Spring, NC – June 26, 2015 – Alex Granato of Salt Lake City, UT and Zenith Dance, owned by Page Tredennick, topped the $10,000 Horseware Ireland 1.45m Open Jumpers at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TEIC), besting a class of 20 entries to take the win. Angel Karolyi (VEN) and Wings, owned by Mclain Ward, finished in second, with Noel Fauntleroy of Manakin Sabot, VA aboard her own Cabras finishing in third. Competition continues at TIEC tomorrow with the highlight class of the week, the $127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix FEI CSI 3*. Gates to the facility will open at 6pm to the public and competition will begin at 8pm.
Granato climbed to the top of the leaderboard after riding a clear effort in the jump-off round, which saw eight combinations return, stopping the timers at 37.709 seconds. Granato has been riding the 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Sydney x Terrificdence) for nearly two years after taking over the ride from Sarah Tredennick.
“I really liked the course today for my horse. He’s a very game and quick horse. The first round had a couple of good questions including some forward bending lines, like the line after the triple, that could throw you, but he rode really great today,” said Granato.
The duo made fast and efficient work of the course designed by Ken Krome (USA), which Granato explained suited the gray gelding, who has accumulated several top place finishes in a very successful competition campaign during their spring circuit.
“He handled it all very well, and it was a really fun jump-off for us. He was very on-point with all of the turns. He felt great today and was absolutely ready to do his job,” noted Granato. “We had a busy winter circuit in Wellington (FL) and did some post circuit shows down there where he won one of the Grand Prix classes, which was our first Grand Prix in a year. He’s done some of the children’s and amateur jumpers too. He’s just an all-around great guy.”
Angel Karolyi and Wings
Granato is familiar with the TIEC facility, as he brought a string of horses to the venue last summer and fall, but has been blown away by the progress that the facility has made in the past six months since they last competed in November.
“We wanted to support the venue last year when it first opened and the changes from then to now are just crazy. We are leasing a farm right up the street so that we can stay based here during the summer. The facility is just amazing and we’re so impressed with how much has been done considering the amount of time,” he commented. “They are really in tune with the important things like the permanent buildings and the permanent barns. They make it comfortable for all of the horses, exhibitors, and spectators. I think it’s also important to touch on the amazing job they’ve done with the show too, just from the judging to the footing and everything in between. They’re doing it right.”
Tryon Summer 1 will also host the first of four consecutive ‘Saturday Night Lights’ competitions at TIEC, with gates opening at 6pm and competition beginning at 8pm. This week features the $127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix FEI CSI 3*. For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Wellington, FL – April 21, 2015 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) finished its third week of spring competition this past weekend at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL with a hometown victory for Alex Granato. He rode Zenith Dance, owned by Page Tredennick, to victory in the $30,000 Equestrian Sport Productions Spring 3 Grand Prix.
Sunday’s Grand Prix saw 28 entries, ten of which had first clear rounds. The course was designed by Catsy Cruz, and featured numerous challenging combinations. Granato was one of five competitors to go clear in the jump-off, and managed to lay down an impressive jump-off time of 33.858 seconds.
“When headed toward the last fence, I wasn’t worried about strides. I saw my distance, and I knew [Zenith Dance] is a careful horse,” said Granato in regards to his speedy gallop to his last jump-off fence, a single oxer set on a long approach. “I stuck to my guns, even though I was actually faster than I had planned on going, but with [Zenith Dance], it worked.”
Zenith Dance is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Sydney x Indoctro) owned by Page Tredennick and spent last season traveling and competing in the High Junior Jumpers. Although he is not new to grand prixs, this was his first one this season and proved to be a successful class for both Zenith Dance and Granato.
Taking second place was Paul O’Shea, aboard Michael Hayden’s Primo De Revel, with a time of 36.332 seconds. Claiming third place was Wilhelm Genn and Eduardo Leon’s Bugatti, with a time of 36.791 seconds.
Following the grand prix, prizes for the ESP Spring Rider Challenge were awarded to the riders who earned the most points accumulated from the $10,000 Open Stakes Class and each $25,000 (Spring 1) or $30,000 (Spring 2 and 3) USEF Ranked Grand Prix offered at Spring 1, 2, & 3.
As the winner of the ESP Spring Rider Challenge, Paul O’Shea received a $5,000 bonus. In second, Amanda Derbyshire earned $3,000 and in third, Wilhelm Genn received $2,000.
Jumper Highlights
In week three of ESP’s Spring Circuit, the $10,000 Open Jumper Stakes class saw 35 entries with 11 advancing to the jump-off and three double clear rounds. First place went to James Chawke aboard Christine Swail’s Arista, with an impressive time of 32.997 seconds. In second place was Amanda Derbyshire and her mount, Goldbreaker, with a time of 38.501. Wilhelm Genn and Eduardo Leon’s Bugatti took a close third with a time of 38.579.
James Chawke and Arista
The $5,000 1.35m Classic saw 34 entries with 11 advancing to the jump-off. Claiming first place was David Blake aboard his mount Park Lane, with a time of 39.16 seconds. In second was Michael Dorman aboard Wyndmont’s IV Ever in 40.032 seconds. In third was Carlos Quinones and Michelle Navarro-Grau’s Div Ya with a time of 40.442.
Carly Dvorkin and Pine Hollow’s Zelaleen claimed first place with a clear jump-off round in 36.777 seconds in the $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic, sponsored by The Tackeria. Taking second place was Dvorkin again, this time aboard Pine Hollow Farm’s Alejandro in 37.557 seconds. Claiming third place was Natalia Gierbolini riding Natalia Gierbolini’s Twinkie in 38.101 seconds.
In the $2,500 High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Equiline, Victoria Karam claimed first place aboard her mount, Sacatina, with one time fault in 80.109 seconds. In second place was Emanuel Andrade and his mount, Gaverdi Z, with two time faults in 81.338 seconds. Karina Aziz and GC Chopin’s Bushi placed third with four faults in 78.68 seconds.
The $2,500 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by FarmVet, saw 29 trips and ten clear rounds. Rafael Jose Contreras took first place aboard Valencio, with a jump-off time of 34.71 seconds. In second place was Julianna Fischer riding Calissa Z, with a time of 35.41. Emily Rizzo and Tuya placed third in 35.574 seconds.
In the $1,500 Low Children’s Jumper Classic, sponsored by Tuffrider & Equine Couture, first place went to Zachary Yariv aboard ADC Quantas LV Z, with a time of 37.525 seconds. Elizabeth Flavell placed second in 40.584 seconds riding Alex Jayne’s Thomas Edison. Marlee Malamut finished third with Tranquility Farm’s Cody in 43.092 seconds.
In the $1,500 Low Adult Jumper Classic, sponsored by Tuffrider & Equine Couture, Morgan Monahan took first place aboard her mount, Elle, with a time of 42.795 seconds. Second place went to Ann Lei and Chairman 22, clear in the jump-off in 45.133 seconds. Third place was claimed by Liselotte Sandberg riding Undercover V in 47.847.
Hunter Highlights
The hunter divisions continued during week three of ESP’s Spring Series. In the overall results for the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Taylor St. Jacques aboard Peacock Ridge LLC’s All About Me took first. Missy Yoder and her mount, Too Much Fun, took second. In third place was Lindsay Levine aboard Carol Lindsay’s Belle-Aire.
In the $1,000 USHJA Pony Handy Hunter Classic, first place went to Christina Rogalny aboard Eric Caleca’s Brighton Supposedly. Second place went to Kayla Brusie riding Elm Creek Holdings LLC’s Davidson. Third place was claimed by Mia Albelo and her mount, Pashmina.
In the $1,000 Sweet Oak Farm combined Junior/Amateur Owner Hunter Classic, Madison Arani took first place aboard Taylor Willever’s Eloquence. Krista Weisman rode Krista and Alexa Weisman’s Reality to second place. Third place went to Phoebe Alwine riding Kimberly Stewart’s Lilly.
Zayna Rizvi and Peacock Ridge LLC’s First Edition claimed first place in the $500 Small Pony Hunter Classic, sponsored by Charles Moorcroft Inc. In second place was Reid Arani aboard Sweet Oak Farm’s Long Story Short. In third place was Mia Albelo and Pashmina.
In the $500 Combined Medium/Large Pony Hunter Classic, sponsored by Charles Moorcroft Inc., Sophia Calamari and Ponies & Palms Show Stables LLC’s Spellbound claimed first. Second place went to Taylor St. Jacques aboard Linda Evan’s Dreamland. Third place went to Christina Rogalny riding Eric Caleca’s Brighton Supposedly.
In the Open Hunter 3′ Division, Kristy Herrera and Richard Schechter’s Zaloubet claimed the championship. Reserve Champion went to Katherine Newman aboard Jennifer Prior Thomas Skiffington’s Sundeen.
ESP’s Spring Series continues May 1-3, 2015. For full results, please visit www.pbiec.com.
