Press release from Tryon International Equestrian Center

Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Cetano Van Aspergem Z were unbeatable in the $36,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) on Thursday morning of Tryon Summer 6, stopping the jump-off timers at 36.867 seconds. Todd Minikus (USA) rode Amex Z, a 2009 Zangersheide mare (Andiamo Z x Landaris) owned by the Bit by Bit Group, to second place on a double-clear round with a jump-off time of 38.067 seconds. Hector Florentino (DOM) and Carnaval, a 2005 Oldenburg gelding (Chacco-Blue x Landadel) owned by Spruce Meadows Ltd, claimed third-place honors with a double-clear effort in 38.317 seconds. 

Ken Krome (USA) set the track to test the 31 pairs entered in the competitive 1.50m class. Lambre expressed that it was a good course to prepare for the rest of the week, saying, “It was a really nice course for a Welcome. It was big enough, but it was not too difficult for the first day, and was great preparation for the Grand Prix [Saturday night].” Lambre also shared that he enjoyed having a competitive jump-off with 13 pairs returning: “It was nice to have 13 in the jump-off; it is always nice when the first day has a good number. The jump-off course was very nice, it had lots of options, and was a very good course design.”

The 2009 Zangersheide gelding (Clinton x Ahorn Z) owned by Tal Milstein Stables, will also be competing in the Grand Prix on Saturday night, and Lambre hopes the momentum from today's win will carry on throughout the week. “This is the horse [Cetano Van Aspergem Z] that I will be jumping in the Grand Prix on Saturday. [Winning] today was good preparation. Normally, I try not to push him too fast, but I saw the first two or three horses go and I said, ‘I will try,’ and it worked!” Lambre commented.

Lambre and several of the other mounts in his string are familiar faces around TIEC, and he shared that TIEC is a place he has favored in his travels. “The festivities [here] are amazing. The facility is one of the best in the world. I was living in Europe for 15 years, but this place is amazing!” Lambre shared.

TIEC has become a bit of a competition base for Lambre during the summer because of the accommodations provided to competitors: “The rings, the stables, the restaurants: everything is perfect! That is why I am here for eight weeks!” Lambre shared that he anticipates that the facility will only improve and gain popularity in the coming years. “It [TIEC] is a place that is always improving something; they added a nice covered ring this summer. I think people will come more and more every year, and I see it as the best place in the United States.” Lambre concluded.