RED MILLS riders featured strongly over the weekend in Tryon with placing for Brian Cournane and David Blake in the $384,000 five-star Grand Prix on Saturday night and a win for Bertram Allen & Lafayette Van Overis in the Speed Stake on Friday night.
Twelve of the 45 starters made it into the jump-off, with three Irish riders among those who managed to jump clear in the opening round. Derry’s Daniel Coyle secured a fourth place finish with Farrel, when he stopped the clock clear in 35.26 seconds. That left him just ahead of Kerry-born Capt Brian Cournane in fifth with Armik (35.33), while Co Clare’s David Blake finished seventh with Keoki after another clear round in 36.66.
The winners prize went to McLain Ward (USA) with Noche De Ronda (32.83) ahead of Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) in second with Armani SL Z (32.99), while Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Risen took third place on the podium (33.68).
On Friday at the same venue, Wexford’s Bertram Allen and Lafayette Van Overis claimed victory in the 1m45 Speed Stake to take the top prize of over €10,000.
