Blake adds Grand Prix win to US haul

CO. CLARE-born David Blake added to his weekend of top ten places at the three-star show in Tryon, USA, with a Grand Prix victory last night (Saturday).

Blake and Binkie, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, won out in a three-horse jump-off as the last pair on course in the class, which Blake used to his advantage.

Blake said: “I knew since there was only three of us in it and there were two good riders in front of me with Andrew (Welles ) and Lauren (Tisbo), that they would probably be quicker than me if they were clear.

“When I saw Lauren’s late rail, I had to make a choice when I walked into the ring about whether I wanted to go quick and risk a rail or if I wanted to play it safe.”

The timely decision paid off for Blake, as he and the 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding, rode a smooth and fault-free round to secure the 30,000 euro win. The course, designed by Ken Krome (USA), saw poles drop throughout the night, which Blake commented is the sign of a true course.

The win marked another great effort by Blake and Binkie, who have placed near the top of the leaderboard in almost every class they have contested at Tryon this season.

David Blake and Binkie winning last night’s Grand Prix