Kara Chad (CAN) and Igor GPH claimed a win in Thursday’s $39,000 ProElite Welcome Stake CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International) at Tryon Fall 5, stopping the jump off timers in 40.43 seconds to win by two seconds. Richie Moloney (IRL) piloted Ermes di Tai, the 2014 Selle Français stallion (Canturano x L'arc De Triomphe) owned by Frog Pond Stables, to a time of 42.50 seconds to claim reserve honors. Caroline Mawhinney (USA) rode to a time of 43.23 seconds and third place with Dance du Buisson Z, her own 2011 Zangersheide mare (Dutch Capitol Z x Favoritas XX). 

In a thrilling evening class under the lights of Tryon Stadium, Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Otto BH (Norton D’eole x Toulon) were crowned the winners of the 112’500 CHF ProElite Welcome Stake CSI 4* in a jump off time of 41.17 seconds. Just a breath behind to take reserve was Conor Swail (IRL) and Vital Chance (Diamant De Semilly x Rivage Du Poncel), the 2009 Selle Français gelding owned by Mannon Farm, recording a time of 41.18 seconds. Rounding out the Welcome Stake podium with a time of 41.46 seconds was Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and James Kann Cruz (Kannan x Cruising), the 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Gizmo Partners, LLC.