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Chris Kappler and VDL Orame win the $100,000 USGPL Invitational Grand Prix

October 2, 2025

CULPEPER, VA - Six Olympians packed the star-studded field
in the $100,000 United States Grand Prix League (USGPL) Invitational
Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper with Chris Kappler coming out of the class
$30,000 richer when he secured the blue-ribbon aboard VDL Orame in the
featured class of the USGPL Finals at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper,
Virginia.

Kappler was the 15th horse to tackle Olympic course designer Olaf
Petersen´s first round course and the fourth to go clear. \”I thought his
first round course was perfect,\” said Kappler. \”He was able to get the
field down to seven riders for the jump-off. Anytime you are competing
for this kind of prize money the first round course needs to be a little
tougher than usual. He got it exactly right.\”

\”I was aiming to bring back six to eight riders for the jump-off,\” said
Petersen. \”I got just what I wanted and was very pleased with the result.
Some of the best riders in the world competed in this class. They knew
that the standards were going to be set very high\”

First to go in the jump-off was Kelly Small and Calibur. Small dropped
fence 2 and 5B for an eight-fault score. Small finished fifth and
collected $6,000 in prize money.

Next to go was Ramiro Quintana and Cataro Ask. It looked as if the
horse/rider combination would make it clear all the way home but they
experienced heartbreak at the final effort when fence 8A hit the floor.
The almost perfect round was good enough for second place and $22,000 for
owner Simon Nizri.

Third in the jump-off was Libby Mckinney aboard Gun Du Desfi. Jumping
faults on 5A and 6 resulted in an eight-fault score and a seventh place
finish.

Kappler was next, finally setting the Great American Time to Beat at
39.153 with his clear round aboard VDL Orame. On the round´s next trip,
Olympian Todd Minikus dropped jump 6 for his only miscue and a four fault
effort that resulted in a fourth place finish aboard Pavoratti.

Pato Muente and Asdi Villagana challenged Petersen´s tough jump-off
course next and the horse/rider combination dropped jumps 6 and 8A for an
eight-fault score. Muente, who won the first grand prix of the season at
HITS Culpeper, finished sixth in the $100,000 USGPL Invitational Grand
Prix and collected $5,000 in prize money.

The grand prix would not end without some drama on the round´s final
trip. Jimmy Torano looked as if he would catch the Great American Time to
Beat as he had the enviable \”last to ride position.\” But jump 8A was his
only blemish aboard Marlo resulting in a four-fault score and a third
place finish. His time of 36.376 would have been almost three seconds
faster than Kappler´s when he stopped in the clocks. Once Torano took
down the rounds final jump, Kappler was swarmed by a slew of supporters
at the in-gate.

\”To win this class is truly amazing,\” said Kappler. \”I am glad that it
came down to the last trip. It was very exciting for everyone involved.
Jimmy (Torano) was flying and I thought he had it. Luckily for me, he
took down the last fence and I was able to walk out of here victorious.\”

Three time defending champion Aaron Vale´s impressive run ended as he
tipped his cap after dropping two hurdles in the opening round aboard
Centus. The class of 31 was kicked off by two Olympians. McLain Ward and
Alias finished with eight jumping faults and Margie Engle had four faults
aboard Hidden Creek´s Wapino. Ward and Alias earned a spot in the
featured class after their efforts Friday´s $25,000 Wild Card Grand Prix.
He finished ninth and was the highest finisher not already qualified for
the $100,000 USGPL Invitational Grand Prix. The class is only open to the
top 30 in the USGPL Standings. Riders can earn points at all HITS Horse
Shows throughout the year, as every Grand Prix Class is a qualifier.
Riders must also be members of the Marshall & Sterling League for their
points to count.

Other notable finishers were Leslie Howard who had 12 faults aboard Hip
Hop and Anne Kursinski who had four faults aboard Lorenzo.

$100,000 USGPL INVITATIONAL GRAND PRIX
Pl. Horse Rider Faults Time
1. VDL Orame Chris Kappler 0/0 39.153
2. Cataro Ask Ramiro Quintana 0/4 35.853
3. Marlo Jimmy Torano 0/4 36.376
4. Pavoratti Todd Minikus 0/4 37.114
5. Calibur Kelley Small 0/8 37.107
6. Asdi Villagana Pato Muente 0/8 39.787

Written by HITS · Filed Under Culpeper, Press Releases 
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