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Chris Kappler and VDL Orame win the $100,000 USGPL Invitational Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper ending HITS’ 2006 season of show jumping

October 3, 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.

The USGPL Finals was the last HITS Horse Show before HITS begins installation of new footing supplied by Footing Authority. Footing Authority has developed a revolutionary, dust-free footing that contains Polymer and EuroFelt. HITS, as a part of its commitment to horse safety and soundness, will install Footing Authority products at each of its four major venues coast to coast in 2007.

For more information about show jumping at any of HITS’ venues call 845.246.8833 or visit the HITS website www.HitsShows.com.

Written by HITS · Filed Under Contributors, Culpeper 
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