The sun shone on the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, Ontario, Canada for the Classic @ Palgrave II (June 7 to 11). All five rings were kept busy late into the day with a full schedule of hunter, pony and jumper classes.
The feature class for the jumpers was the $10,000 Champion Shavings Modified Grand Prix. Twenty entries took on the challenge of Hector J. Loyola’s course. An oxer at the top of the ring (5), the final element of the triple (7c), the water (10) and the final jump on the course (13) would all prove extra challenging for many.
The first clear of the afternoon came from the second rider in the ring, Ainsley Vince riding Ashland Stables Inc.’s Prestine. Although Prestine looks far from easy to ride, they made the course look very rideable. What a feat their clear was was soon proven by other riders: Mike Grinyer, Mac Cone and Jay Hayes all picked up 12 to 18 faults each.
Roberto Teran, riding Kingridge Stables’ (http://www.kingridge.com/) Jamestown, a 1997 Selle Francais stallion by Quidam de Revel, looked to challenge until taking a rail at #9, an oxer coming off the corner. Jennifer Gray of Owen Sound, Ontario and Roxette Delores, put in a fantastic round, much to the delight of her coach, former British team rider, Tim Grubb. Jennifer and husband, Jim run Jack Pine Equestrian Centre (http://www.jackpine-farm.com/).
A few rounds later and Asta Torokvei and her own, Paradigm (who is also shown by Erynn Ballard) made it three for the jump off. Mike Grinyer of Campbellville, Ontario was determined to ride a better second round than first. With Alcatraz, winner of the $35,000 Kubota Cup at Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in 2005, he made his goal; a solid clear round. At the bottom of the order, Mac Cone and Rockstar put in a clean trip to bring the jump off total to five.
In the jump off, Vince and Prestine set off at a good pace and went clean, but a few wide turns left room for improvement. Gray and Roxette Delores were having a great go until a sudden refusal and involuntary dismount by the rider at the double caused a disappointing elimination.
Cornell University alumni, Torokvei and Paradigm put in a textbook clear, stylish and fast at a time of 43.728. Grinyer and Alactraz and Cone and Rockstar bettered her time, but sacrificed rails to do so, leaving the win to Asta Torokvei and Paradigm.
An aside note: the best vocal encouragement for the day must go to Lexy Solomon and Orchys, who shouted her way to and over the open water. Well done, Lexy!
Results - $10,000 Champion Shavings Modified Grand Prix – June 11, 2025
1st Paradigm Asta Torokvei Asta Torokvei
2nd Prestine Ainsley Vince Ashland Stables Inc.
3rd Rock Star Mac Cone Sara Houstoun & Larry Evoy
4th Alcatraz Mike Grinyer Mike Grinyer Stables
5th Roxette Delores Jennifer Gray Jim and Jennifer Gray
6th Ting Tin Hyde Moffatt Hawkestone Farms
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