Brian Walker and Tamara 296 (ESI Photography)

Culpeper, Va. - Brian Walker and Tamara 296 claimed victory in the first Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper in the Commonwealth National Show on April 19, going last in the four-rider jump-off to complete the course three seconds faster than second-place finisher Filip De Wandel on his Gentley.

"The course was difficult enough [Sunday] with only four clear, but that worked in my favor," said Walker, after his win. "The jump-off, with long gallops between the jumps, really suited my mare, because she has a huge stride and can cover a lot of ground."

In the shortened course, Walker finished double-clear in 40.776 seconds. He also placed fifth on a newer mount, Katunaro, owned by Ansgar and Ellen Holtgers — with no jumping faults but one time fault in the first round, which kept them from the jump-off.

"I was obviously very happy with [Sunday's] result. Both my horses jumped fantastic," he said. "I am always very thankful for my horses, my sponsors and my team, because it ‘takes a village.’ I am happy to be heading home with the win."

De Wandel and Gentley went second in the jump-off, finishing in 43.860 and shaving just over a second off the time of third-place rider Ian Silitch on Cordovo, owned by Gaston Family Investments LLC, who completed the shortened course in 44.491. Leann Kelly, on Honorway Farm LLC’s Leander, picked up four faults in the jump-off to finish in fourth place.