Hunter Holloway and Cassevel (Mancini Photos)

Mill Spring, N.C. - Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS, concluded a stellar week at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) during Tryon Spring 6, picking up major wins in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix on Friday, May 27, aboard VDL Bravo S, and earning her biggest career win to date in the $75,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix with Cassevel. Competition at TIEC continues with Tryon Spring 7, featuring the second FEI CSI 3* of the 2016 Tryon Spring Series, beginning on Wednesday, June 1.

Holloway and Cassevel sealed the win, crossing through the jump-off timers in 43.373 seconds for the win, holding off David Blake of Wellington, FL, and Binkie, in what would have been their third consecutive grand prix win at the venue. Blake and Binkie finished in 44.86 seconds, while Bryn Sadler of Sante Fe, NM, and Bon Giorno rounded out the top three with a time of 46.257 seconds.

Holloway and Cassevel are a relatively new pair, as the 2007 Holsteiner gelding was purchased from Derek Petersen less than a year ago. Holloway rode with a confidence that allowed her to excel in the pressure situations that arose in the jump-off round.

"We got him just over a year ago and I've taken my time with him and tried to really make him my horse. He's a great horse and won some in Ocala, FL, and he's just really consistent in the big classes. We'll do more of the FEI on him this season and try for some good results."

As the first to go in the order, Holloway and Cassevel nearly didn't make the jump-off round, as they finished the track with a single time fault, but two rides later, course designer Hector Loyola adjusted the time allowed, moving the pair through to the short course.

"I thought both courses rode so well. I thought there were lot of turns that you really had to ride smartly," said Holloway. "There were a few spaces of good gallop track and he has a big stride. I felt like I went in with a lot of confidence because I knew he could handle the course and it suited him."

Speaking candidly of her biggest career win, Holloway immediately complimented the heart and never-ending try of Cassevel, who she hopes will help her secure top results in FEI ranking classes throughout the remainder of the year.

"This was the biggest class I've ever won and it just is so exciting. It's a great feeling and it's only the second grand prix I've done with him, so this is a big result for us," she smiled. "I am really proud of how my horses performed this week and I am just over the moon right now."

"It's been a very cool week for us. Each one of our grand prix horses has won a big class this past week. I think it's a great feeling and it also makes you appreciate your horses. It's such a great opportunity and we're so lucky to have the rides on these guys. They're a really special group and I just am so ecstatic right now," she continued.

Holloway's groom Gerardo Lopez was awarded with the Groom's Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo and the Tryon Equestrian Partners in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the care of Holloway's grand prix mount Cassevel.

"Gerardo is absolutely incredible with our horses and we're so lucky to have him. He takes impeccable care of them and he's the only one I trust with my grand prix horses. He understands them and does an amazing job," said Holloway. "He's such an important part of our team and I'm so happy that he was recognized for his hard work."

Holloway Continues to Win Piloting VDL Bravo S To $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at TIEC

Holloway found herself atop the leaderboard once more at TIEC during Tryon Spring 6, this time after clinching the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix aboard VDL Bravo S. The duo finished the track in 38.426 seconds to secure the win. Bryn Sadler and Cezarro completed the short course in 42.426 seconds for second, while Holloway also piloted Cassevel to third place with a time of 42.426 seconds.

"I was happy with the way the course rode and I felt like all of the questions that were out there on course I was able to answer and had a plan," commented Holloway. "I thought both of the horses felt really fit and ready to play today in this class."

The Under 25 Grand Prix Series has become an incredible stepping-stone for some of the world's most talented riders under the age of 25, offering an opportunity to gain valuable grand prix experience in a competitive atmosphere.

"The Under 25 Series is just a great division. It's nice having a little separation and it allows us younger kids to get some really good exposure in the bigger rings and atmospheres. In this sport a lot of the top riders are able to stay at the top of the sport for so long, I think the series is really a great way to be able to test the bigger tracks and give your horses some great experience too."

"These classes give you a sense of confidence that I think is really important when you start looking at competing in some of the bigger classes throughout the year," she added.

VDL Bravo S, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ephepe For Ever x Urbine S), has been a strong mount for Holloway and the duo have produced several top results throughout winter and spring season. Holloway feels that there is more to come from the pair, as they've just begun to find a rhythm this season.

"He's an amazing horse. Just super brave and super easy to ride. I'm never really concerned with anything on course with him. We got him a little bit over a year ago and it has been a truly amazing experience," she explained. "It's a great horse and we have some truly great supporters behind us with Hays Investment Corp. and I've had a lot of success with him. I'm very excited for the future and what we have to come this season."

Kristen Vanderveen Pilots Lucky Strike to Win in $25,000 1.50m Suncast® Open Welcome Stake

Kristen Vanderveen of St. Charles, IL, guided Lucky Strike, owned by the Hays Investment Corp. to victory in the $25,000 1.50m Suncast® Open Welcome Stake on Thursday, May 26 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Vanderveen and Lucky Strike finished the jump-off round in 38.551 seconds for the win, while David Blake of Wellington, FL, and Baron finished in second place with a time of 41.022 seconds. Darragh Kerins of Wellington, FL, and S&L Through The Looking Glass rounded out the top three crossing through the timers in 41.76 seconds.

Lucky Strike, a 2006 Holsteiner gelding typically campaigned by Brandie Holloway, found his way to the winner's circle with Vanderveen in the irons after Holloway was recently sidelined with an injury. The pair bested 10 combinations that returned for the jump-off round, while six pairs finished the afternoon with a double clear effort.

Jumper Highlights

In the CWD Low Adult Jumper 1.0m division Julia Gates of Easley, SC, and her own Sierra captured divisional honors for their performance throughout the week. Christine Henige of Maplewood, NJ, and her own Fixin' earned reserve champion behind Gates.

Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS, continued her dominance in the jumper ring, earning the Ariat Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper 1.30m division aboard Avant Guarde, owned by Serenity Ridge Farm. Holloway also collected reserve champion awards aboard Deluca Ace owned by Amy Hunter.

David Blake and Quantero 2, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, finished atop the leaderboard in the Nutrena 1.40m Open Jumper. Ricardo Villa of Campobello, SC, and Carolina split reserve honors with Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX, and Quattro.

In the BMW Open Jumper 1.20m, Jamie Buis of Weston, FL, and VDL D'Inzeo finished the week as champions of the division, while Julio Ledesma of Wellington, FL, and Chaco 34, owned by Francesca Damasceno, captured the title of reserve champion.

Hunter & Equitation Highlights

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC, and Damocles, owned by Janet Peterson, took top honors in $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, finishing the class on a final two round score of 181. Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX, and Front Page, owned by Eduardo Leon, captured second place with a score of 178,5, while Penny Lombardo of Loxahatchee, FL, and Big Girls Don't Cry, owned by Rodney Bross, earned third place with a score of 177.25.

Geitner and Damocles earned a first round score of 88 and returned for the handy round to receive a 93 to seal the win. Bedoya finished just behind Geitner with a 87.5 and rode to a score of 91 in the handy round. Lombardo finished the afternoon with the highest first round score, receiving an 89, and returned to earn an 88.25 in the handy round.

Josh Dolan of Wellington, FL, and Hidden Lane, owned by Page Tredennick, took top honors in the $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive with a score of 84. Daniel Bedoya and Playbook, owned by Monica Hanks, finished in second with a score of 83, while Bedoya also collected third place aboard Wynonna, owned by Loreanna Andrepont, with a score of 78.

The $1,000 Junior Hunter 3'3"/3'6" Classic saw Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS, and Entourage, owned by Hays Investment Corp., finish atop the leaderboard with a score of 175. Holloway also piloted The Governor, owned by Hays Investment Corp., to second place, with a two round score of 166. Grace Bridges of Eatonton, GA, and her own Sinful, collected third place with a final score of 162.

Randall Johnson of Clarksburg, MD, and Cantando owned by Greener Pastures, won the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter 3'3"/3'6" Classic with an overall score of 163. Kathryn Haefner of Hamburg, NY, and Columbus, owned by Kathryn Haefner LLC, finished in second with a score of 161, while Paige Wilson of Charlotte, NC, and her own Dicaprio, finished in third receiving a 155.

Jessica West of Charlotte, NC, and Orion's Diamond Ace were awarded with top honors in the combined $500 Pony Hunter Green Pony Hunter Classic 2'3"/2'6"/3' with an overall score of 162. Grayson Hutchins of Di, SC, and The Jaeckle Center's TJC's Black Pearl narrowly missed first place, receiving a total score of 161. Mary Hunter Millet of Hillsborough, NC, and Just 4 Me, owned by Virginia Rollins, collected third place with a total score of 160.

Hannah Loeffelbein and Watch Me, owned by Two Point Equestrian, LLC, took the ASPCA Maclay, while Ashley Parker of Irmo, SC, and her own Calvin Klein finished in second place. Mckenzie Shearon and Chezney, owned by Andrew Kocher, collected third place in the class.

The THIS Children's Medal saw nine entries compete for the top title, while Peyton Kanstoroom and her own Centrico earned the victory with a score of 87. Rawleigh Harris of Mt. Pleasant, SC, piloted Redford, owned by Bryden LLC to second place with a score of 84. Abigail Poss of Locust Grove, GA, and her own Elvis finished in third place, with a final score of 83.

For more information on competition at TIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit  www.tryon.com.

Final Results $75,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix

1. CASSEVEL, 2007 Holsteiner gelding by Cassini II x Tamara IX
HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Hays Investment Corp.: 0/0/43.373

2. BINKIE, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Larino x Whisper B
DAVID BLAKE, Pine Hollow Farm: 0/0/44.86

3. BON GIORNO, 1999 Swedish Warmblood gelding by Acacio 948 x Bon-Ami
Bryn Sadler, Showcase 81, LLC: 0/0/46.257

4. BARON, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding Ukato x Vera Van Veecaten
DAVID BLAKE, Pine Hollow Farm: 0/12/52.002

5. AJE CLUNY, 2004 Oldenburg gelding by Cash & Carry x Dorina
CHRISTIAN HEINEKING, AJE Equitation: 0/EL

6. HAPPY WANDOR VAN T ROOSAKKER, 2007 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Wandor van de Mispelaere
CARLOS RAMIREZ, Carolos Ramirez: 2/83.485

7. BULL RUN'S HOLY SMOKE, 2004 Belgian Warmblood mare by Wunder Boy van de Zuuthoeve x Belle
KRISTEN VANDERVEEN, Bull Run Jumpers, Inc: 4/74.366

8. QUATTRO, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Quasimodo Z x Olavsca F
DANIEL BEDOYA, Daniel Bedoya: 4/77.554

9. VDL BRAVO S, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Ephepe For Ever x Urbine S
HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Hays Investment Corp.: 4/77.804

10. NKH QUANTO, 2006 Holsteiner gelding by Quidam de Revel x I-Carina I
CHRISTIAN HEINEKING, NKH LLC: 4/80.327

11. FIFTY SHADES, 2008 Westphalian gelding by Call Me Number One x Sheltana
ANDREA TORRES GUERREIRO, Andrea Torres Guerreiro: 4/80.408

12. HHS LOUIS, 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Quidam Junior x HHS Flowing
AMANDA FORTE, Cerulean Stables LLC: 4/81.053

Final Results $25,000 Tryon Spring VI Under 25

1. VDL BRAVO S, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Ephepe For Ever x Urbine S
HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Hays Investment Corp.: 0/0/38.426

2. CEZARRO, 2008 Bradenburg gelding by Cesaro x Nabell
BRYN SADLER, Showcase 81, LLC: 0/0/42.426

3. CASSEVEL, 2007 Holsteiner gelding by Cassini II x Tamara IX
HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Hays Investment Corp.: 0/0/43.076

4. NEPAL, 2002 Argentine gelding by G.S. Raimundo x Rye Grass Finest RP H-31
TAYLOR LAND, Jay Land: 0/8/40.576

5. KINGDOM, 2006 Irish Warmblood
CHRISTINA KELLY, Andrea O'Brien: 4/72.768

6. CROSSFIRE 10, 2002 Holsteiner gelding Caretino x Holsatia VI
HAYLEY WATERS, Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Waters: 12/72.608

7. CURTIS 57, 2007 Holsteiner gelding by Contact Me x Taramira
ALEXANDER OZYMY, Alexandra Ozymy: 12/76.423

8. TIP TOP COOL, 2007 Selle Francais gelding Quick Star x Gypsie des Hautes
STEVEN BLUMAN, Steven Bluman: 12/79.813

Final Results $25,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome Stake

1. LUCKY STRIKE, 2006 Holsteiner gelding by Lasino x Imandra I
KRISTEN VANDERVEEN, Hays Investment Corp.: 0/0/38.551

2. BARON, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding Ukato x Vera Van Veecaten
DAVID BLAKE, Pine Hollow Farm: 0/0/41.022

3. S&L THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, 2008 Dutch Warmblood mare by Arkan x Roshai's Last Tango
DARRAGH KERINS, S&L Farms: 0/0/41.76

4. BULL RUN'S HOLY SMOKES, 2004 Belgian Warmblood mare by Wunder Boy van de Zuuthoeve x Belle
KRISTEN VANDERVEEN, Bull Run Jumpers, Inc.: 0/0/41.963

5. NKH QUANTO, 2006 Holsteiner gelding by Quidam de Revel x I-Carina I
CHRISTIAN KEINEKING, NKH LLC: 0/0/42.927

6. HAPPY WANDOR VAN T ROOSAKKERT, 2007 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Wandor van de Mispelaere
CARLOS RAMIREZ, Carlos Ramirez: 0/0/46.956

7. BULL RUN'S ETERNAL, 2003 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Toulon x Corry
KRISTEN VANDERVEEN, Bull Run Jumpers One LLC: 0/4/39.938

8. HHS LOUIS 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Quidam Junior x HHS Flowing
AMANDA FORTE, Cerulean Stables LLC: 0/4/42.562

9. GLORIX VAN DE MISPELAERE, 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Labamba x Ariel van de Mispelaere
JENNA FRIEDMAN, Jenna Friedman: 0/4/44.035

10. FIFTY SHADES, 2008 Westphalian gelding Call Me Number One x Sheltana
ANDREA TORRES GUERREIRO, Andrea Torres Guerrerio:

11. GANDOR DE WALPUT, 2006 Warmblood gelding by Wandor van de Mispelaere x Ursala
BENJAMIN ROSICHAN, Benjamin Rosichan: 3/79.21

12. NEPAL, 2002 Argentine gelding by G.S. Raimundo x Rye Grass Finest RP H-31
TAYLOR LAND, Jay Land: 4/70.302