Mill Spring, NC – July 2, 2019 – Todd Minikus and Calvalou dominated the $36,000 Sunday Classic CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), stopping the jump-off timers at 35.465 seconds. Aaron Vale (USA) and Eye Catcher, a 2009 Dutch Sport Horse gelding (Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve x Narcos II SF) owned by Troy Glaus, took second place on a clear jump-off performance of 38.112 seconds, while David O’Brien (IRL) and Kir Royal SCF, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Amaretto D’Arco x Nabab de Reve) owned by Spy Coast Farm, LLC, claimed third-place honors on an eight-fault effort in 36.169 seconds.

The Guilherme Jorge (BRA) designed course did not fail to test the riders, with only three pairs out of the field of 20 qualifying for the short-course track. Minikus and his own 2007 Oldenburg gelding (Calvaro F.C. x Baloubet du Rouet) laid down a careful and efficient round that put them well ahead for the win. 

Minikus explained that heading into the three-man jump-off was stressful following his performances in Saturday night’s $72,000 Ingles Grand Prix CSI 2*: “I was a little frustrated heading into today. I didn’t do much differently [this morning] other than just ride better and not make silly mistakes. There were only three clear, so it was a hard enough course.” 

“Aaron put in just a nice clear and so I tried not to shoot myself in the foot and go too fast,” Minikus shared on his strategy heading into the jump-off. “I don’t know what the [time] margin was, but I did one or two less strides in the first line and the second line, and I think that was the difference. I’m proud of Calvalou – he jumped great, so we’ll keep feeding him Purina and come back next week!”

Minikus, a familiar face at TIEC, will be based at the venue for the remainder of the summer and also plans to compete in the fall series, he shared, and aims to carry his positive momentum into next week’s CSI 3* competition. “We will be back for the 3* Grand Prix next week!” Minikus concluded.