Wellington, FL – January 9, 2019 – Shane Sweetnam (IRL) jumped into first place in the $50,000 Equiline Grand Prix in the ESP Holiday Finale at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Sweetnam crossed through the timers in 40.154 seconds to secure the win with Kirschwasser SCF, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Amaretto D’Arco x Nabab De Reve), owned by Spy Coast Farm, LLC. Sliding into second, Lauren Tisbo (USA) stopped the clock in 40.754 seconds aboard Coriandolo Di Ribano, a 2007 Sella Italiano stallion (Cassini II x Baldini), owned by Tequestrian Farms, LLC. Tomas Yofre (ARG) claimed third place with a time of 39.265 seconds riding Fantasy, a 2005 Hanoverian mare (For Pleasure x Acord II), owned by Oakland Ventures LLC.
Sweetnam stayed ahead of the 35 competitors in the course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA). “He [Kirschwasser SCF] jumped very, very well. It was a nice track and it was a great way to start the year” commented Sweetnam.
“He felt great and he’s improving all the time. He’s one of Spy Coast Farm’s homebred, so it’s great that they’ve bred something that’s good and can win a grand prix already. He’s very scopey, and very careful, but he’s still learning, so I still think there’s still room for improvement,” he said.
On preparing for the upcoming season, Sweetnam stated, “We know the routine, so we’re preparing for a busy 12 weeks ahead and hopefully we will have some success.“
PBIEC Press Release
