Luck of the Irish for Willie Tynan and Ballinteskin Joe in $40,000 Parlanti Grand Prix at HITS Vermont
Manchester, VT – July 16, 2023 – Closing out the second week of jumper competition at the Vermont Summer Festival was the $40,000 Parlanti Grand Prix. Topping the field yet again and returning to the winner’s circle was Willie Tynan and his trusted partner Ballinteskin Joe.
Willie Tynan and Ballinteskin Joe. Photo by Jess Windhurst.
Tynan and Ballinteskin Joe, owned by the MDM Equestrian Group, also topped the field in Friday’s $10,000 HITS Prix. Tynan has collected many podium places with his horses during the first two weeks of the HITS Vermont Summer Festival.
“We call him Max. He's been with me since he was 7 years old, and he's 11 now. He's won a lot of grand prixs for me. He's quick – very quick – so usually I like to see him go last because I know I have a chance with him.”
Willie Tynan and Ballinteskin Joe. Photo by Jess Windhurst.
Tynan qualified three of his mounts for the jump-off. He was the last competitor for the short course and managed to end in a time of 40.878 seconds. “I was clear on my second one but it was a half second slower than first, so I knew I might need to do a little something to catch up.” Tynan was quick enough by galloping down a long bending line and taking a tight turn back to the last jump.
“So far, so good. We won the $10,000, and we won today, so I can't complain. I want to make sure the owners get mentioned, Michelle and Michael. They’ve owned these horses for the last four years, so it’s nice to see the horses getting results every week.”
Finishing in the second place spot was Cynthia McGrath with Wynnwood Farm LLC’s entry, Giraldo L. The pair who has been very consistent the last two weeks, were the first to go clear in the jump-off – one of only three to do so – and finished in a time of 45.413 seconds.
Cynthia McGrath and Giraldo L. Photo by Jess Windhurst.
Tynan also returned to the winner’s circle, placing third with MDM Equestrian Group’s Seattle, where they crossed the end timers at 45.908 seconds, leaving all the jumps up.
Willie Tynan and Seattle. Photo by Jess Windhurst.
The Vermont Summer Festival will be having a grand prix every Sunday, during which spectators can come to watch and experience all the high-packed action. The summer in the mountains will be taking place for another four weeks, with highlight classes, including the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $5,000 Manchester Designer Outlets Open Welcome, being offered every week.