Jimmy Torano Tops $10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake at Vermont Summer Festival
July 21, 2016 - East Dorset, VT
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL, and his own El Capone claimed the $10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets on Thursday, July 21 during Week 3 of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. The Vermont Summer Festival runs for six consecutive weeks at Harold Beebe Farm from July 5 through August 14.
In a husband-wife duel, Torano and El Capone, a seven-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding, bumped his own wife, Danielle, from the top spot to take the win in the final trip of the class. Danielle, also of Wellington, FL, was sitting on a double-clear day in 42.90 seconds aboard her own mare Callas III before Jimmy stopped the clock clear in 41.87 seconds over the jump-off track.
Thursday's courses were designed by Kenny Krome of Westminster, MD, and saw ten clear rounds advance to the jump-off.
While Jimmy and Danielle Torano clinched the top two spots, Eliza Month of Scarsdale, NY, and her own Calumpi took third with a clear jump-off effort in 43.15 seconds. Fourth place was awarded to Kevin McCarthy of North Salem, NY, and Analyze This with a clear time of 43.25 seconds for owner Kimberly Jakubowski. Colin Syquia of Forest Hills, NY, rounded out the top five with a clear ride in 43.90 seconds in the irons of Adventure E, owned by Eurasia, Inc.
After winning Saturday's grand prix aboard young mount, Day Dream, Torano is making a name for yet another up and coming horse with El Capone. The seven-year-old gelding was imported to the U.S. in December after Dutch rider Willem Greve found him for Torano. Since arriving stateside, El Capone has picked up wins in seven-year-old competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival and Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show before arriving in Vermont.
“I think we will move him up here and do more of the $10,000 classes,” said Torano. “He's super; a very careful jumper and an overachiever. He jumps the oxers literally at top of the standards. He's one you have to take your time with because he is so careful and I don't overdo him because he knows his job, but he's not going to knock many jumps down.”
Torano was one of seven riders to boast double-clear efforts and commended Krome for his courses saying, “he does a fantastic job from start to finish. Today was friendly and flowing, but there were a couple tests, especially for a young horse like mine.”
With momentum from first and second-place finishes on Thursday, Torano's own JET Show Stables has started its season at the Vermont Summer Festival on a high note and is hopeful that the success will continue.
“Right now, we probably have as good a group of horses as we've ever had,” said Torano. “With this dynamite string, we should do well here. We are very lucky.”
Jimmy will pilot Day Dream again on Saturday in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, presented by The Equinox, while Danielle with have another chance to beat her husband aboard Callas III.
In addition to his share of the prize money and a commemorative scrim from Mona's Monograms, Torano was presented with a $1,000 gift card to the Vineyard Vines outlet store in Manchester, VT, from Molly Healy and Christina Lovett, representing the Manchester Designer Outlets.
For over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region in southern Vermont for great competition in an ideal summer setting. Outside the show ring, exhibitors are immersed in the charm of Vermont's shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.
Competition at the 2016 Vermont Summer Festival runs weekly from Wednesday through Sunday, beginning each day at 8 a.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children from Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children with 100% of all gate proceeds benefiting the Manchester Community Library, Dorset Equine Rescue, and Meals on Wheels.
Please e-mail or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com for more information about the Vermont Summer Festival.
$10,000 Vineyard Vines Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets - Thursday, July 21, 2016
Rider Hometown Horse Faults Time
1. Jimmy Torano Wellington, FL El Capone 0:0 41.87
2. Danielle Torano Wellington, FL Callas III 0:0 42.90
3. Eliza Month Scarsdale, NY Calumpi 0:0 43.15
4. Kevin McCarthy North Salem, NY Analyze This 0:0 43.25
5. Colin Syquia Forest Hills, NY Adventure E 0:0 43.90
6. Kristy Herrera Wellington, FL Cordaba Ag Z 0:0 44.34
7. Katie Tyler Old Lyme, CT Wild Card 0:0 46.33
8. Jimmy Torano Wellington, FL Day Dream 0:4 43.16
