Worth Over $1,700,000 Famed Equestrian Aaron Vale Claims First and Second Places to Dominate the Competition

Equestrian jumping competitions are events to demonstrate the level of understanding between the horse and the rider. Apart from this, it also tests their mutual dedication, courage, and skill. It is a thrilling event that captivates both the participant and the spectator. Tipperary Equestrian Grand Prix is a prestigious event held every year at Tipperary Equestrian Centre situated in County Tipperary, Ireland.

This year an unusual happening occurred at the Grand Prix. The first and second position was held by the same rider but with a different horse. A unique set of skills and understanding was displayed by the rider and his horses.

Aaron Vale Dominates the Tipperary Equestrian Grand Prix

This year’s competition like other years flocked riders from all over the world. The winner of the competition has to jump off without any fault in the fastest time. This year Aaron Vale was the fastest. The 1.7 million worth equestrian participated in Grand Prix with two horses Elusive and Cristo Beech.

Initially, Dorothy Douglas started in the electric atmosphere with Caepten 2 and return in  42.816 seconds. His record remained until Aaron Vale started aboard Cristo Beech and returned in 40.398 seconds. After him, many riders tried to break his score time but failed in the end due to a rail break. Speaking of his observation on Cristo Beech he said “It wasn’t a perfect jump-off course-wise for Cristo. The rollback to two is probably his weakness for going fast“. He further stated that the leader did eight strides and he did nine strides.

Read More: 14-Year-Old Equestrian Creates History With an Incredible Feat

Sitting on the top time with Elusive yet to compete, his thoughts were to finish in a shorter time.  Vale knew Elusive was ready for it which was achieved by returning in 39.279 seconds. Speaking on the winning horse he said “Elusive was operating tonight. I got seven strides from one to two which was really fast. I ran up to the end vertical in nine, that was one more than Cristo“. Vale won first and second place along with the prize money of $100,000 amid cheering from the crowd.

Aaron Vale the 55-year-old equestrian from the United States manages the jumping and training stables at Thinkslikeahorse in Florida. According to International Equestrian Federation, he has 42 wins in jumping and holds 50 the rank in FEI Jumping World Cup Standing.

Watch The Story: Count Down of the Top Five Moments That Can Set The Equestrian Crowd Ablaze