TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Canada’s Sam Walker and Carruso PJ won the $117,000, CSI3* Grand Prix on Saturday evening during Traverse City Horse Shows.
Sam Walker on Carruso (Photo by Sam Garvin)Peter Grant of Canada designed the evening’s course, with seven advancing to the jump-off.
Walker, 23, was clean in 40.53, stopping the clock a half a second faster than the closest competitor.
“Although he’s green, when you turn the jets on and go fast, he definitely shows up to the occasion,” said Walker of the up-and-coming mount that was previously campaigned as a young horse by Carly Anthony. “It’s been a lot of learning for both of us; he’s only 9 and hasn’t had very much experience at such a high level. But, he’s been extremely consistent since we’ve stepped him up.”
WHEN THE Holman Family asked Walker to take over the ride, he first noticed how smart the gelding was.
“If we make a mistake, I know he’s going to come back and learn from it,” said Walker of the horse he also describes as a ‘Golden Retriever’ around the barn. “I’ve never ridden a horse this smart in my entire life; I have nothing but praise for him. I hope that I get to have a long partnership with him because he’s a dream to ride.”
Walker recently returned to the trainers of his junior career that included winning the Maclay Championship, and he is back riding with John Brennan and Missy Clark’s North Run.
“It’s a pleasure to be back; it’s a proven spot to produce young horses and young riders all the way to the Olympic level," he said. "I could not be more grateful for the team at North Run, and I can’t wait for a long partnership there.”
Fellow Canadian and 2024 Paris Olympian Erynn Ballard on Dior was second, clean in 41.13 seconds,anf hat gave her the Leading Lady Rider Award.
Spencer Smith on HHS Seattle placed third with the fastest four-fault round, finishing in 41.08 seconds.
