AACHEN, Germany--JJ Torano on Lyon 50 jumped a fantastic clean round to win the U25 Speed on Friday, Aug. 21 at the World Championship.
Jj Torano on Lyon 50 (Photo by Allen MacMillan)That evening, the U.S Jumping team of Laura Kraut on Baloutinue, Katie Dinan on Out of the Blue, Lille Keenan on Fasther and McLain Ward on High Star Hero finished fourth in Team Jumping - full story to come tomorrow.
Torano, at just 16 years old, made his first ever trip to Aachen an unbelievable experience by winning in Aachen’s main stadium.
He finished clean in 63.96 to win over Germany’s Max Paschertz on Foodfox' Cathilde H in 64.43 with Luiz Felipe Neto de Azevedo of Brazil on Granit de las Mure third in 65.80 in the class of 39 riders 25 and under that qualified to compete in the first ever U25 competition at a World Championship.
“That was so much fun,” said Torano. “There's no better place to win than Aachen. When we heard about this opportunity obviously we jumped at it. We came looking to win today.”
“IT'S A DIFFERENT feeling than any other ring, and I was a little nervous, but I tend to do better when I'm a little nervous," he said. "Lyon's an unbelievable horse and was with me for every stride out there,”
“Whatever the challenge, he rises to it and gives it his all,” said Torano of Lyon 50, the stallion he has ridden on for two years. “He has a huge heart, and he also wants to win.”
Torano had his first experience of hearing the U.S. National Anthem in an international competition, something that, with his talent, is apt to happen many times again.
“I think the prize giving and victory lap was almost more fun than actually jumping," saidTorano. "The crowd, the atmosphere, it’s amazing out there. It’s such a great opportunity.”
Olivia Sweetnam also qualified for the U25 and went to Aachen, but her horse didn't pass the first horse inspection, so she wasn't able to compete.
Saturday's class is a team competition in which, as there are only maximum two riders from each country, riders from different countries will join to make the teams, and it will begin at 10:15 a.m. Eastern.
The NetAachen-Prize Grand Prix for U25 is Sunday at 4:30 a.m. Eastern.
