Highlights from MLSJ Tryon: A Weekend of New Leaders and Rising Stars
Tryon delivered tight finishes, team shake-ups, and a debut Grand Prix win.
Published
23 OCT 2025
Est. reading time
2 min
Leg 5 of Major League Show Jumping brought intensity and turning points to Tryon International, where three days of world-class sport kept fans on the edge of their seats.
With thrilling jump-offs, a reshuffled leaderboard, and standout performances from both veterans and rising talents, Tryon delivered competition at its best.
Thursday: Abdel Saïd leads Trailblazers to top the standings
Abdel Saïd made his debut with the Trelawny Trailblazers a winning one, claiming the $117,000 5* Qualifier, presented by LeMieux, aboard Calvaro. His victory, by just one hundredth of a second over teammate Conor Swail, secured crucial points that helped the Trailblazers in the standings.
The Belgian rider praised his nine-year-old Holsteiner, calling him “one of the best horses I’ve ever ridden,” as the pair showed the power of the Trailblazers’ new line-up.
Friday: Helios take a decisive win in the Team Competition
Helios returned to the top of the podium in the $262,500 5* Team Competition, presented by Cabana Coast. Michael Duffy, Richard Vogel and Tony Stormanns delivered strong rounds, with 17-year-old Stormann’s sealing the team’s second win of the season after a thrilling jump-off against the Rainmakers.
Team manager Helena Stormanns credited the mix of experience and young talent for the result, as Helios climbed within reach of the top three in the standings.
Saturday: Nicola Philippaerts claims his first MLSJ Grand Prix title
Nicola Philippaerts capped the weekend with a commanding victory in the $340,000 5* Grand Prix, presented by KASK. Riding the nine-year-old Gadget Mouche, the Belgian rider stopped the clock two-tenths faster than Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz to secure his first MLSJ Grand Prix win.
The Archers’ rider praised his developing gelding, produced within the Philippaerts family program, and celebrated moving into the top 15 of the individual rankings.
Thank you to all the fans who joined us onsite and followed every round live throughout the weekend.
Explore the full Tryon photo gallery and relive every moment from our leg in North Carolina.
What’s next for the Major League
Major League Show Jumping now heads west to Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in California for Legs 6 and 7 of the 2025 season, kicking off December 3.
Fans can stay updated through the MLSJ App.
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