DAVID Blake posted a series of good results at the concluding CSI3* of the Tryon Summer Series in North Carolina last week, before heading an Irish one-two in the Grand Prix. The Clare native got off the mark by winning the opening class, a three-star 1.40m two phase, when he jumped the only double clear in the class. He followed that up by finishing second and fourth in the three-star $32,000 1.45m two phase class with Gucci Des Embruns and Max Van De Marijenhoeve respectively. Samuel Parot sandwiched Blake by finishing in first and third position of the 13 starters.

Blake was back on the podium the following day when he rode Pine Hollow Farm’s Gucci Des Embruns into third place in the three-star $32,000 1.50m Welcome Stake class. From a start list of 14, just two combinations left all the rails intact in the first round, and the Irish rider earned $4,800 for finishing as fastest four-faulter. The jump-off went the way of the USA’s Jacqueline Ruyle and H Cornetta DK.

The best was yet to come for Blake however, when he progressed to lead the way in an Irish one-two in Sunday’s three-star $120,000 Grand Prix riding Conblue. As in the Welcome Stake, only two combinations finished with clean sheets in the first round, and Blake had the advantage of being drawn after compatriot Richie Moloney in the jump-off.

When Moloney and Daisycutter had a rail down, Blake was able to deliver a steady clear round to take the win and the $36,000 prize. He also finished sixth with Max Van De Marijenhoeve, having incurred four faults in the first round.

“I had the advantage of going after Richie in the jump off, so I knew a double clear was what was needed to secure the win,” said Blake afterwards. “We’ve had a fantastic Summer Series here in Tryon, and it’s great for our team to finish on such a high note” he concluded.