Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Defending champions Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS cracked the code on the first phase of the 2025 $100,000 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (GPE). Their mic drop was an incredible 17.3 in the first phase, now this event’s lowest ever dressage score, usurping Doug Payne and Starr Witness who earned a 19.9 in 2023.
“It’s great to have him back period, and to be back here in Aiken is doubly special,” Will said of Hyperion Stud’s 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Chin Champ – Wildera, by Quinar Z). “He was excited to be out and see all these people.”
After winning here one year ago, the gelding suffered a minor event that sidelined him for nearly the entirety of the season, making this their debut back to the action. Though two more challenges are yet to come for this combination, they are notoriously proficient in the show jumping phase where they haven’t seen a rail fall in their last eight International runs.
Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Speaking of personal bests, New Zealand’s Monica Spencer grabbed at her own aboard the capable 2011 Thoroughbred Artist (Guillotine – Maxamore, by Volksraad). Their 22.4 puts them in second place.
Phillip Dutton and Possante. Photo by Shelby Allen.
The penultimate combination of the day, Phillip Dutton and Possante land in third place on 24.9.Will Coleman’s second leaderboard appearance is fourth place with Off The Record on a score of 26. 2022 champions Boyd Martin and Fedarman B are in fifth place on 26.7.
Competition continues with show jumping at 3:00 p.m. If you aren’t lucky enough to join us under a cloudless sky here in Aiken, be sure to catach all the action on Horse & Country TV.
$100k Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (SC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]
