Mill Spring, NC – October 30, 2026 – The Costume Jumper Class returned to the 143rd National Horse Show on Friday evening, bringing a playful twist to traditional competition—and the riders did not disappoint. Horse-and-rider combinations competing in the $20,000 1.40m Open Speed Stake showcased their creativity, vying not only for the class victory but also for the $2,000 Best Costume Award.
Thirty-three horse-and-rider combinations took to Ken Krome’s 14-obstacle speed track, combining Halloween fun with fast-paced competition.
JJ Torano, dressed as Shrek, and North Run’s Lyon 50 topped the class with a blazing time of 62.535 seconds to secure the victory. Violet Tatum followed closely in second aboard Tatum Equestrian LLC’s Flotylla, stopping the clock at 62.938 seconds, while Francisco Goyoaga Mollet rounded out the top three riding Ashland Farm’s Stakato Cornet in 63.245 seconds.
While Torano’s Shrek costume brought plenty of personality to the ring, it also made for a memorable ride.
“I stuffed my stomach, but that didn’t affect me too much,” Torano shared. “I just had to hold on a little tighter than usual.”
Reflecting on the course, Torano praised the track’s versatility and the opportunities it offered riders to make up time.
“It was a very nice track,” he said. “There were a couple of rollbacks where you could make up some time, and a couple of lines where you could leave out a stride. I think it gave you options depending on the horse you’re riding, and it was a very fair course tonight.”
After Friday’s victory, Torano has his sights set on Saturday evening’s $100,000 National Horse Show National Standard 1.45m Grand Prix, where he plans to return with Lyon 50 and Quinci Quality.
“Obviously, it’s great to win tonight, but our main focus is tomorrow night at the Grand Prix,” Torano said.
Beyond the race against the clock, the evening’s festivities included the presentation of the $2,000 Best Costume Award, which went to Lizzy Traband for her elaborate Captain Hook ensemble.
Traband’s pirate-inspired look featured a custom-made jacket created by Mary O’Connor, who transformed a jacket originally worn by her daughter to a Renaissance fair into a one-of-a-kind costume.
With creative costumes and competitive performances, the Costume Jumper Class once again brought a memorable evening of sport and entertainment to the National Horse Show.
Show jumping competition continues Saturday, October 31, with the highly anticipated $100,000 National Horse Show National Standard 1.45m Grand Prix, bringing another exciting evening of competition to Tryon International.
