Harrisburg, Pa. – October 17, 2025 – Tori Corts and Semi Automatic proved themselves to be a shot above the rest in the $30,000 1.40m Welcome on Thursday evening, October 16, at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, Pa. Corts became the first rider to win the brand-new Chris Alfano Challenge Cup, which was dedicated to the late horseman in celebration of his life by the Alfano Family.

Corts’ path to the blue ribbon took some twists and turns along the way; she described her first round of the evening as “dicey,” as she had a few close calls with one or two rails, which stayed in the cups by a twist of fate.

“He actually hit the first jump, which is very unlike him, and then he touched the second jump as well,” Corts said. “So, then I was like, ‘All right, it’s fine, he’ll get into it.’ Then I came around, and I had a really bad distance, but then he started jumping really, really well.”

By the jump-off round, Corts and Semi Automatic really hit their stride, and they found themselves locked and loaded for victory. Corts’ decision to lay it all on the line and take an inside turn made all the difference.

“There was an inside turn from fence one to two, and I didn’t really want to take the option,” said Corts. “I saw that when Laura [Chapot] went in, she actually didn’t do it. So, I was like, ‘Okay, maybe I won’t have to do it.’ Then, my brother-in-law’s cousin told me, ‘Just commit to it. Just do it.’”

Corts did it, and that approach paid off as she and Semi Automatic, owned by Falkirk Farm LLC, stopped the jump-off clock in a winning 40.26 seconds. Second place with a time of 42.60 seconds went to Seth Vallhonrat and his own Lordy-P. Rounding out the top three was Laura Chapot who finished in 42.73 seconds aboard Ginola.

Prior to the $30,000 1.40m Welcome, a presentation celebrated the life of Chris Alfano, who passed away earlier this year. Alfano was a larger-than-life figure within the horse world, known for his iconic cowboy hat and boots, as well as his talent as a rider. Alfano was known to build partnerships based on trust and understanding with the horses in his care. Together with his wife, Joy, Chris built Townsend Farm from the ground up.

To celebrate his life, the Alfano Family unveiled the Chris Alfano Challenge Cup – a new perpetual trophy for the 1.40m Open Welcome at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

“The western boot atop the trophy perfectly captures the man who left an indelible boot print on the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him,” the announcer stated during the ceremony.

Galloping her victory lap after receiving the new trophy in the Harrisburg Coliseum was a full circle moment for Corts, who bred Semi Automatic. She also competed with the gelding’s mother, Rockstar, in the junior jumpers. According to Corts, the two horses are very similar in their way of going.

“Their canter is really similar,” Corts said. “On [Rockstar], I always felt like I could see my distance through the turn. I feel the same way about him. He’s super careful and really wants to win.”

Bringing Semi Automatic up through the levels has been a family affair, as Corts’ brother-in-law competed the Belgian Warmblood as a young horse before Corts took over the ride five years ago.

“Obviously all my horses I’ve had throughout my career – I love them all, but he’s a little extra special, I have to say,” Corts said.

2025 marks Corts second year competing at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and Corts says she loves the unique atmosphere of showing at the US Equestrian Heritage Competition.

“It’s a totally different vibe than all the other shows, especially the summer shows; it’s really nice,” Corts said. “Last year, I jumped the 1.30m division all three days, and then on the last day, the day of the grand prix, my brother-in-law was like, ‘I think you can jump it. Just try.’ I walked the course; it was big enough. I was honestly so nervous, but I jumped. I only had one down. So, this year, I was super excited to come back.”

In the $20,000 1.30m Welcome, Laura Chapot pulled off a hat trick to win the class aboard Tyson’s Fury for the second night, and Chapot’s third class, in a row. After a refusal in the jump-off with her first ride of the evening, Calafornia, Chapot came back with a vengeance aboard the fiery Tyson’s Fury. Together, the pair laid down a scorched earth round to cross the timers with 30.46 seconds on the clock to claim first place.

Chapot has been bringing the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare up the levels over the last four years. While Chapot has said the mare is new to the indoor competition scene, “Tyson” has clearly held no qualms with the different atmosphere, if her winning streak is anything to go by.

Finishing in second place in the $20,000 1.30m Welcome were Christian Coyle and Ma Pomme de Tamerville with a time of 31.18 seconds, and third place on 32.88 seconds went to Marylisa Leffler and Zaza Z.  

For full results from the $20,000 1.30m Welcome click here, and click here for complete results from the $30,000 1.40m Welcome.