Community Corner
Equestrians Compete in North Salem, Earn World Cup Qualifying Points
New York City exhibitor Brianne Goutal and her horse Nice de Prissey won the $200,000 American Gold Cup Grand Prix during the competition held on Sept 15 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem.
Five days of elite competition at the 43rd Annual American Gold Cup concluded on Sunday at Old Salem Farm in North Salem in front of more than 4,000 spectators. The iconic equestrian competition, with a grand prix prize of $200,000 serves as a qualifies for the World Cup finals.
Approximately 400 of the world’s top international show jumpers competed for prize money, glory, and world ranking points as spectators enjoyed exclusive shopping and family-friendly activities in addition to the excitement of the sport.
The annual horse show, held from Sept. 11 to Sept. 15 attracted some of the world's best horse jumpers including two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward, who was born in Mt. Kisco but grew up in North Salem.
Ward won the first of the week as he and Cadence rode to victory in Thursday’s $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake.
The next day, Beezie Madden showed the athleticism that helped her become an Olympian when she and Coral Reef Via Volo were champion in the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier. Kent Farrington and Willow dominated the $50,000 Hermès Jumper Classic on Saturday, besting a nine-horse jump-off.
Competition culminated with the $200,000 American Gold Cup Grand Prix on Sunday where riders competed for the win as well as World Cup qualifying points to help send them to the 2014 FEI World Cup in Lyon, France.
New York City exhibitor Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey won the class, with Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon claiming second place.
"Winning at the American Gold Cup is an amazing feeling, and knowing that I succeeded at home makes it even more special," Goutal said. "New Yorkers have a lot to be proud of. Having one of the most prestigious international show jumping competitions in our backyard adds another point of pride."
The world-class equestrians weren’t the only ones competing for a win during the American Gold Cup. Children of all ages participated in the JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show on Sunday, where they tested their skills jumping a course to help impoverished children in third world countries.
Other family-friendly activities included pony rides, face painting, an autograph signing session with Grand Prix riders, a vaulting demonstration and ASPCA adoption day. Boutique shopping including Italian jewelry company Roberto Coin, Hermès and more added to the ambiance, creating a fun experience for the entire family.
The American Gold Cup will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network on Sept. 22 at 4:30 p.m.
For a video with more information about the American Gold Cup, held in Westchester County, click here.
Editor's Note: Thanks to Sarit Schneider for sharing the news and pictures with Patch.
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