Prize money increased at the Devon Horse Show
The Devon Horse Show's Sapphire Grand Prix will see a jump in prize money this year, with the winnings increasing to $225,000.
The Devon Horse Show's Sapphire Grand Prix will see a jump in prize money this year, with the winnings increasing to $225,000.
The boost of $125,000 coincides with Devon's four-star ranking by the Federation Equestre Internationale, the governing body for equestrian sports.
While the new ranking, the second-highest possible, will elevate Devon and help it attract more international talent, organizers said it will not directly aid anyone in qualifying for the upcoming Olympics in Brazil.
What the ranking can do is allow successful athletes to improve their standings on the Longines world ranking list, which can help them qualify for other top international events.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation's short list for the Rio Games has already been released, and the final team is to be chosen July 5.
McLain Ward is on that short list. He competed in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics. Based in Brewster, N.Y., Ward was named to the short list with two of his horses, Azur and Rothchild. Ward, who is competing in observation events in Europe this week, wrote in the Chronicle of the Horse magazine earlier this month that Rothchild would be showing at Devon.
The annual Main Line event began Thursday and is to wrap up June 5, with the open-jumper championship rounding out the major competitions on June 4. The championship will include difficult courses designed by experienced British designer Kelvin Bywater.
The newly FEI-ranked events are the Grand Prix, the $50,000 Devon Welcome Stake, and the $40,000 Devon International Speed Stake. The welcome stake is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, and the international speed stake is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Before the Grand Prix at 8 p.m. Thursday, the United States Show Jumping Hall of Fame will induct this year's honorees. The induction usually occurs at the American Invitational in Florida, but the hall's board of directors moved the ceremony to Devon's premier Thursday night this year.
About $1 million has also gone into improvements around the grounds. They include a new ringside building next to the Dixon Oval and about 200 refurbished stalls as well as a second deck featuring suites, catering and a full-service bar for spectators.
"We made a promise to improve the property, and we've come through with a number of vital improvements," Devon Horse Show chairman Wayne Grafton said in a statement. "All of this comes in addition to the FEI designation, which we are very energized about."
In its 120th year, the Devon Horse Show remains the oldest outdoor multi-breed competition in the country. The show is a social event for many, with the Devon County Fair featuring dining and shopping as well as amusement rides and games for children.
@ErinMcPSU