DEVON, Pa.--The Open Jumper division at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has always attracted top riders and provided thrilling competition, but this year is the best ever.
Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan Photography)Both World Ranked number one Kent Farrington and number eight McLain Ward lead a list that include eight riders in the top 50 World Ranking among others also topl ranked and exciting young up-and-coming riders.
Ward has won the Grand Prix 12 times, and the $226,000 Grand Prix featured on Thursday evening May 29 is named for his great mare Sapphire.
Ward has always said that Devon is one of his favorite shows, and this year he is flying back from Italy after competing in the Nations Cup in Rome over Junior weekend to compete at Devon, and then flying back to Europe right after Devon to compete in La Baule where the U.S.team will again contest in a Nations Cup.
Other top ranked competitors include World number 17 Shane Sweetnam and number 20 Darragh Kenny, both of Ireland, along with number 24 Daniel Bluman of Israel, number 25 Lillie Keenan. number 35 Aaron Vale and number 42 Nayel Nasser of Egypt.
Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa., who won the Idle Dice Stake on Saturday evening last year on Cashew CR, will compete again this year.
OTHER TOP riders include Jordan Coyle of Ireland and Spencer Smith, who has helped the U.S. win Nation Cup classes, Olympic medalist Jessie Springsteen, Adrienne Sternlicht, Devon spectator favorite Jimmy Torano and Zayna Rizvi, who while still competing in Junior Jumpers at Devon last year also placed well in Open Jumpers.
McLain Ward (Photo by by Allen MacMillan)Jumpers begin with the Welcome Stake Tuesday evening May 27 at 7 p.m., and continue with the Main Line Challenge Two Phase Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
The $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix, always a sell-out, is featured Thursday evening with festivities beginning at 7 p.m.
The Devon Speed Derby is Friday evening and the $145,100 Idle Dice Stakes is at 7 p.m. Saturday evening.
Young Jumpers compete Tuesday and Wednesday ,and Amateur Jumpers are Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The Clydesdales will be performing at the Devon Horse Show on the evenings of Thursday May 29 and on Saturday May 31.
And, of course, the Fair area with boutiques, food and rides and games is open throughout the show.
Spectators should apply early for tickets, as some nights are early sell-outs,
For tickets, apply to the TICKET OFFICE, PO Box 742, Devon PA 19333 or call (610) 688-2554 or go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The ticket office is open Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM.
