North Salem, New York, USA – September 14, 2024 – Olympic gold medalist Will Simpson (USA) topped a field of 18 entries representing six countries in the $38,700 Speed Stake CSI 4* on Saturday at the 2024 Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, riding Chacco P to a fault-free score of 53.76 seconds. Simpson tripped the timers two seconds faster than any other competitor.
The Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to top Grand Prix stars aboard their elite mounts. Week 1 (September 10-15) is designated CSI4*/2* while Week 2 (September 17-22) is designated CSI3*. Old Salem’s September schedule also includes a National/Level 2 event (September 25-27)
Nine horse-and-rider combinations went clear over Ken Krome’s (USA) 14-effort, 1.45m course in Saturday’s $38,700 Speed Stake CSI 4*, where Simpson and Will Simpson Stables Inc.’s 15-year-old Mecklenburg gelding claimed top honors in 53.76 seconds.
No one could catch Simpson’s blistering time, with fellow Olympic veteran Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) coming the closest in 55.82 seconds aboard Corrie 9.
“This horse is a very fast horse,” Simpson said. “He’s got unbelievable footspeed. He’s 18 hands tall, but he can turn on a dime. It’s a lot of fun to ride him. He’s not the most careful horse in the world – I have to really concentrate on holding him off the jumps – but we can still go extremely fast around a course.
“It feels incredible to be back at Old Salem after not showing here for a while,” he added. “I love the direction show jumping is going in with all the new facilities, all the phenomenal venues popping up that are great for horse showing, but there’s nothing quite like an old-time horse show on historic grounds like this. It really brings back the nostalgia and passion for the sport. I’ve had a great time here this week.”
Pessoa landed in second place for his own speedy time aboard Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC’s 9-year-old Westphalian mare, while Georgina Bloomberg (USA) finished third after stopping the clock in 56.04 seconds with Sempa Fidelis, Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s 15-year-old Hanoverian mare.
Located just one hour north of New York City, Old Salem Farm has a long history of hosting world-class horse shows. Over the years, Old Salem Farm has hosted United States Olympic Team Selection Trials, FEI World Cup™ qualifiers, FEI North American Youth Championships, ASPCA Maclay Regional Finals and the annual Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.
The first week of the September Horse Shows, September 10-15, features Thursday’s $10,000 Two-Phase Challenge CSI 4* and $5,000 Speed Class CSI 2*, Friday’s $65,000 Welcome Stake CSI 4* and $32,000 Qualifier CSI 2*, Saturday’s $38,700 Speed Stake CSI 4* and $40,000 Grand Prix CSI 2*, and the new $200,000 Blue Diamond Cup CSI 4* on Sunday.
The excitement continues September 17-22 with FEI 3* highlights including Thursday’s $10,000 Two-Phase, Friday’s $65,000 Welcome Stake, Saturday’s $38,700 Great Oak Speed Stake and Sunday’s $125,000 Grand Prix.
Final Results – $38,700 Speed Stake CSI 4*
1) Will Simpson (USA) & Chacco P – 0 – 53.76
2) Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) & Corrie 9 – 0 – 55.82
3) Georgina Bloomberg (USA) & Sempa Fidelis – 0 – 56.04
Source: Press Release (edited) by Marty Bauman / Classic Communications for Old Salem Farm Horse Shows
Photos: © Old Salem Farm / SEL Photography
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