American Gold Cup Increases Prize Money and FEI Rankings Classes for 2015

This September, the prestigious American Gold Cup will return to Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York. Now entering its 45th year, the international show jumping competition will play host to a total of five Longines FEI Rankings events, culminating with the prestigious $215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York competition where the top international riders will compete for the prestigious American Gold Cup.

The American Gold Cup CSI4*-W was recently selected as one of seven events that will comprise the East Coast division of the all-new Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. The top equestrian athletes compete in the league in order to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg, Sweden in March of 2016.

The North American Rider’s Group (NARG) has also chosen the American Gold Cup as the number one ranked horse show in the United States. NARG is a coalition of professional and amateur riders dedicated to improving the quality of competitive show jumping in North America. The NARG board includes Olympians Chris Kappler, McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Beezie Madden.

Two-time Gold Medalist McLain Ward is based out of Brewster, New York, very close by to Old Salem Farm. Ward regularly competes at the venue, and is thrilled that the world-class event will take root so close to home.

„I am proud of the job that Stadium Jumping has done and I am proud to be a part of it with my community,“ Ward said. „I personally feel this is the best horse show in America.“

The American Gold Cup will now feature a $35,000 Welcome Class CSI 4* Table A against the clock on Thursday, an $85,000 American Gold Qualifier CSI 4*-W, Table A with jump-off on Friday, a $35,000 Hermès Speed Derby CSI 4* an $85,000 Fidelity Investments Classic CSI 4* Table A with jump-off on Saturday and finally the $215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York on Sunday.

The event is known for drawing large crowds and equestrian enthusiasts of all levels. Last year’s American Gold Cup Champion Jessica Springsteen beat out Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut, galloping to victory in front of a sellout crowd of over 6,000 people.

Held over five days, the American Gold Cup brings together a diverse crowd of elite equestrian athletes, discerning horse owners, excited fans and young hopefuls waiting to catch a glimpse of their idols set amongst a fanfare of family-friendly activities, competitions, shopping, entertainment and celebrity sightings.

In addition to the competition ring, the international show jumping event features high-end shopping located along Old Salem Farm’s boutique row. From top-notch equestrian tack and equipment to fashion, jewelry, antiques, art and much more, the scenic outdoor boutiques offer show-goers the perfect opportunity to get some shopping in while taking a break from the competition action.

Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world’s most quaint and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past four years, the North American Riders Group (NARG) has recognized the Old Salem Farm competitions on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its yearlong competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

46th Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts:
What:
American Gold Cup CSI4*-W featuring the $215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York
When:
Sept. 9-13, 2015
Where:
Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, New York
Highlights:
Thursday Sept. 10
$35,000 Welcome Class CSI 4* Table A against the clock
Friday, Sept. 11
$85,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York Qualifier , Table A with a jump-off
(40 best riders qualify for Sunday’s Grand Prix)
Saturday, Sept. 12
$35,000 Hermès Speed Derby CSI 4* Article 239 C
$85,000 Fidelity Investments Classic CSI 4* Table A with a jump-off
Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship
Sunday, Sept. 13
$215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York
Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Friday

Saturday and Sunday Family Entertainment begins at 11 a.m. including pony rides, face painting and shopping on Boutique Row featuring Hermès, Danbury Porsche. Other shops feature custom riding apparel, antiques, jewelry, pet clothing, pet accessories, portrait artists, clothing and home accents.

Tickets:
Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $20 per person, $15 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Jockey Club VIP Tables:
Hightop tables of four or six or tables of eight.
For reservations call (941) 744-5465 or email info@stadiumjumpiing.com

Parking:
Available on the grounds and overflow parking with shuttles.

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – (800) 237-8924
During Show – (914) 669-5610 ext 201
Stable office – (941) 744-5465
Prize List Advertising – (941) 744-5465
Vendor Boutique – Matt Morrissey (941) 915-3457
Website

Source: Press release