Katherine Bundy is presented with winner’s awards by trainers John Brennan and Missy Clark, as well as National Horse Show Association of America President Mason Phelps. ©Lindsay Brock for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
North Salem, NY – September 13, 2015 – Old Salem Farm was home to the Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship during the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W this week. Top local equitation riders competed on Saturday with hopes to qualify for the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Championship Finals at the National Horse Show in Lexington, KY this November.
Old Salem Farm gives equitation riders an early opportunity for indoor competition at a top-quality venue before Indoor Finals each fall. Frank Madden, trainer at Old Salem Farm, was proud to host the Region 2 Championship, stating, “The American Gold Cup is always a highlight of our year at Old Salem Farm, and to have the Region 2 Maclay be a part of that only adds to the excitement of the week.”
“I was glad to see such great rides today, but also to see show jumping fans from the local community come out to enjoy the events,” he concluded.
Sixteen-year-old Katherine Bundy of Westport, CT impressed in all three phases to take top honors over 37 riders. Bundy was one of six pairs to return for additional testing. Taylor St. Jacques of Glen Allen, VA returned first, followed by Maya Nayyar of New York, NY; T. J. O’Mara of Rumson, NJ; Bundy; Lucy Deslauriers of New York, NY; and lastly, Katherine Strauss of Southampton, NY.
When Bundy was called back to flat in Section A, she knew her trip to Kentucky was final and breathed a sigh of relief before her test. “It was a good feeling to know I had made it going into the flat and I am really excited now that I’m in. Now my mom can finally buy a hotel room,” she laughed.
Bundy’s trainer, Missy Clark, uses the equitation offerings at Old Salem Farm during the American Gold Cup as a prelude to Indoor Finals and thinks it serves a pivotal role in getting her riders ready. “It’s a great prep for the upcoming season,” she said. “Getting in this ring throughout the last couple days and getting your sea legs back to ride indoors is important. It’s a great event and we always enjoy coming here.”
The testing order shuffled significantly with Bundy nailing the counter canter for the win. Nayyar took second with a smooth round, while T. J. O’Mara claimed third. St. Jacques settled for fourth, Deslauriers was fifth, and Strauss capped the top six.
“The courses were really friendly and inviting, and the jumps were beautiful, which always helps,” said Bundy, who piloted Levkoi. The gelding is a mount she owns and has been riding for two years, but just returned to the tack this winter after an injury. “He is one of most comfortable horses I’ve ever ridden. It’s the closest thing to floating on a cloud,” she said the horse she calls Leo around the barn. “It all came together for us this year in Lake Placid, but we even made a little mistake there, so I redeemed myself here.”
This week at Old Salem Farm, the American Gold Cup is one of only seven events that will comprise the East Coast division of the all-new Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. Highlighting the final day of the American Gold Cup, the $215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, will be available on FEI TV. Click here to subscribe to FEI TV. NBC Sports Network will also air the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W on Monday, September 14, from 7-8:30 p.m.
About Old Salem Farm
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group in 2011 through 2014. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-4*-W, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. Facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. For the past four years, the North American Riders Group (NARG) has recognized the Old Salem Farm competitions on their NARG Top 25 List. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its yearlong competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.
About the American Gold Cup
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.
Lindsay Brock for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
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