$100,000 Grand Prix and Much More Featured at Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
RELEASE: April 11, 2008
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Sara Cavanagh
Celebrating its 112th year, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is increasing the prize money in its signature class, the Budweiser Devon Grand Prix, to $100,000.
A new class, the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby has been added to the schedule, and the two-round event will be held as the last class of the evening on Sunday, May 25. The first round of 20 horses will be shown over a hunter classic-type course, and the top 12 scoring horses from Round One will then compete over a handy hunter type course.
Devon, which is scheduled for May 22-June 1, benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital, to which it has donated more than $12.5 million over its four decades of association. The Horse Show and Country Fair made a one-year record donation of $308,000 to the Hospital last year, which was used to purchase state-of-the-art patient monitoring equipment for the newly expanded Emergency Department. That donation completed the Hospital’s $15-million campaign to fund the expansion.
One major change in the schedule follows the breeding classes that take over the Dixon Oval during the day on Thursday, May 29. On the evening schedule, classes will begin at 4:30 p.m., with saddlebred and coaching competitions, and the piece de resistance, the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon will be held as the final class of the evening session, beginning at exactly 8:00 p.m. Any saddlebred classes not completed prior to the 8:00 p.m. start will be contested following the grand prix.
The beloved Budweiser Clydesdales return to Devon in exhibition for the final three days, while a number of additional exhibitions are scheduled for the 11 days, including dressage, vaulting and border collies.
Jumper classes are held daily throughout the 11 days, culminating in two grand prix classes, held Thursday and Saturday evenings, but there is also a potpourri of equestrian disciplines, from hunters to elegant side saddle competitions, high-stepping gaited horses and carriages of all types, plus exciting exhibitions.
The ticket office opens Monday, April 7, at 10 a.m., so to be sure to have a seat for all the excitement, call (610) 688-2554. The ticket office remains open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until May 18. For information on the availability of boxes, call Milly Levin at (610) 964-0550.
A large variety of wares offered in charming boutiques adjacent to the Dixon Oval adds to the fun of shopping for that unique something to the mix and makes the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair a one of a kind experience.
Open Jumpers are scheduled to begin competing Tuesday afternoon, with the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon Thursday evening, the $20,000 Gambler’s Choice as the last class Friday evening, and the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake the last class Saturday evening.
Amateur Owner Jumpers compete Friday and Saturday. Junior weekend opens the 11 days of competition on Thursday, May 22 and includes hunter, jumper, equitation, pony hunter and pony breeding classes.
The junior rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation, as modeled by Olympic medalists Billy Steinkraus, George Morris, Joe Fargis and Conrad Homfeld, as well as exhibiting the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman will be awarded the Shalanno, Style of Riding Award, on Saturday evening, May 24, after the final junior jumper class.
The Carriage Pleasure Drive on Sunday opens a week of adult competition in hunters, jumpers, three- and five-gaited horses, Friesians, Hackney and harness horses and ponies, roadsters and four-in-hand coaching. Ladies side saddle classes are featured Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday, May 29, is devoted to breeding classes featuring yearlings, two- and three-year olds.
Four-in-hand coaching is scheduled Monday through Friday in the evening performance, and the Friday night schedule also includes a number of Sa