The equestrian season came to a thrilling conclusion these last two Sundays with the American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm in North Salem and the Royal Salute Cup at the Greenwich Polo Club.
Jessica Springsteen won the $200,000 American Gold Cup and Longines World Cup Qualifier CSI4* – W, presented Sept 14 by Old Salem Farm and Stadium Jumping Inc.
The event, which capped five days of competition, saw Springsteen, of her family’s Stone Hill Farm, lead an American sweep. Aboard her equally superb mount, Vindicat W, she was flawless riding early in the draw and combined precision with speed in the jump-off to determine the winner among the immaculate riders. Laura Kraut out of Stars & Stripes road aggressively to give her a run for her money aboard Andretti. Katherine Dinan, riding Nougat Du Vallet for Grand Road Partners LLC, took the bronze.
And yes, Springsteen is the daughter of Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, who were there among the 5,000 strong under sunny skies to cheer her on, along with “NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams.
Show jumping offers a prim yin to polo’s swaggering yang. At the Greenwich Polo Club Sept. 7, the Royal Salute team held off a late charge by the Casablanca team to win the Royal Salute Cup10-8.
Representing Royal Salute Scotch whisky, Torquhil Ian Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll, flew in from Scotland to present the blue Waterford crystal Royal Salute decanter to the winning team – anchored by club founder Peter Brant, a talented amateur player; Facundo Pieres, the No. 1 player in the world; and the legendary Martin Aguerre. The Casablanca team featured Nick Manifold, who oversees the club; and 9-goaler Hilario Ulloa (10 being the highest rank). It was a taut match with superb passing and thrilling, go-for-broke scoring by both teams.
Nevertheless, the day belonged to ECAD, which held its second annual Polo Luncheon under a white tent prior to the match. Educated Canines Assisting With Disabilities provides service dogs to individuals with a variety of challenges. The fundraiser, organized by Jo Rosenfeld Major Occasions and catered by Aux Délices, honored our servicemen and women as well as Steve and Leora Levy, philanthropists and veterans’ advocates.
There were moving speeches by vets, a medley from members of the USO of Metropolitan New York and pre-lunch entertainment by the Chris Norton Trio.
Add to that picture-perfect weather, and you couldn’t ask for more. WAG wishes to thank Jeff O’Geary and Geri Corrigan of Saks Fifth Avenue Greenwich for the lovely invite and a memorable day.
For more on the American Gold Cup, the Greenwich Polo Club and horses, check out wagmag.com. For our profile of Jeff O’Geary, see our September “Power Suits” issue. And for another take on show jumping, polo and the two cups, read my blog at thegamesmenplay.com. – Georgette Gouveia
