On Sunday, U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Leslie Howard and her stallion Quadam took first prize in the $133,700 Empire State Grand Prix as the Spring Horse Shows concluded at Old Salem Farm in North Salem.
Under sunny skies – a far cry from the previous weekend – Howard and her bay steed were one of only three pairs to jump cleanly on the tricky course set by Ken Krome. (It was back in 1983 that this remarkable rider savored her first grand prix win at Old Salem Farm aboard Albany, whom she would ride to victory in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.)
Howard, a Newtown native, finished the event tied with Katherine Dinan, riding Brego R ’N B. In the jump-off, however, Howard and Quadam were not to be denied, with the 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion navigating the quick turns easily. His ability to turn made the difference, Howard would say. The victory is all the more stunning, giving that a year ago Quadam severed a patella ligament in a mishap.
Now he and Howard are back in the winner’s circle. Dinan, a North Salem resident, finished second and Daniel Bluman, an Israeli rider also based in North Salem, finished third aboard Colestina H.
For more on other winners and upcoming events, including September’s American Gold cup, visit oldsalemfarm.net.
– Georgette Gouveia
