Devon, As in Heaven
by Susanne Connors
The Devon Horse Show open jumper division was your classic cocktail party. Some
arrived fashionably late, others left early, as always some spouses (horses)
were unable to attend, but by Thursday evening Devon was in full swing. At any
rate, history was made.
The Grand Prix course designed by Conrad Homfeld
was no tea party, by any standard. A quick aside about the pulse of the week:
although Devon is one of the best run shows in the country, with a
knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd and a great venue, the issue of prize
money was an issue. Show President Leonard King has his Development Committee
at work for next year, and already has an extra $25,000 for next years' Grand
Prix. That elevates the 2002 stakes well into buttled hors d'ouerves territory
at $75,000! Before an elbow-to-elbow crowd, the 2001 Devon Grand Prix was one
of the best in anyone's memory. After 24 riders in the first round field of 36
entries had taken their best shot at the interestingly demanding course Homfeld
presented, then there were eight to go in the jump-off For all the marbles was
a six-jump course complete with sharp turns and the final obstacle of, natch,
the Devon blue-and-white rails combination headed toward the Officials' HQ. In
an edge of your seat fashion, Alison Firestone on Casanova were first to go
clean. Jimmy Torano aboard classic dapple grey Lancier 4 nipped around faster;
Lauren Hough and Windy City then bested their time. Todd Minikus turned in more
than respectable attempts on both Gardenio and What Nu.
But, . . . Last to go Molly Ashe and Kroon Gravin
re-wrote history from three years ago. Smartly, surely and in the most timely
fashion, she and her Dutch-bred mare sailed over that final combination with
everything intact. Victory was bittersweet, as just a scant three years ago
there was an entirely different outcome. Ashe triumphed for the first time in
front of both Kroon Gravin's owner, Sandra O'Donnel of NY State and her Mom.
Perhaps that's why on her victory gallop, she threw her ribbon into the crowd.
To everyone's delight!
Here follows a 'Week At a Glimpse' of the Open Jumper division. On Sunday the
Welcome Stakes saw Amanda Baird with Oleander reign over a class of 12, with
Sandstone Pelota de Coma and Gabriella Salick take second. By class results
alone, its obvious McLain Ward arrived Monday. In the two Open Jumper classes
that day he took first on Sandstone Conway in the afternoons' $7,500 OF stake
and, obviously warmed up, won again on (a different mount), Four Seasons that
evening. Now its Tuesday afternoon. Oddly in synch with Laura Chapot, they were
'almost bookends', with McLain first on Sandstone Conway, Laura Chapot and
Sundance Kid right behind, Ward again aboard Pharaoh, and but for Nona Garson
and Capital S as interloper, Laura Chapot again on Sunny Daze in fifth
position. Ms. Garson surely saved them both from 'Tales to Dine Out On'.
As a prophecy of things to come, Molly Ashe and Kroon Gravin prevailed on
Tuesday evening, and McLain Ward up on Cameo (as in appearance) came in second.
Donald Cheska and Oyster took ownership of one of my face classes, the Hit and
Hurry, Wednesday evening. The combo of Futile Ardent with Alison Firestone
finished hot on his heels. The Gamblers' Choice on Friday night had two
winners, in my book. Laura Chapot on Sundance Kid took the cheque home in a
class that was held in the most torrential downpour I can recall! Which leads
to Best Rain Slicker for an Open Jumper class award:- Jenni Martin on Careless.
We all know how difficult it is to look good Chris Crawley took a second with
his belted black outerwear. In the $35,000 Idle Dice Stake, last of the show,
Windy City and Lauren Hough took it all in the jump-off with Laura Chapot and
Sun Dance Kid second. Donald Cheska was right behind with a slightly slower
time and only four jumping faults.
So, just like the guy who arrives at the party late but always leaves with the
hottest girl, McLain Ward nailed the Leading Open Jumper Rider award for the
third year straight. Devon's most prestigious accolade was his even though he
failed to score points in the Grand Prix and missed the show's first jumper
class.
Devon, the start of the trail (and see you on it), has come and gone. Martha
Stewart did not make it this year, much to my dismay. Last year, I spotted her
from Ermilios' HQ with three girlfriends and dashed off to shadow her
movements! (Bob didn't believe me, and thought he'd given me a glass too many.)
But. It wouldn't be Devon without Honey
Mr. Craven held court on his turf behind the Committee Box. Yes, that bench.
Impeccably attired, as always, keeping his eye on things and allowing only the
chosen few to procure such delights for him as funnel cake and ice creams, he
was there. I'm thrilled he allows me to greet him with a demure kiss on the
cheek, and is still pondering my proposal of marriage. . .
Long live the combination of horse, khaki and leather. There's the American
Gold Cup to look forward to. Another chance to be at Devon, as in Heaven.
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