Catie Staszak
Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Igor van de Wittemoere won the $150,000 CSI3* CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix of Greenwich at the inaugural CSI Greenwich Presented by ShowPlus®. Photo by Ashley Neuhof Photography
Nayel Nassar (EGY) was not expecting to jump-off in the $150,000 CSI3* CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix of Greenwich, the feature event of the inaugural CSI Greenwich Presented by ShowPlus® at Greenwich Polo Club. In fact, after he and top mount Igor van de Wittemoere pulled the back rail jumping into a technical double combination midway through the course, he picked up the pace, looking to be a fast four-faulter. “In the end, I didn’t really need to do that!” he said. In a rare outcome, no combination could clear the first round of Alan Wade’s (IRL) 1.55m track, resulting in a jump-off of nine riders on four faults. Nassar ultimately took the win, crossing the timers of the short track with a clear round in 41.23 seconds.
Alex Matz (USA) and Erdento van de Leeuwerk finished second (41.49 seconds), with Nicky Galligan (IRL) and Castelissimo third (42.44).
Watch Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Igor van de Wittemoere win the $150,000 CSI3* CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix of Greenwich.
“It was kind of crazy! I don’t think I’ve ever jumped off on 4 faults before,” Nassar said. “I think a lot of people were in the same boat in this class. It was really surprising, but it was a tough course.”
Wade set for the occasion, as elite show jumping sport took center stage for the first time in the history of the famed Greenwich Polo Club. Nassar, fresh off an appearance in the Tokyo Olympic Games, took the win with his Olympic mount; he and the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding have been partnered for the last year and a half.
“He’s been amazing. We took him to Tokyo, and then he came back home, took a little break, and went up to Spruce Meadows, which was actually a great prep for a show like this with a big grass field,” Nassar explained. “He was awesome up there. This is kind of his last bigger show of the year.”
Nassar had an especially large cheering section in Greenwich. The 29-year-old is set to marry fellow show jumper Jennifer Gates (USA) next week, and much of his family, in town for the occasion, came out to watch him compete.
“They all wanted to come up here and support,” he said. “I was surprised. I didn’t think they’d want to venture out of New York City to come watch me jump, but they’re an amazing crew. They’re supportive. Both my parents and my brother are here, so it’s a special win today.”
Photo by Ashley Neuhof Photography
Sydney Shulman and A Toi de Prim Have the Winning Strategy in $57,000 CSI2* Double H Farm Grand Prix
Sydney Shulman and A Toi de Prim. Photo by Ashley Neuhof Photography
Sydney Shulman (ISR) admitted, she’s had her eye on the 11-year-old mare A Toi de Prim for quite some time.
When she and the mare’s owner Andrew Bourns (IRL) connected this summer in Traverse City, she finally got her chance to take the reins. In just their second international competition, they took the win in the $57,000 CSI2* Double H Farm Grand Prix 1.45m at CSI Greenwich.
Alex Matz (USA) and Ibbo van T’Keldertje finished second, with Peter Lone (USA) and Cedric 84 third.
“She’s super fast. This is only my horse show with her, Shulman said. “[Bourns] caved when I got her, because I’ve been asking about her for so long. I’ve been a fan of hers, and she’s my dream type of horse. She really wants to work with you, not against you.”
The top 10 combinations returned for Alan Wade’s (IRL) shortened course in the competition’s winning round format, which may have been the winning edge for Shulman. The 26-year-old won three such competitions this summer with her top mount, Villamoura and found that a quick first round gave her a strategic edge in the second, in which competitors return in reverse order of standing.
“I don’t think I’ve jumped a winning round class until this summer in Michigan, but I got quite familiar with it. Villamoura won three of them, so I think I really got the system down at this point!” Shulman exclaimed. “I really like strategy, so I maybe go a little bit faster than most in the first round, just to give myself an extra advantage, which I think really paid off.” When Jordan Coyle (IRL) and Picador, a combination known for their quickness, pulled a rail ahead of Shulman to ultimately finished seventh, she knew she didn’t have to take as many risks to secure a victory. “I think my plan would have definitely changed if I went earlier in the jump-off, and I would have risked having one down,” Shulman said. “I thought I played it a little safe, but she’s a naturally fast horse.” It was truly a hometown win for Shulman, who’s family’s Back Country Farm is based just across the street from Greenwich Polo Club. In fact, both properties are owned by the Brant family. “It’s a dream for me, and our farm, Back Country Farm is across the street. The owner of our farm actually owns the polo fields here. It means a lot to show here, let alone win here.” Shulman said. “The field is beautiful, Alan Wade’s courses are phenomenal, and it’s so fun. I have my whole family here, all the clients, all the kids, and I can’t ask for more. “It brings hometown crowd to another level.”
Photo by Ashley Neuhof Photography
$150,000 CSI3* CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix of Greenwich 1.55m
Horse Name/ Rider Name/ Nationality / Owner / Faults / Time
1. Igor van de Wittemoere / Nayel Nassar / EGY / Evergate Stables, LLC / 4/0 41.23
2. Erdento van de Leeuwerk / Alex Matz / USA / Horseshoe Trail Farm, LLC / 4/0 41.49
3. Castelissimo / Nicky Galligan / IRL / Guardian Stables, LLC / 4/0 42.44
4. Jet Blue / Carly Anthony / USA / Portofino Horses, LLC / 4/0 43.57
5. El Conde / Mark Bluman / COL / Francisco Pasquel / 4/4 37.78
6. Manhattan / Georgina Bloomberg / USA / Gotham Enterprizes, LLC / 4/4 42.72
7. Balotelli 5 / Matthew Boddy / GBR / Gotham Enterprizes, LLC / 4/4 44.31
8. Fair Play / Jonathan Corrigan / IRL / Andrea Vogel / 4/8 41.01
9. Locato van het Kapelhof / Christian Coyle / IRL / Christian Coyle 4/8 45.16
10. Biblou du Perron / Steven Bluman / ISR / Steven Bluman / 5 79.03
$57,000 CSI2* Double H Farm Grand Prix 1.45m
Horse Name/ Rider Name/ Nationality / Owner / Faults / Time
1. A Toi de Prim / Sydney Shulman / ISR / Andrew Bourns / 0/0 37.26
2. Ibbo van T’Keldertje / Alex Matz / USA / Beechwood Stables / 0/0 37.73
3. Cedric 84 / Peter Leone / USA / Maarten Huygens / 0/0 37.26
4. Dsarie / Beat Mändli / SUI / Grand Road Partners / 0/0 38.44
5. Isabelle / Delaney Flynn / USA / Horse Orchard, LLC / 0/0 39.66
6. Cheilane de Blondel / Mark Bluman / COL / Mark Bluman / 0/4 35.66
7. Picador / Jordan Coyle / IRL / Elan Farm / 0/4 37.30
8. Cliff Z / Matthew Boddy / GBR / Gotham Enterprizes, LLC / 0/4 38.89
9. Arno vh Scheefkasteel Z / Jamie Walker / USA / Jamie Walker / 0/8 41.60
10. Exotik Sitte / Coco Fath / USA / Hillside Farm, LLC / 0/12 43.14
For more information on CSI Greenwich, visit CSIGreenwich.com.
Thank You to CSI Greenwich’s Supportive Team of Sponsors:
Catie Staszak
McLain Ward and HH Azur. Photo by SportFot
An individual Olympic gold medalist, three World Cup Champions and a pair of World Equestrian Games gold medalists are among the impressive lineup of athletes set to contest the inaugural CSI Greenwich Presented by ShowPlus® at the Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, CT. Consisting of CSI3* and CSI2* divisions, CSI Greenwich will take place in its entirety in a unique one-day event on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. The vision of Olympic medalist and former World No. 1 Kent Farrington, the event will shine the spotlight on top-level international jumping sport in the greater New York area.
The confirmed entries feature the best of both the local and global stages. In addition to Farrington, currently ranked 13th in the world, Brewster, NY based McLain Ward (USA) stands out amongst the group. The current World No. 26 is fresh off a team silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games—the fourth Olympic medal of his decorated career.
Ward will bring out the popular HH Azur to jump at CSI Greenwich. The now-15-year-old mare gave Ward his first FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final victory in 2017 and will look to add the CSI3* $150,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix of Greenwich to her lengthy resume. Ward’s CSI2* mount Blossom Z took home two wins at last month’s Hampton Classic Horse Show CSI4*.
Two other former World Cup Champions, Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Beat Mändli (SUI) will join Ward in the lineup, as will individual Olympic gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA). The accomplished horseman calls the locally-based Artemis Farms home in the summertime.
Based across the street at Back Country Farm, Sydney Shulman (ISR) may be riding the hottest streak into the competition. The 26-year-old won an impressive four CSI5* classes in Traverse City, MI this summer and will bring her best mount, Villamoura to CSI Greenwich.
Farrington himself will bring forward the venerable Creedance, who won the CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup at the acclaimed Royal Windsor in July, as well as the up-and-coming 8-year-old stallion, Landon.
“I’m incredibly pleased with the expected lineup for the inaugural CSI Greenwich Presented by ShowPlus®,” Farrington said. “The depth of the field really reflects the incredible strength of sport in our area. We have some top show jumping to look forward to on October 9.”
The $150,000 CSI3* CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix of Greenwich gets underway at 3:30 pm ET. Gates to spectators open at 11:30 am, just ahead of the CSI2* $57,000 Grand Prix at 12:30 pm.For more information on CSI Greenwich, visit CSIGreenwich.com.
Catie Staszak
Updated: Oct 5, 2021
Kent Farrington and Creedance sail over the CaptiveOne Advisors oxer in Traverse City, MI. Photo by Phelps Sports.
CSI Greenwich is proud to welcome ShowPlus® as the presenting sponsor of its inaugural event, set for Oct. 9, 2021. CSI Greenwich Presented by ShowPlus® will welcome international show jumping to Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, CT for the first time in the history of the storied venue.
Consisting of CSI3* and CSI2* divisions, CSI Greenwich will take place in its entirety in a unique one-day event on Oct. 9, 2021. The vision of Olympic medalist and former World No. 1 Kent Farrington, the event will shine the spotlight on top-level international jumping sport in the greater New York area.
“ShowPlus®, Powered by CaptiveOne, is synonymous within the world of equestrian, a brand loved and respected by all involved in the sport,” Farrington said. “We’re delighted to have the brand support us in the inaugural CSI Greenwich in what is a truly purpose-driven partnership to help protect our riders and our sport. By riding with ShowPlus®, all registered horses and riders competing in CSI Greenwich will be protected in case of illness or injury.”
ShowPlus®, Powered by CaptiveOne, is the first of its kind horse and rider benefits program. Designed to reimburse out-of-pocket costs that may not be covered by insurance, ShowPlus® allows riders and owners alike to compete with peace of mind. Horses and riders that are entered & registered into any competition that offers ShowPlus® benefits are automatically enrolled in the ShowPlus® protection.
The feature event of CSI Greenwich will be the $150,000 CSI3* CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix of Greenwich, which will begin at 3:30pm ET.
“We are so pleased to be joining CSI Greenwich to provide the valuable protections of ShowPlus® to all equine and human athletes competing at the Greenwich Polo Club,” said Sariah Hopkins, CEO of ShowPlus®. “We believe that ShowPlus Protections should be a standard within all competitions to support horses and riders. The inclusion of ShowPlus Protection at CSI Greenwich provides reassurance that the welfare of horse and rider is a top priority for this prestigious event.” To learn more about CSI Greenwich, visit CSIGreenwich.com.
About ShowPlus®
ShowPlus® provides protection to horses and riders in case of injury or illness at participating shows. They are synonymous within the world of equestrian, a brand loved and respected by all involved in the sport. By riding with ShowPlus, all registered horses and riders competing in the inaugural CSI Greenwich will be protected in case of illness or injury.
Catie Staszak
Updated: Oct 5, 2021
International Show Jumping Comes to Greenwich Polo Club on Oct. 9, 2021
International show jumping will make its debut at the famed Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, CT for the inaugural CSI Greenwich Presented by ShowPlus®.
Consisting of CSI3* and CSI2* divisions, the competition will take place in its entirety in a unique one-day event on Oct. 9, 2021.
CSI Greenwich is the vision of Olympic medalist and former World No. 1 Kent Farrington, who sought to shine the spotlight on top-level international jumping sport in the greater New York area.
“In its inaugural year, our vision is to host a European-style show focused on international sport,” Farrington said. “A heartfelt thanks to the Brant family for hosting us at this remarkable venue. Our hope is to develop this show into a premier event and grow it into something special for the community of the many horse lovers and equestrians in the northeast.”
From the manicured polo fields to the serene backdrop of Conyers Farm, the picturesque Greenwich Polo Club more than fit the bill. Founded in 1981, the facility has long been recognized as one of the most elite high-goal polo venues in the world. The Club makes its home within the expansive grounds of Conyers Farm, a historically relevant tract of land in the northeastern United States.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring international show jumping to Greenwich Polo Club,” said Harlan Zeerip, Greenwich Polo Club Director of Events. “When Kent approached us with his idea, we quickly saw how clearly our goals and our brands aligned. This is a great way to showcase another aspect of top level equestrian sport in our area, and we are certain it will be a one-of-a-kind event.”
