Edited press release from Old Salem Farm

Course designer Oscar Soberon presented 72 entries representing 13 nations with a 15-effort, 1.45m course for the first round of the $32,000 CSI2* New York Welcome Stake, narrowing the field down to just 18 in the jump-off.

Alise Oken opted to withdraw her other qualified mount Bonhomme Richard (Catoki x Quaprice Bois Margot) before reentering the ring on Oraline Van Prinseveld (Thunder vd Zuuthoeve x Convento van de Helle). Her speedy round aboard the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare clinched the win in 33.32 seconds right at the end of the class. 

“It was really advantageous to go last in the jump-off,” Oken said. “I could see a couple of the previous riders go, so I watched them ride and made my plan, and everything showed up really well for me today. It was a really amazing result. I’ve had my mare, Oraline, for a little under a year now. I believe she has all the scope and all the quality for results like this, so I’m really excited about her future."

“I came (to Old Salem) maybe eight or nine years ago for the Gold Cup, when this was still a grass ring,” she added. “But I haven’t been back in a long time. I have to say the facilities are incredible, especially with the new footing. It couldn’t be better. I’m really happy and grateful to be back here.”

Fellow American Caitlin Boyle, who won Wednesday’s featured FEI class with Prianti Van Het Mikkenhof (Thunder vd Zuuthoeve x Lambada van Berkenbroeck) claimed another podium finish on Thursday riding her second mount, Navaar (Tonixe x Deauville van T&L). She and Beyaert Farm Inc.’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding earned second place with their double-clear score of 34.00 seconds. Eight-time Brazilian Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa finished third in 34.51 seconds aboard Corrie 9 (Comme Il Faut 5 x Arpeggio), a 9-year-old Westphalian mare owned by his Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC.