Edited press release from Phelps Media Group

In a thrilling display of world-class sport, the 2025 Devon Horse Show & Country Fair delivered one of its most competitive and internationally diverse Grand Prix classes in its 129-year history on Thursday. The CSI4* 1.55m $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, sponsored by Meridian Bank, brought together an exceptional field of elite athletes from across the globe — including England, Columbia, Israel, Ireland, Egypt, and the United States — for a night of unforgettable showjumping in the iconic Dixon Oval.

With seven of the world’s top 50 riders, Olympic medalists, and rising stars in contention, these global competitors battled for one of the most prestigious titles on the North American circuit. The USA’s Aaron Vale and his mount Carissimo 25 (Cascadello x Clinton) were the final horse-and-rider pair to take to the jump-off, laying down the fastest round with a time of 33.70 seconds.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam initially led the jump-off posting a time of 34.29 seconds with Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z (Comme Il Faut x Lord Z ). Sweetnam’s time was only bested by the final entry in the order — Aaron Vale. USA's Alex Matz rounded out the top three with Ikigai (Elvis Ter Putte x Iroko).