Promising Prizes & Rothchild’s Retirement at 2018 American Gold Cup

We are less than thirty days away from the illustrious American Gold Cup hosted by Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York! The event, now in its 47th year, draws in a dynamic crowd of competitors and spectators for five days of world-class competition, all culminating up to the premiere event: the $216,000 Longines World Cup Jumping New York on Sunday. Check out our summary of the can’t-miss activities this during this year’s event September 26-30th.

Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue, winners of last year’s AGC CSI4*-W class. Photo courtesy of the American Gold Cup, captured by Phelps Media Group

With three rings boasting promising competition schedules and over a half-million dollars in prize money, there is no shortage of jumping action for you to witness. We have our eyes on the following classes:

  • Thursday: $35,000 Trelawny Farm Welcome Stake
  • Friday: $75,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier
  • Saturday: $35,000 Hermès Sellier Classic and $75,000 Fidelity Investments Classic
  • Sunday: $25,000 HBSJHF Junior/AO Classic and the $204,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup New York

In addition to top-notch competition showjumping legend Rothchild will be officially retiring from competition in a formal ceremony on Sunday afternoon. At 17 years old, the longtime partner of McLain Ward has made a monumental mark on the sport of showjumping with numerous wins including a team bronze medal in the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen and an individual gold and team bronze in 2015 at the Pan-Am Games in Toronto.

“Bongo,” as he is lovingly known at the barn, is best known for his spectacular jump and spunky personality. Spectators know Bongo best for his signature game-face over fences and his excited bucks upon completing a course.

Ward shared his thoughts on the retirement of this spectacular horse in a quote shared on the American Gold Cup’s Instagram page:

“I think Rothchild has taught me a lot of lessons. He’s taught me about meeting a horse in the middle. He’s taught me about believing in a horse and seeing the best in him. I really like this horse, aside from what he does in the ring. If he were a person, I’d go have a beer with him.”

Join us for Rothchild’s retirement at #AGC18 🥇“I think Rothchild has taught me a lot of lessons,” Ward said. “He’s taught me about meeting a horse in the middle. He’s taught me about believing in a horse and seeing the best in him. I really like this horse, aside from what he does in the ring. If he were a person I’d go have a beer with him.” There's no doubt that "the little horse that could", with his ears flat back, fighting to jump every fence, will keep beating the odds and forever be an inspiration to fans everywhere. #mclainward #showjumping #longines #Repost @eringilmorephotos ・・・ Hat tip to Rothchild! It was just announced that he will retire next month at @americangoldcup after an amazing career with McLain Ward. Here they are in Caen, France in 2014 for another WEG #flashbackfriday…

A post shared by American Gold Cup CSI4*-W (@americangoldcup) on

And as if that weren’t enough, there will be top-of-the-line boutique shopping and other activities spread throughout the week include face painting, pony rides, a magic show, caricature artists, education fairs presented by the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and Interscholastic Equestrian Association and so much more.

With tons of family-friendly activities all week long, the American Gold Cup is a great atmosphere for the whole crew! Photo courtesy of the American Gold Cup, captured by Phelps Media Group.

Can’t make it to this year’s event? Never fear, Jumper Nation is an official media partner for the 2018 American Gold Cup so we will have exciting, late-breaking content all week long!