How popular is the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, a World Cup qualifying equestrian event contested recently at Old Salem Farm in North Salem?
Almost 38 percent of the 45 vendors, which hailed from around the country, were first-time participants … and their wares were not necessarily for the stables.
Or, to put it another way, says Mark Ward-Willis, brand specialist for Danbury Audi, the car dealership”™s tent used to be pitched by the elegant main brick and wood stable with a cluster of other vendors. This year, Audi was spread out on the field not far from the equestrian action.
The car dealership was joined by upscale companies such as Beval Saddlery Ltd., Jim DratfieldӪs Petography, Equestrian Services International L.L.C., Herm̬s, The Mainline Fence & Supply Corp. and Stronghold Equine Equipment. It is, however, a measure of the eventӪs prestige that it now attracts businesses that have nothing to do with the equine industry, but are interested in showcasing their high-end products. Among the first-timers was Sorab & Roshi, the elegant Greenwich, Conn., jewelry store profiled in WAG, the business journalsӪ sister publication.
Another newcomer was Erez Ancient Coin Jewelry of Berkeley, Calif., whose antique offerings at modern prices ($150-$3,600) had at least a tangential relationship to the day. Many of the pieces featured Alexander the Great, whose black stallion Bucephalus would have more than matched the field of 36 international entries.
Under peekaboo sunshine, 4,234 spectators saw Brianne Goutal trot off with the $200,000 cup aboard Nice De Prissey. Tracy Fenney and her mount MTM Timon took second, while Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo finished third.
Organized by Stadium Jumping, presented by Suncast and broadcast on NBC, the Gold Cup was estimated to add some $6 million to the coffers of Westchester County and the surrounding area.
