Sweetnam Claims Idle Dice Open Stake as Hunter Champions Crowned on Final Night of Devon

Shane Sweetnam and Pegina VD Bisschop deliver a blazing, fault-free jump-off performance to win the $182,000 Idle Dice Open Stake at the Devon Horse Show. (Photo courtesy of Phelps Sports/Phelps Media)

Ireland's Shane Sweetnam rode to a thrilling victory in the $182,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake, highlighting a busy final day at the 130th Devon Horse Show that also saw top honors awarded in the Amateur-Owner Hunter, Driving, and Saddle divisions.

Article by Alex Zimmerman, AKSM Sports

DEVON, Pa. - The 130th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair concluded formal competition on Saturday evening, with an exhilarating finish under the lights of the Dixon Oval and the crowning of several esteemed champions. The major highlight of the final evening was the $182,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake, where Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam piloted Pegina VD Bisschop to a dramatic victory over a challenging track designed by Colm Quinn. Following a highly competitive first round, six pairs advanced to the jump-off, where Sweetnam found himself chasing the times set by Israel’s Daniel Bluman. Bluman temporarily held the top two positions on the leaderboard after finishing in 37.490 seconds aboard Gemma W and 37.920 seconds with Kester de Nyze Z. As the final rider to contest the tie-breaker, Sweetnam and his mount stopped the clock in a blistering 36.240 seconds to snatch the win and earn a place on the historic John Wanamaker Perpetual Trophy.

Sweetnam was thrilled with the result, noting his jump-off strategy and the culmination of his efforts throughout the week. "I got to watch Daniel's rounds and knew that I had to really go if I wanted to get him," Sweetnam explained. Reflecting on his near-misses in recent years at the prestigious venue, he added, "I felt we were due a clear round, and it was great to get the win." The jumper divisions also celebrated Charlotte Jacobs and Korbach van de Renger as the Open Jumper Champions, while McKayla Langmeier secured both the Leading Open Jumper Rider and the Leading Lady Rider titles.

Earlier in the day, amateur-owner competitors took center stage as the hunter divisions concluded their final events across the showgrounds. In the Dixon Oval, Melissa Jacobs and Chaplin dominated the competition to earn the Devon Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3'6" Championship, alongside the 18–35 division championship and the Best Amateur Rider Award. The Over 35 division honors went to Stephanie Danhakl and Cadet, while Hudson, ridden by Nancy Prant Hooker, captured the Sambalino Perpetual Trophy for best exemplifying the classic hunter. Meanwhile, in the Wheeler Ring, Martha Ingram and Cheers! enjoyed a stellar performance to secure the Devon Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3'3" Championship and the 18–35 division title. Stephanie Danhakl also claimed her second tricolor of the day, winning the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3'3" Over 35 Championship aboard Quest. The historic 2026 event officially drew to a close with the Driving and Saddle Championships, wrapping up another unforgettable year of top-tier equestrian competition.

You can stream all past coverage of the 130th Devon Horse Show on USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.