Jacobs and Steege Shine in Thrilling Double Feature at the 2026 Devon Horse Show
Amanda Prescott Steege on Lafitte De Muze celebrated a career-highlight victory during the 2026 Devon Horse Show $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. (JW Photo for Phelps Sports/Phelps Media)
A spectacular day of world-class equestrian competition at the historic Dixon Oval culminated in prestigious victories for Amanda Prescott Steege in the Hunter Derby and Charlotte Jacobs in the Sapphire Grand Prix.
Article by Alex Zimmerman, AKSM Sports
DEVON, Pa. - The Devon Horse Show, known worldwide as the place where champions meet, delivered an unforgettable double feature of elite competition on Thursday, May 28. Standout performances from both veteran competitors and emerging talent highlighted the pinnacle events of the 2026 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, as riders battled for coveted titles in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon.
In the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by The Wheeler Family, Amanda Prescott Steege and Cheryl Olsten’s Lafitte De Muze rose to the top of an elite field. Steege and the 2011 Belgian Warmblood gelding delivered two incredibly polished performances, earning a first-round score of 194 and a handy round score of 198.5 to secure the derby title with a combined total of 392.5. The victory was a massive milestone for the pair, who have shared a one-of-a-kind bond over their nine-year partnership.
“There are a few bucket list classes left that I want him to win, and this was one of them,” Steege said. “This derby has never completely gone our way. I’ve gotten ribbons in it before, but never been at the top. So that was extra exciting.”
Steege credited careful planning for the top podium finish, noting that it is always nice when a meticulous plan comes together. The win also carried immense personal significance due to her family's long history with the event. She explained that her mother's family grew up nearby in Fort Washington and Blue Bell, and that she cherishes a photograph of her great-grandfather competing at the Devon venue in 1913.
“I can’t imagine ever having as special of a bond with another horse as I have with Lafitte,” Steege added. “I’m his only rider. I’m the only person who’s ever shown him in a hunter class in the United States. For sure, for me, he’s the most perfect horse and most perfect partner that I ever could have imagined.”
Following Steege's emotional triumph, Jennifer Hannan and Cellestino earned second place, while Jennifer Jones and Levi VDL placed third overall.
Later in the evening, the atmosphere in the Dixon Oval reached a fever pitch for the $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, sponsored by Meridian Bank. The star-studded event brought together international contenders from Colombia, Egypt, Ireland, Israel, and the United States, featuring four world top-15 riders and multiple Olympic medalists. Ultimately, the United States' own Charlotte Jacobs proved unbeatable aboard North Star's Korbach van de Renger.
Returning as the second-to-last combination in the jump-off, Jacobs executed a brilliant and highly efficient plan, delivering a blistering clear round in 32.77 seconds. Jacobs, who also took home the Richard E. McDevitt Style Award for her performance, purchased the 2015 KWPN gelding at the end of his nine-year-old season and has carefully developed him into a top-tier competitor.
“I tried him and just fell in love with him,” Jacobs said of her winning mount. “He had a lot of ability. He's super athletic and very, very careful.”
For Jacobs, capturing the Celeste McNeal Harper Perpetual Trophy was a surreal hometown-feeling victory, having grown up competing in the very same ring.
“The atmosphere at Devon is like nothing else. It's incredible,” she explained. “I showed here a lot as a junior, and last year was my first year back since 2013. I came this week with horses that I thought would suit this ring, and I'm thrilled with the result.”
The USA's McKayla Langmeier finished a close second aboard Riesling van de Gaathoeve, stopping the clock at 33.49 seconds. Langmeier praised her horse's dedication, stating she was very proud and that he was there every stride with her. Olympic veteran McLain Ward rounded out the top three aboard First Lady. Ward echoed the sentiments of his fellow competitors regarding the venue's magic, noting that the atmosphere at Devon is as good as anywhere in the world and that competing there always makes him feel incredibly special.
You can stream all live and past coverage of the 130th Devon Horse Show on USEF Network, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. The on-demand stream of tonight’s Sapphire Grand Prix will be available on ClipMyHorse and the ESPN app the tomorrow, with a two hour special show on June 6th at 9 a.m. ET on ESPNews.