Olympic Gold Medalist and one of the US's most decorated equestrians, Laura Kraut will be a top competitor to watch at this year's American Gold Cup. She earned second place in 2014. (Phelps Media Group)

North Salem, N.Y. - The 2015 American Gold Cup is set to return to scenic Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York. The popular and prestigious show jumping classic is scheduled to run Sept. 9-13, 2015. A truly international field of world-class competitors, representing 14 nations from around the globe and of course the host country, the United States, will be making their way to Westchester County for this year's affair, which promises to be one of the most competitive in years.

Now entering its 45th year, and fourth year at Old Salem Farm, the American Gold Cup competition will play host to five Longines FEI Rankings events, culminating with the esteemed $215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York, where the top athletes will compete for the prestigious American Gold Cup.

Americans competing this year include four former American Gold Cup champions, Leslie Howard, Schuyler Riley, Christine McCrea and two-time winner, Peter Leone. Riley comes to North Salem riding a summer hot streak. She won four grand prix events in a row this summer in Tryon, North Carolina and she won the inaugural North American League Longines World Cup Qualifier at Bromont International. McCrea also won the Pan Am Games Individual Gold Medal and Leone and Howard won Silver Medals for the United States at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Olympian Margie Engle, Olympic alternate Charlie Jayne and one of America's most decorated and successful riders, Hong Kong Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut also highlight the star-studded list of equestrians from the United States.

Other top Americans making their way to North Salem include veteran riders Kim Prince, Molly Ashe-Cawley, Jonathan McCrea, Lauren Tisbo, Candice King, Heather Caristo-Williams, David Beisel, Andrew Welles, Quentin Judge, Cara Raether, Kristen Vanderveen, Peter Lutz and Kirsten Coe.

A large roster of up and coming young show jumping stars will be competing at this year's American Gold Cup, including Alise Oken, Maggie McArlary, Catherine Tyree, Nick Dello Joio, Wilton Porter, Michael Hughes, Adrienne Sternlicht, Sydney Shulman and two North American Young Rider Gold Medalists, Ali Wolff and Katie Dinan.

The foreign contingent is especially strong this year led by the red-hot Irish rider, Paul O'Shea who has strung together a number of late summer victories including Silver Oak and the Hampton Classic. Fellow Irishman, Shane Sweetnam picked up back-to-back wins in Bridgehampton, as well. Other top Irish riders include Conor Swail, a winner at Angelstone just a week ago, Lorcan Gallagher, Richie Maloney and Darragh Kerins.

Speaking of the Hampton Classic, the winner of the main event, the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix, Karen Polle, who rides with a dual citizenship from the United States and Japan, has reserved her spot at this year's American Gold Cup.

Venezuelan Andres Rodriguez is just back from the Pan Am Games where he jumped off against American superstar McLain Ward for the Individual title, eventually taking home the Silver medal. It was the first medal ever won by Venezuela at the Pan Am Games. Germany's Andre Thieme, a two-time winner of the million-dollar class at HITS is also on the roster.
  
Equestrians from Canada, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Barbados, Great Britain, New Zealand and Mexico round out the top-notch international roster.

The North American League boasts a minimum of $2.4 million in prize money across the series, and offers the best show jumping athletes from North America and around the world the chance to qualify for the jackpot of more than $1.4 million (€1.3 million) at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

"We are very excited to be included in this new league," said Michael Morrissey, president of Stadium Jumping, Inc. "And we're very excited about the decidedly international flavor of this year's American Gold Cup. It should be a fantastic class. As we expected, the new league is creating a new level of excitement for show jumping in North America."

"The American Gold Cup, year after year, is one of the great equestrian events in the country," Morrissey concluded. "Being part of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League just adds to the excitement and importance of our event."

The Longines FEI World Cup Jumping™ North American League will be showcased on a broad range of global platforms, from live TV broadcasts to streaming on digital outlets and mobile, focusing on the drama of equestrian sport with fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary-style coverage.

For tickets to this year's American Gold Cup please visit www.theamericangoldcup.com.

New to the spectator experience, the American Gold Cup ticket platform enables fans to share ticket information through their social media accounts during the check out process to receive 15 percent off the ticket price. This offer only applies to pre-event ticket sales done online.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 years of age and under (children under 3 get in free) and $15 for seniors (over 65) and $15 for members of the United States military.

Wednesday through Friday the American Gold Cup competition is free to the public.

For those that might enjoy the experience of the American Gold Cup in especially grand style, we invite you to book your VIP table in the beautiful Jockey Club as soon as possible. Each year these tables sell quickly, so now is a great time to make your reservation. 

This popular venue allows you to enjoy a full-service, delicious catered gourmet cuisine and your choice of beverages, all with the best view of the Old Salem Farm Grand Prix Ring.

For more information about the Jockey Club, please contact [email protected]
#AmericanGoldCup.
 
About the American Gold Cup
Held over five days, the American Gold Cup brings together a diverse crowd of elite equestrian athletes, discerning horse owners, excited fans and young hopefuls waiting to catch a glimpse of their idols set amongst a fanfare of family-friendly activities, competitions, shopping, entertainment and celebrity sightings.

In addition to the competition ring, the international show jumping event features high-end shopping located along Old Salem Farm's boutique row. From top-notch equestrian tack and equipment to fashion, jewelry, antiques, art and much more, the scenic outdoor boutiques offer show-goers the perfect opportunity to get some shopping in while taking a break from the competition action.

Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world's most charming and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past four years, the North American Riders Group (NARG) has recognized the Old Salem Farm competitions on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its yearlong competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

45th Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts: 

What:
Featuring the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York

When:
Sept. 9-13, 2015

Where:
Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, New York

Highlights:
Thursday, Sept. 10
$35,000 Welcome Class CSI 4* Table A against the clock

Friday, Sept. 11
$85,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York Qualifier , Table A with a jump-off
(40 best riders qualify for Sunday's Grand Prix)

Saturday, Sept. 12
$35,000 Hermès Sellier Speed Derby CSI 4* Article 239 C
$85,000 Fidelity Investments Classic CSI 4*  Table A with a jump-off
Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship

Sunday, Sept. 13
$215,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York

Hours:
Wednesday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday - Friday

Saturday and Sunday Family Entertainment begins at 11 a.m. including pony rides, face painting and shopping on Boutique Row featuring Hermès, Danbury Porsche. Other shops feature custom riding apparel, antiques, jewelry, pet clothing, pet accessories, portrait artists, clothing and home accents.

Tickets:
Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $20 per person, $15 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Jockey Club VIP Tables:
High-top tables of four or six or tables of eight.
For reservations call
(941) 744-5465 or email [email protected]

Parking:
Available on the grounds and overflow parking with shuttles.

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show - (800) 237-8924
During Show - (914) 669-5610 ext 201
Stable office - (941) 744-5465
Prize List Advertising - (941) 744-5465
Vendor Boutique - Matt Morrissey (941) 915-3457
Website: http://www.theamericangoldcup.com/

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Matt Morrissey 
(941) 915-3457
[email protected]

Advertising Opportunities:
Mary Silcox (800) 237-8924 
[email protected]

Charity Partners:
JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/
 
ASPCA 
http://www.aspca.org/

Hotels:
Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
http://www.cpdanbury.com/
(877) 270-1393

Ridgefield, Connecticut
West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323

Brewster, New York 5-10 min
Heidi's Motel (845) 279-8011

Mount Kisco, New York 5-10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600

Danbury, Connecticut 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, Florida 34205
Tel: (941) 744-5465
Fax: (941) 744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 201
Wellington, Florida 33414
(561) 753-3389
[email protected] 
www.phelpsmediagroup.com