Paul O’Shea Gallops to Victory in the $25,000 Welcome Stake CSI 2* at Old Salem Farm

By Jumper News on 2025-09-20

North Salem, United States – September 19, 2025 – Only one-hundredth of a second separated the top two placings in Friday’s $25,000 Welcome Stake CSI 2* at the 2025 Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, presented by J.P. Morgan Private Bank, giving spectators an incredible taste of the challenge to come in the weekend’s remaining FEI classes. In the end, Ireland’s Paul O’Shea (IRL) once again etched his name into the Old Salem Farm winner’s circle blazing to victory in 38.48 seconds aboard Hellcat.

With the beautiful backdrop of Westchester County’s surrounding horse country, the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows presented by J.P. Morgan Private Bank feature two weeks of world-class competition on par with what everyone has come to expect from Old Salem Farm. The 2025 Shows host an FEI CSI4*/2* event, September 9-14, and an FEI CSI2* event, September 16-21, with both weeks rated USEF ‘National’ for hunters. Additionally, Old Salem’s September schedule includes a USEF National/Level 2 event, September 24-28.

Thirty-one entries representing six countries challenged Ken Krome’s 1.45m course featuring 12 numbered jumps in Friday’s $25,000 Welcome Stake CSI 2*, with 15 advancing to the jump-off. The top of the leaderboard saw multiple changes as each horse-and-rider combination seemed to be faster than the last, until O’Shea returned to the ring with Team Eye Candy’s 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare during the penultimate trip. The pair sliced their way across the shortened track for a blistering, faultless score of 38.48 seconds, securing victory over Kaitlin Campell’s (USA) time to beat of 38.49 seconds.

**Kaitlin Campell**’s (USA) & **Karius**

Campbell walked away with second-place honors aboard Mirasol Equestrian’s 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Karius for her efforts.

**Steven Bluman** (ISR) & **Cachemire de Braize**

Israel’s Steven Bluman (ISR) rounded out the podium in 38.70 seconds riding Cachemire de Braize, Over The Top Stables LLC’s 13-year-old Selle Français gelding.

“I love it here at Old Salem,” O’Shea said. “It’s always so lovely. I’ve been coming here a long time; I love the grounds and the atmosphere. I’m very happy to be here and very proud of our results today.”