Devon, United States – May 30, 2026 – On the final night of competition at the 130th Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Pegina VD Bisschop, owned by Shane Sweetnam & Voquest, saved the best for last.
FEI jumpers took to the Dixon Oval for the final time on Saturday evening, vying for top honors in the $182,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake CSI 4*, sponsored by Frank & Eileen in memory of Rodney Jenkins. The track, designed by Colm Quinn (IRL), challenged competitors throughout the evening and ultimately produced six clear rounds to set up an exciting jump-off.
Israel’s Daniel Bluman (ISR) appeared poised for victory, taking over first place with Over The Top Stables ’s Gemma W in 37.490 seconds before moving into second aboard Over The Top Stables’ Kester de Nyze Z with a time of 37.920 seconds.
Holding both of the top two positions, Bluman left the door open for only one remaining challenger.
As the final pair to contest the tie-breaker, Sweetnam and Pegina VD Bisschop delivered a blazing performance, stopping the clock in 36.240 seconds to secure the victory.
“I got to watch Daniel’s rounds and knew that I had to really go if I wanted to get him,” said Sweetnam of his jump-off strategy.
The win was especially rewarding for Sweetnam, who had come close to claiming a major Devon victory in recent years.“I felt we were due a clear round, and it was great to get the win,” he said.
The victory added another highlight to Sweetnam’s partnership with Pegina VD Bisschop. Together for just over a year, the pair continue to make their mark on the international stage, and their Devon triumph earned them a place on the John Wanamaker Perpetual Trophy, adding their names to the storied history of one of the sport’s most prestigious horse shows.
Final Results – $182,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake CSI 4*
1) Shane Sweetnam (IRL) & Pegina VD Bisschop – 0 / 0 – 36.240
2) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Gemma W – 0 / 0 – 37.490
3) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Kester de Nyze Z – 0 / 0 – 37.920
Source: Press Release from Phelps Media Group for Devon Horse Show & Country Fair
Photos: © Phelps Media / JW Photo
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Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Ireland
