Devon, Pennsylvania – September 12, 2026 – Saturday night’s $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix, sponsored by Main Line Health / Bryn Mawr Hospital, drew a full crowd to the Dixon Oval for the final under-the-lights class of the year. Rising to the occasion, Pennsylvania native Alex Matz and Virginia McNeil’s Omthago VDL (Comthago VDL x Justine VDE) delivered the evening’s only double-clear performance to claim a commanding Grand Prix victory.
Thirty-seven horse-and-rider combinations took on Manuel Esparza’s (MEX) first-round course Saturday night, with just four combinations navigating the challenging track without fault to earn a place in the jump-off.
Matz entered the Grand Prix with two young mounts, giving both a valuable opportunity to gain experience in the atmosphere of the Dixon Oval.
“I brought two young horses, and I think they both exceeded my expectations,” Matz said. “You never know how they’ll do under these lights and with this atmosphere, so I think it was a great learning experience. The result is just the cherry on top.”
Reflecting on Esparza’s course, Matz felt the track provided an appropriate test for the field.
“I thought tonight’s course was difficult enough,” he said. “There were only four clear out of 37, so it was challenging, but it was fair.”
Returning for the jump-off aboard Omthago VDL, Matz relied on the confidence he has developed in the young horse. The pair delivered another clear round, crossing the timers in 35.160 seconds to become the only combination of the evening to finish the Grand Prix without a fault.
“My horse gives me a lot of confidence,” Matz said. “He’s a wonderful horse. He’s inexperienced, but he’s always very competitive.”
The jump-off did not come without its challenges. Matz acknowledged that one turn did not unfold exactly as planned, but Omthago VDL responded when his rider needed him most.
“I didn’t have a great turn back to the double, but my horse really helped me there,” Matz said. “He’s an amazing fighter.”
The victory capped a memorable weekend for Matz and Omthago VDL and provided a fitting conclusion to the 2026 Devon Fall Classic’s competition under the lights in the historic Dixon Oval.
Competition at the 13th annual Devon Fall Classic concludes Sunday, September 13, with a final day of Junior and Amateur Jumper competition.
