May 29, 2025 – Devon, PA – In a thrilling display of world-class sport, the 2025 Devon Horse Show & Country Fair delivered one of its most competitive and internationally diverse Grand Prix in its 129-year history. The $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, sponsored by Meridian Bank, brought together an exceptional field of elite athletes from across the globe—including England, Columbia, Israel, Ireland, Egypt, and the United States—for a night of unforgettable show jumping in the iconic Dixon Oval.
Photos by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group
With seven of the world’s top 50 riders, Olympic medalists, and rising stars in contention, these global competitors battled for one of the most prestigious titles on the North American circuit. The USA’s Aaron Vale and his mount Carissimo 25, were the final horse-and-rider pair to take to the jump off, laying down the fastest round of the four riders who advanced.
Having amassed their own collection of accomplishments since being paired together in July of 2023, the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cascadello—T-Clintissma, Clinton) owned by The Carissimo Group and Vale etched their names into history on The Celeste McNeal Harper Perpetual Trophy, topping the 2025 $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, sponsored by Meridian Bank.
2025 $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon Winner
The Celeste McNeal Harper Perpetual Trophy
Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25
Holsteiner / Chestnut / Gelding / (Cascadello I X T-Clintissima)
Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam initially led the jump off posting a time of 34.29 seconds with Shane Sweetnam & Voquest LLC’s Zangersheide Gelding Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z (Comme Il Faut X Iliana Van Klapscheutto). Sweetnam’s time was only bested by the final entry in the order – Aaron Vale.
Alex Matz rounded out the top three with 5 Star Partners’ KWPN stallion Ikigai (Elvis Ter Putte X Okori-Retti B).
Richard E. McDevitt Style Award
The Richard E. McDevitt Style Perpetual Trophy
Lillie Keenan
Click HERE for the full results.
