Eight-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) is no stranger to the winner’s circle in the Old Salem Farm International Arena, especially with his recent victory in August’s new $65,000 Old Salem Farm 2* Grand Prix. On Sunday, he returned to take the crown in the inaugural $200,000 Blue Diamond Cup presented by Old Salem Farm, riding Starman to a blistering, faultless time of 34.03 seconds.

The Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to top Grand Prix stars aboard their elite mounts. Week 1 (September 10-15) was designated CSI4*/2* while Week 2 (September 17-22) is designated CSI3*. Old Salem’s September schedule also includes a National/Level 2 event (September 25-27).

Course designer Ken Krome challenged 27 entries representing seven countries with a 16-effort, 1.50m course in Sunday’s $200,000 Blue Diamond Cup, where only four advanced to the jump-off. Pathfinder Brian Moggre (USA) posted an immediate double-clear round, setting the time to beat at 37.07 seconds aboard MTM Vivre Le Reve. His lead did not last long as Pessoa entered the ring with Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC’s 9-year-old Selle Français gelding and sliced his way around the tiebreaker course for a 34.03-second score.

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