"Whether you are a rider, supporter or spectator, there is something for everyone at the Hampton Classic Horse Show,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show’s Executive Director. “Our pristine world-class venue draws the finest horses and riders, including Olympians, from across the nation and around the world to compete for coveted titles and top prize money. Spectators can enjoy world-class competition, high-end shopping boutiques and gourmet cuisine - all in one location. It doesn't get any better than that!”
The Hampton Classic hosts more than 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities. A wide range of hunter, jumper and equitation classes are offered from leadline classes all the way up to the grand prix level. The Classic also has classes for riders with disabilities.
The horse show kicks off with The Atlantic Opening Day on Sunday, August 23. The day starts out with the leadline classes, showcasing riders who are as young as two years old, and are just beginning their equestrian career. Later in the day, the show’s top hunter riders take on the $50,000 iHeartMedia Hunter Derby, presented by Ghurka.
The following day, Monday, August 24, features the sixth annual ASPCA Adoption & Animal Welfare Day which presents rescued horses, cats and dogs available for adoption. In addition to its adoption day programs, the ASPCA also conducts seminars and other fun activities at the ASPCA Patio frequently throughout the Hampton Classic. Also occurring on Monday is the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Finals.
Tuesday, August 25 sees the start of the Classic’s jumper divisions, including some big opportunities for prize money with the $20,000 Royalton Farms Jumper Challenge and the $10,000 Open Jumper class. Wednesday, August 26 also features the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Open Jumper class, the $10,000 Marders Open Jumper class and the start of the Young Jumper Championship Finals.
On Thursday, August 27 the Grand Prix Ring hosts the EnTrust Amateur-Owner Jumper class followed by a $10,000 Open Jumper class. The highlights of Friday, August 28 include the $50,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier presented by Longines and the $15,000 Merrill Lynch Speed Derby presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.
The opening of the weekend competition, on Saturday, August 29, showcases the $40,000 Longines Cup, the $10,000 Equitation Championship, and the $15,000 Carolex Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. In addition, Saturday is the longstanding favorite Optimum® Kids’ Day which features children’s activities throughout the day. Kids under the age of 12 receive a complimentary pony ride. There are also circus performers, face painting and a magician.
The final day of the Hampton Classic, Sunday, August 30, features the $30,000 7 Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Finals, the $25,000 Campbell Stables Jumping Derby and the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic. The week of competition culminates with the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix. The Grand Prix, features Olympians, World Champions, and show jumping veterans.
The Hampton Classic is famous not only for its world-class equestrian competition, but also for its celebrity sightings throughout the week. Some spotted in recent years include Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfeld, Kelly Ripa, Sofia Vergara, Mary-Kate Olsen, Julianne Moore, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, and Jennifer Lopez.
For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, a complimentary live webcast of all Grand Prix ring classes will air on the Hampton Classic website and on the USEF Network, produced by ShowNet and courtesy of LONGINES. In addition, WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, broadcasts up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen on line at www.wvvh.tv. Most of the Classic’s other classes will also be available on ShowNet.biz.
For a link to this coverage and for more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.