The Hampton Classic hosts highest level of show jumping competition (Classic Communications)
The Hampton Classic showcases the highest levels of equestrian show jumping competition at a world-class venue, offering approximately 200 classes throughout the week for horses and riders of all ages and abilities in six show rings. Opening Day is always exciting at the Hampton Classic and this year's changes will make it even more so when the show kicks off on Sunday, August 28.
New additions to the Opening Day schedule include the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby, a two-round 3'3" class in the Anne Aspinall Ring, the Hampton Classic's premier hunter ring. All horses entered in the derby must be stabled on Long Island for a minimum of 75 days since January 1, 2016 to be considered a "local" hunter. There will also be a new $30,000 Speed Challenge, an Open Jumper class, which will take place in the Grand Prix Ring to culminate the day.
Another new exciting element on Opening Day is the New York Racing Association (NYRA) Thoroughbred Incentive Bonus. NYRA will match all prize money won by American Thoroughbreds on Opening Day, including all Local Hunter divisions, the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby and the $30,000 Speed Challenge, as a way to promote the Thoroughbred breed in the show ring. Accepted proof includes: Jockey Club certificate, Letter of identification, Lip Tattoo or TIP card. Winners will need to complete a Thoroughbred Incentive Bonus Form in the Hampton Classic Show Office and mail it to NYRA to receive their bonus check.
"We are very excited about this year's additional classes on Opening Day and are thrilled that NYRA is offering a Thoroughbred Incentive Bonus," said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show's Executive Director. "What a fantastic way to reward and help promote this multi-talented breed. I had an off the track Thoroughbred and know first-hand what special horses they can be."
Opening Day action in the Anne Aspinall Ring will include a new $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby (Classic Communications)
In addition to the six show rings, the Hampton Classic features a Boutique Garden with more than 80 vendors for an amazing shopping experience, a wide selection of dining options and a Farmer's Market, all on its immaculate 60-acre show grounds. The Classic is one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States and a premier destination for many of the world's best show jumping riders competing for top prize money. It's a celebrity hot-spot, as many A-listers including Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfeld, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Sofia Vergara, Mary-Kate Olsen, Julianne Moore and Michael Bloomberg have been spotted watching the world-class horses and riders that include Olympic veterans.
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, 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.