Hampton Falls, NH - A new course designer at the 2011 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, featuring the $75,000 Grand Prix, will challenge competitors this year on the grass Grand Prix and Derby field. Award-winning course designer Anthony D'Ambrosio will be testing the top riders in the high performance classes to be held at Silver Oak Equestrian Center, Hampton Falls, NH, September 14-18.

A sanctioned FEI course designer and member of the USEF Jumper Committee, D'Ambrosio was named Grand Prix Course Designer of the Year for the second time by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) in 2010. His prior win was in 2008. Highlights of his career since being promoted to FEI Course Designer Level 3 in 2002 include the 2009 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, the 2009-2011 Winter Equestrian Festival as Technical Advisor/Delegate and Course Designer/Liaison, and 2010 Geneva World Cup Final as Foreign Technical Delegate. He has been course designer at Spruce Meadows for the past 10 years.

"We're pleased to be able to offer exhibitors top course designers at the Jumper Classic," said Melissa Lovasco, President and CEO of the Jumper Classic. 'In addition to a new look and feel on the course this year, there will be improvements to the footing and scheduling that should make the 2011 show a great experience for everyone.'

Mike Belisle, Show Manager and also a course designer, added, "Riders always appreciate Anthony D'Ambrosio's courses because they make sense to them and have a nice flowing feel. Horse and rider can expect to improve throughout the week and come away with an overall good experience whether they win or not."

The Jumper Classic has one of the few natural all-grass Grand Prix fields on the east coast, which presents special considerations, D'Ambrosio says. "I love to design on a grass field. There are more nuances for a designer. You have to be able to adapt to changing conditions and make a course work for the moment. It's more challenging. My understanding is the Jumper Classic is meant to be a friendly Grand Prix where young horses and riders can keep up and get good experience, and top riders can also bring their junior and amateur students. It's the right time of the year, being the finale to the outdoor season."

D'Ambrosio will be assessing the terrain and natural obstacles for the first time when he visits the field a few months prior to the show. He has also consulted with Linda Allen, who designed courses for the Jumper Classic from 2008-2010, beginning with the first event at the Hampton Falls, NH location. "I like to go to a new place with the first day's courses done and work from that point based on reality. I'll also be looking at management and placement of sponsors' jumps, and work together with the other course designers to achieve the best result possible."

With more than 30 years of experience as a rider and horse trainer, D'Ambrosio is legendary. He set the indoor world record for the Puissance in 1973 and 1983, which still stands at 7'7 ½ ". He won 32 Grand Prix competitions. And he has sold 4 Olympic horses and many Grand Prix winners. Anthony and his wife Michael are based out of Wild Horse Ranch in Red Hook, NY.

For more information about the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic visit www.jumperclassic.com or call 978.283.7708.

ENDS