Bridgehampton, NY —  In an effort to make a spectacular horse show even better, the management of the Hampton Classic has enhanced its facilities and schedule for this year’s 36th annual horse show in Bridgehampton, NY, August 28–September 4.

Headlining the improvements for the horse show is the addition of a $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday afternoon, September 3. “We are thrilled to be able to give our top hunter exhibitors the opportunity to compete for such a prestigious title and $50,000 in prize money at this year’s Classic,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show's executive director. “The addition of the USHJA Hunter Derby in our main Hunter Ring will give our hunter exhibitors more of the attention they deserve.”

Also new this year is the addition of a VIP tent by Jumper Ring II, which hosts premier jumper and equitation classes throughout the week. Further enhancing the experience for riders and spectators alike will be the addition of new electronic scoreboards in both Jumper Ring II and Hunter Ring I.

The Hampton Classic also announced that Sunday morning’s $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic will now be open to Amateur-Owner competitors jumping 3’3” as well as Junior and Amateur-Owner competitors jumping 3’6”, allowing all of the horse show’s amateur competitors in rated hunter divisions to be part of this prestigious classic competition.

“The popularity of our Hermès Hunter Classic has prompted us to expand it to include all of the horse show’s amateur competitors in rated divisions,” said Cohen. “This should increase the level of all hunter competition throughout the week.”

Highlighting this year's Hampton Classic once again is the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier on Sunday, September 4, which is open to all horses that successfully complete Friday's $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier. This exciting class features Olympians, World Champions and USEF veterans.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, 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 online at www.wvvh.tv.

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.