Bridgehampton, NY — The world's best horses and riders, including riders from seven countries, will come together at the 36th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, which returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 28 – September 4, as they vie for top honors at one of the world's most prestigious show jumping competitions.

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

Expected to compete is the winner of last year's $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier, McLain Ward. In 2010 Ward, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, won the Classic's main event for the second consecutive year and a record fifth time overall.

Additional Olympians and past Hampton Classic Champions expected to join Ward include Joe Fargis and Margie Engle. They will be joined by fellow Olympians Chris Kappler, Leslie Howard, Peter Leone, Norman Dello Joio, Mario Deslauriers and Federico Sztyrle; all looking to add a Hampton Classic Grand Prix victory to their resume.

Past Hampton Classic Grand Prix Champions set to compete include Darragh Kerins, Hillary Dobbs and Jeffrey Welles. Spectators can also look forward to cheering on other show jumping stars like Richie Maloney, Debbie Stephens, Kent Farrington, Laura Bowery-Falco, Candice King, Kate Levy, Aaron Vale, Jimmy and Danielle Torano, Charlie Jayne, Todd Minikus, Callan Solem, and Shane Sweetnam.

"Whether you are an avid horse show competitor or a first time visitor, there is no better competition to watch this summer than the Classic's $250,000 FTI Grand Prix," said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show's Executive Director. "There is nothing like the thrill of watching the world's best horses and riders competing in our beautiful grass Grand Prix field. End your summer on a high note and join us for Grand Prix Sunday on September 4. We like to say, it's the perfect end to a perfect summer."

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.