Hampton Classic Horse Show Returns for 40th Year
The 40th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton, August 23–30, to showcase the highest levels of equestrian show jumping competition. The Hampton Classic features six show rings, a boutique garden with more than 80 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, including a farmers market, on its 60-acre grounds.
“Whether you are a rider, supporter or spectator, there is something for everyone at the Hampton Classic Horse Show,” says 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 approximately 200 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.
VIEW THE FULL HAMPTON CLASSIC 2015 SCHEDULE
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. Later in the day, the show’s top hunter riders take on the $50,000 iHeartMedia Hunter Derby, presented by Ghurka.
Monday, August 24 will see the finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities, presented by Bridgehampton National Bank. Competition begins at 10 a.m. Later that morning and into the afternoon, the Hampton Classic will host ASPCA Adoption & Animal Welfare Day. Adoptable cats, dogs and rabbits will be in the kids area from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and adoptable horses will be showcased in the Anne Aspinall Ring from noon–2 p.m. There is no admission charge on Monday.
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 Shamrock Ventures 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 Championships for five-, six- and seven-year-old horses.
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.
Saturday, August 29, showcases the $40,000 LONGINES Cup, the $10,000 Sam Edelman 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, a magician and a wide variety of attractions.
The final day, 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 culminates with the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix presented by LONGINES. The Grand Prix, features Olympians, World Champions and show jumping veterans. The winner of the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge will also be presented.
The Hampton Classic is also famous for its celebrity sightings. Among those 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, 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 online at wvvh.tv. Most of the Classic’s other classes will also be available on ShowNet.biz.
For more on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, visit hamptonclassic.com or call 631-537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.