Hampton Classic Ups Cash Prizes, Hires Alan Wade for 2016
The 41st annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, which returns to Bridgehampton August 28–September 4, is making some exciting changes for summer 2016.
Upping the ante in its Open Jumper division this year, the Classic is adding an Open Jumper class to its opening day schedule, adding a fourth FEI class (so there’s one each day), and increasing prize money in its three featured Grand Prix events. Perhaps most notable, the show is bringing in world-renowned course designer Alan Wade.
Wade, of Ireland, succeeds Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, who served as the Classic’s course designer for the past seven years, but is now focusing on his role as course designer for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. Wade is a highly respected FEI Level 4 course designer, who has designed courses at some of the world’s most important competitions.
“With the addition of a fourth FEI class, a large increase in prize money and Alan Wade joining us as course designer, we are anticipating a stellar turn-out for our 2016 show,” Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen says, noting that the show will be especially exciting this year as it follows the 2016 Olympic Games.
The 2016 Hampton Classic Horse Show kicks off on Sunday, August 28 with leadline classes, showcasing young riders aged 2-7, and the day will culminate with the new $30,000 Open Jumper class in the Grand Prix Ring.
The newest FEI competition, a $40,000 SOVARO Speed Class will take place on Thursday, September 1. On Friday, the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier is now awarding $75,000—50 percent more than last year. And on Saturday, September 3, the LONGINES Cup is offering a purse of $50,000, which is $10,000 more than last year.
The week will concludes on Sunday, September 4, with the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix, offering a $50,000 increase in prize money over last year for the Olympians, world champions and show jumping veterans who come to compete from locations around the globe.
The Hampton Classic hosts more than 100 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities and showcases the highest levels of equestrian show jumping competition in six show rings. The show offers a wide range of hunter, jumper and equitation classes at all levels, including riders with disabilities.
In addition to the six show rings, the Classic features a boutique garden with more than 70 vendors, a wide selection of dining options and a farmer’s market—all on its picturesque, 60-acre show grounds. The event is not only one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States and a premier destination for the horse show world’s elite, it’s also a hot spot for celebrities who enjoy watching the top riders and enjoying the atmosphere. In recent years A-listers such as Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfeld, Kelly Ripa, Sofia Vergara, Mary-Kate Olsen, Julianne Moore and Michael Bloomberg, whose daughter Georgina competes, have all attended.
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. 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 event. 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 information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, including a full schedule of events, visit hamptonclassic.com or call 631-537-3177.