ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Horses Daily

The 46th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show returns August 28-September 4 with a full schedule of world-class equestrian competition.  Offering more than $1 million in prize money, the Classic is highlighted by the $410,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, September 4.

Each year approximately 50,000 people come to watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete at the Hampton Classic. Rated USEF ‘Premier-6’ for hunters and jumpers with designated FEI 2* and 5* classes, the Hampton Classic features more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world-class 60-acre show grounds.

Famous for Celebrity Guests

The Hampton Classic is famous for its celebrity guests. Among those who have attended in recent years are Don Lemon, Sofia Vergara, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Jimmy Fallon, Mariska Hargitay, Bobby Flay, Julianne Moore, Aida Tuturro, Billy Joel, Brooke Shields, and Jennifer Lopez.

"This year’s Hampton Classic promises to be one of the most exciting ever,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the Classic’s Executive Director. “Our new Five Star status is sure to draw a spectacular line-up of horses and riders. Spectators also are sure to enjoy all our usual activities, offering something for everyone, whether they’re horse fans or not!”

New Grand Prix Arena

This year’s Classic will mark the debut of a new Grand Prix arena, featuring state-of-the-art all-weather footing installed by Travis Gould and his JTWG, Inc., under the guidance of iEquitek’s Bill Hawe and in consultation with world-renowned footing expert Oliver Hoberg. It is engineered using the same processes used for the footing in the International Arena at Wellington International (FL) and Tryon Stadium (NC), as well as the upcoming 2023 LONGINES FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals in Omaha.

Opening Day activities kick off Sunday, August 28, with a full schedule for Long Island competitors in what is commonly referred to as “Local Day.” Familiar highlights include Leadline classes for children ages 2-7 and the $10,000 Marders Local Hunter Derby.

Riders with Disabilities And Animal Adoption Day

On Monday, August 29, the Hampton Classic is once again hosting the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Finals Presented by Dime Bank and the Classic’s 11th annual Animal Adoption Day, sponsored by Georgina Bloomberg. Animal Adoption Day will feature several dog and cat rescues as well as horse rescues that are part of the EQUUS Foundation’s Guardian program.

FEI competition begins Thursday, September 1, with the $10,000 Citarella Open Jumper CSI2* and $37,000 Hampton Classic 5* Speed Stake and continues throughout the weekend with seven 2* and 5* classes featuring courses designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade. FEI competition also includes Friday’s $37,000 Wölffer Estate 2* Jumper Classic and $74,000 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix Qualifier, Saturday’s $74,000 Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix and $74,000 5* LONGINES Cup and the culminating $410,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, September 4.

Other competition highlights include the $10,000 Lugano Diamonds Junior/Amateur Welcome Stake, $10,000 Hermès Equitation Championship, $10,000 Sam Edelman Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic and $25,000 Agneta & Brownlee Currey High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. The Classic also features the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge and the final leg of the $5,000 Mane ’n Tail Hunter Challenge, following its initial two legs at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.

The Classic Has Added New Divisions

The Classic has also added new divisions such as the Low Adult and Children’s Hunters, Low Child/Adult Jumpers, and 3’3” and 3’6” Performance Hunters to allow exhibitors who have never previously had the chance to ride at the Classic to do so. This year also marks the inaugural Special Olympics New York Summer Show Series, including riders with disabilities from Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley.

News 12 Long Island’s Kids Day returns to its traditional Saturday date and will once again feature activities for the entire family. Children under 12 are admitted free and receive a free pony ride.

The Hampton Classic continues to support several charitable organizations including Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, the Kevin Babington Foundation and Sag Harbor Food Pantry. Everyone who comes to the Classic on Tuesday and Wednesday with three or more non-perishable food items for the Sag Harbor Food Pantry will have their entire car admitted free.

Daily Admissions - $20 Per Carload

Daily admission to the Classic is $20 per carload (cash at the gate only). Admission is free on Monday; seniors and military are also admitted free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Grandstand tickets for the $410,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday, September 4, are $55 per person for reserved bucket seating, which will be available for purchase on the Hampton Classic website beginning in early August. Grandstand tickets are electronic only; E-Tickets are provided thanks to support from  Green is the New Blue.

The Hampton Classic is pleased to continue its relationship with ShowNet by offering its services FREE to all exhibitors. Services include: Orders of Go; Live Ring Status; and Live Results.

Complimentary Live Webcasts

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix ring competitions air on the Hampton Classic website, produced by ClipMyHorseTV and courtesy of LONGINES. ClipMyHorseTV is also producing a live webcast of all Anne Aspinall ring competitions, available for free on the Hampton Classic website, thanks to Pacaso. In addition, WVVH-TV, Hamptons Television, 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.