EQUESTRIAN
What To Look For At The Hampton Classic

By Christy Brothers/ info@longislandernews.com

The 30th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show is set to begin on Sunday, August 28 in Bridgehampton. The event will run through September 4 and will feature major World Class and Olympic riders, beautiful horses and a pretty setting.

This year, Prudential Douglas Elliman is the title sponsor of the event. “We’ve assumed the lead role,” said Bill Retz, East Hampton Prudential real estate agent. “It’s a combination of how important we at the company view the Hamptons and this event.” Prudential Douglas Elliman is ranked 7th among residential realtors in the United States and has sold six of the top 10 Hamptons properties in the last year.

“This is the single largest sporting and social event in the Hamptons each year. This is the largest jumping competition in the United States. It’s a really suitable ending to the prime Hamptons season,” said Retz.

At the show, there are a variety of different jumping events, but the $100,000 Prudential Douglas Elliman Grand Prix is the highlight of the Hampton Classic. “It’s what everything leads up to, it’s the absolute highlight,” said Retz. This competition takes place on the last day and offers the largest reward. Riders that compete must pre-qualify.

One of the most prestigious aspects of the Classic is who shows up. Celebrities who have attended or competed include Alec and Billy Baldwin, Candice Bergen, Christie Brinkley, Glenn Close, Katie Couric, Mariel Hemingway, Peter Jennings, Billy Joel, Quincy Jones, Donna Karen, Calvin Klein, Susan Lucci, Randy Quaid, Chuck Scarborough, Steven Spielberg, Martha Stewart, Robert Wagner and others.

“Celebrities are in the VIP tent,” said Hampton Classic spokesperson, Meg Schermerhorn. Tables in the tent range in price from $5,000 to $15,000. If this seems too pricey, general admission is $10 per person or $20 a carload. For $15 a grandstand seat may be purchased. Children under 6 are free, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday seniors are free.

Many of the top riders will compete. Two Olympic veterans that will compete include Peter Leone (1996 team Silver Medallist/USA) and Norman Dello Joio (1992 individual Bronze Medallist/USA). Riders as young as 3 years old will also compete in children’s competitions.

Over four-dozen vendors are expected and will sell items from antiques and fine art to horse saddles and housewares. Hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and wraps are also available in the food court. This is a benefit event that supports Southampton Hospital. “This is important for Eastern Long Island,” said Retz.

Retz added, “It’s not a party, it’s a sporting event. It’s a lot of fun.”