It happens every year the last week of August through Labor Day, and it signifies the “Grand Finale” of the summer on the East End.
This year, the Hampton Classic celebrates its 41st year with more than 90 corporate sponsors drawn from every sector of the business world – fashion, finance, luxury brands, publishing, real estate and television. The Classic’s featured event is the $300,000 Grand Prix presented by Longines, which takes place on the final Sunday afternoon.
One of the most popular features of the Classic takes place on Opening Day – the “Leadline” – which features dozens of adorable, aspiring equestrians under the age of 7, and some as young as 2, who parade around the Grand Prix ring on their ponies and are judged by Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were cheering for their twins who competed for the first time at the Classic.
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Sarah Jessica Parker cheering on her twins Tabitha and Loretta. (Photo: Lisa Tamburini) |
The Hampton Classic Horse Show is one of the country’s largest and most spectacular hunter/jumper horse shows. With more than 1,600 horses and approximately $800,000 in prize money, the Classic is not only a sporting event of major proportions, but also one of the most extravagant social events of the Hamptons summer season. The thousands of spectators who attend each day enjoy watching a full schedule of competition in six show rings while also hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the many celebrities on hand.
In addition to the six show rings, the Hampton Classic features a Boutique Garden with more than 80 vendors for an amazing shopping experience, all on its immaculate 60-acre show grounds. It also features 16 gourmet food choices scattered throughout the show grounds. The Classic is one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States and a premier destination for many of the world’s best show jumping riders competing for top prize money. By weeks end, the show will attract more than 60,000 visitors.
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Everybody has ribbons and braids. (Photo: Lisa Tamburini) |
The Hampton Classic is open daily Sunday, August 28th through Sunday, September 4th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Hampton Classic will be held at 240 Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit www.hamptonclassic.com.
