39th Annual Hampton Classic To Debut Improvements & Additions

The favorite Hamptons summer tradition returns for its thirty-ninth year as the premier horse show in the Hamptons. With new improvements and additions, this year’s show is looking to be one of the best yet. The Classic features 6 show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a variety of options to satisfy all cravings on its 60-acre show grounds. The Classic has attracted many of the nation’s top professional and amateur riders.

The Classic will make a number of significant improvements to the grass rings at the show’s grounds, which include new aeration and top dressing protocols. The plans also include improvements in drainage as well as new mowing and watering schedules in all competition rings except the Jumper Annex, which already has an all-weather surface rather than grass.

Jon Bon Jovi enjoying himself at last year’s Classic (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

“We have made a major commitment to improve the footing in all our grass rings, in particular our Grand Prix Ring,” said Shanette Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “We’ve been working with experts from the renown international show-jumping facility, Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Canada, whose grass rings have a reputation for outstanding footing, and with Steve McDonald from Turfgrass Disease Solutions, LLC, to improve the footing in our Grand Prix and Hunter rings.”

The Grand Prix ring will also gain a new irrigation system and a new well, which will result in the elimination of sprinkler heads. These changes will benefit the course designer tremendously as he will no longer have to design around significant fixed elements in the course.

“When the work is finished, and with the ongoing new protocols, we believe that the footing in our rings will be vastly improved,” Cohen said. “We thank all those who gave us feedback last year.”

In addition to the ring improvements, the Classic will be offering real time scoring and results for all rings throughout the week provided by ShowNet Vision. ShowNet will also webcast the Grand Prix Ring free of charge thanks to Longines, the Hampton Classic Broadcast Sponsor and Official Timekeeper. The show’s footage will be available for viewing on the Hampton Classic website. The Grand Prix will also stream on iEquine and the HRTV Network. Footage from all other rings will be available on a pay-per-view basis.

The newest and Hamptons.com’s favorite addition to 2014’s show will be the new food vendors. The grounds will house over fifteen gourmet food choices. “We are thrilled with the new additions to our food court and around the grounds,” said Shanette Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “There is truly something for everyone, and we hope nobody will be disappointed.”

Ronan Mcguigan displaying his equestrian skills at the 2013 Hampton Classic (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

The food court will feature a New York City favorite, Wafel & Dinges as well as Noodle Lane, who will serve noodle bowls and dumplings. All are sure to be a hit among the Hamptons’ and NYC dual residents. RSA Catering, LLC is set to create a variety of different options ranging from breakfast sandwiches to vegetable hibachi, as well as fried chicken.

Traditional favorites like Harry’s Fresh Squeezed Juices, and gourmet coffees and smoothies from Hampton Coffee Co. will return to this year’s show in the Food Court, as well as Magdalena’s Mexican Food, providing authentic Mexican fare, and Luke’s Lobster will be back at their old post.

Burgess & Clark Coffee will offer gourmet and frozen coffee drinks on Stable Row near the Hunter Ring. Pizza Luca will serve up classic Napoletana pizzas from their mobile wood-burning oven, and Whole Le Crepe, Inc. will be dolling out handmade sweet and savory crepes for a midday snack. For those who indulge in Greek delicacies, G & L Gyro Concessions will be next to the horse show office.

By the Kids’ Area, Crabman will have crab cakes and a variety of shrimp items, and Hampton Classic newcomer Kona Ice of Long Island will have flavored shaved ice for a refreshing summer afternoon treat.

Mr. Softee Ice Cream will return to his spot between the hunter rings. “We are thrilled to be returning to the Hampton Classic again this year,” said Marco Floro owner of the classic ice cream truck. “This show is one of our favorites!”

David’s World Famous will have two locations at the show this year. With its primary location catering the Grooms Kitchen, the satellite location will offer gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches between the hunter fields.

As the culinary headliner, the daily Farmer’s Market was “inspired by Taste of NY, the New York state program that showcases New York’s farms and produce,” said Cohen. “Taste of NY came to the Classic last year, and it was a huge success.”

Sofia Vergara at last year’s Classic (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

The Farmers Market will feature six different vendors each day, including offerings from Hampton Classic sponsors Wölffer Estate and the Milk Pail. “The new Farmers Market is a great idea,” said Max Rohn, general manager of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, which will be a part of the inaugural market, featuring Wölffer wines and ciders. “The market will allow exhibitors, riders and spectators at the Classic to literally taste another dimension of the Hamptons.”

In addition to Wölffer Estate, the following vendors will also be included at the Farmers Market:
A Taste of the North Fork, jarred pickled products, dips and spreads; Captain Neck & Co., low-calorie flavored sodas; Dolce & Gelato Catering, gelato; Hampton Chocolate Factory, gourmet chocolates; Milk Pail, fresh produce; Monty Breads, handmade stuffed breads; Next Generation Cookie, energy bars, cookies, and granola; Tanya Tracy, LLC, baked goods and chutneys; Victoria Amory & Co. condiments; Toasted Chicks, original S’mores kits; Salt Crafts, pink Himalayan salt licks for horses; and Snacks 5th Avenchew, horse and dog treats.

The Hampton Classic will take place from August 24 to August 31, 2014.

For more information, visit www.hamptonclassic.com.