Hamptons Finale: Grand Prix Sunday At The Hampton Classic

The summer frocks and fancy hats had their last hurray at the Hampton Classic Labor Day weekend. Sophia Vergara, Jon Bon Jovi, Matt Lauer, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Mary Kate Olsen, and Diana Taylor were among the stars who chatted and laughed while photographers snapped away in the Hamptons.

Clothes Horse Diana Taylor seems to feel if you’ve got the perfect classic ensemble, you can wear it three years in a row and still look like a billion dollars. She and Mayor Bloomberg came to support the family equestrian, Georgina Bloomberg who at 3-months pregnant with her first child looked radiant in the Grand Prix ring.

Jersey boys Matt Lauer and Jon Bon Jovi partied like the old friends they are with music mogul and “X Factor” judge L.A. Reid. Lauer and wife Annette had chosen the day to officially open the doors to their stables, Bright Side Farms, a 40 acre boutique facility in Water Mill. “I’m supporting my friend Annette Lauer,” said animal advocate Beth Ostrosky Stern, who does not ride and who had left husband, Howard Stern, at home for the afternoon. “I’ve been to the classic once before. It’s such an exciting event.” In the media crush Beth remarked to Annette, “Can you imagine Howard here?” We are sure the King of All Media would have held his own just fine.

Christie Brinkley, on the other hand, has negotiated sharing the VIP area with ex-Peter Cook for years. This year, 15-year-old daughter Sailor Brinkley Cook posed with mom. “She just signed up with IMG models,” said Christie, “so she’s actually come out with a big bang. She’s featured in a campaign for [accessories chain] Claire’s. She’s already got a cover and had a spread in ‘Teen Vogue.’ It’s very exciting.”

Brinkley best friend and “Today” show animal advocate Jill Rappaport, ASPCA Good Will Equine Welfare Ambassador, who wrote “People We Know, Horses They Love,” said she was at the ASPCA table “getting the word and awareness out to save animals worldwide,” before running off to see Georgina ride.

Sag Harbor’s B. Smith, with husband Dan Gasby, shared the excitement. “I love to see all the people who are competing. I wish I could make them all win. But you can’t, so you just have to make that mental bet. Horses make everybody feel good. If I could do anything, I’d have a horse farm.”

Bonnie Comley’s wide brimmed hat and Lily Pulitzer green dress coordinated perfectly with newly slimmed down hubby Stewart F. Lane’s pale yellow jacket. He took off a few pounds performing in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at Bay Street this summer. Their sons Frankie and Lenny rode in the Leadline Division and daughter Leah won 7th Place in the Children’s Equitation. The Lanes sat at City National Bank’s table. “It’s our first time sponsoring a table at the classic,” said Sr. VP Olha Paluch, “but not our last.”

Kathy Hilton and Rick Hilton never miss the Classic. This year, Kathy showed off extremely toned legs in blue shorts and, bragged about her new Kathy Hilton dress line. “I’ve been out most of the summer seeing friends,” she told us, “with family coming in and out.” She attributed the legs to “walking for exercise.” She just bought an apartment in New York City. The place many in the VIP tent would be returning to the next day.

City National Bank’s Olha Paluch, Stewart F. Lane, and Bonnie Comley. (Photo: Lee Fryd)