The 45th Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Bridgehampton.
September 7, 2021: The 45th Hampton Classic Horse Show ended Sunday, September 5th, on a near perfect day, weather wise, and the fans were not disappointed. Canceled last year due to COVID, there was a renewed enthusiasm at last Sunday’s opening on another gorgeous day. The spirited week-long competition was complimented by more outstanding weather for the return of one of the season’s s most anticipated events
The closing on Sunday opened with two featured classes in the jumper and hunter rings leading up to the Classic’s culminating event, the $300,000 LONGINES Hampton Classic Grand Prix Presented by Land Rover. Each year approximately 50,000 people – including many A-list celebrities – come to watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.
First place in LONGINES Hampton Classic Grand Prix went to Daniel Bluman on Gemma W, second place rider was McLain Ward on Contagious, and Schuylee Riley was the third place finisher. McLain Ward, who rode to a second-place finish, also won the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge.
The marvelous weather continued to impress, as did the competition, and the event was well attended. The Classic features more than 200 classes in six 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. This year’s Hampton Classic featured five FEI classes showcasing elite riders from around the world, including Olympic and World Equestrian Games veterans. There were also kid-friendly activities throughout the week including pony rides, petting farm animals, daily special attractions and more.
For those who could not make it to the show grounds, complimentary live webcasts of all Grand Prix ring competitions aired on the Hampton Classic website, produced by ClipMyHorseTV and courtesy of LONGINES. ClipMyHorseTV also provided a complimentary live webcast of all Anne Aspinall ring competitions and archive video, all available on the Hampton Classic website. In addition, WVVH-TV, Hamptons Television, broadcasted up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic.
Photography: Barry Gordin
