Kids Day, Grand Prix Highlight Weekend Events at Hampton Classic
The Hampton Classic continues this Labor Day Weekend, with several not-to-be missed events.
Highlighting the Hampton Classic is the $250,000 FTI Consulting Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier on Sunday. The culminating event of the Classic and one of the most sought-after titles in the world, the FTI Consulting Grand Prix is a qualifying competition for the 2014 Longines FEI World Cup Final in Lyon, France next April. Defending champion Kent Farrington, who won the FTI Consulting Grand Prix last year on Voyeur, heads an impressive list of riders expected in the starting line-up along with Olympic Gold Medalists Joe Fargis, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward who has won the Classic’s featured Grand Prix a record six times.
Prior to Sunday’s culminating event, the Classic features the $50,000 Spy Coast Farm/Young Horse Show Series Grand Prix Qualifier Presented by Longines on Friday and the $40,000 Longines Cup on Saturday. Both these events are also FEI recognized and will feature the Classic’s star-studded field of riders.
In addition to the Grand Prix title, the world-class riders at the Classic will be looking to win the new Longines Rider Challenge that will award $30,000 to the rider who accumulates the most points in the horse show’s Open Jumper division. The winner of the Challenge will be recognized, and receive the $30,000 prize, during the award ceremony immediately following Sunday’s FTI Consulting Grand Prix.
The Classic’s FTI Consulting Grand Prix is part of the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge which awards a $200,000 bonus should the same horse-and-rider combination win the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon, $250,000 FTI Consulting Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic, and $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix at the Alltech National Horse Show. McLain Ward won the Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon on Rothchild in May and now stands to win the $200,000 bonus should he ride Rothchild to wins at the remaining two events in the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge.
Prior to Sunday’s high anticipated equestrian finale, the Hampton Classic will once again showcase one of its most popular attractions, Optimum Kids Day on Saturday, August 31. The day features free pony rides for children under 12 and lots of fun children’s activities including face painting and airbrush tattoos, llamas from Long Island Livestock, a birds of prey demonstration from the Wildlife Center of the Hamptons, performances by the Grammy-nominated children’s band the Pop-Ups, Bellini Family Circus, The Amazing Zola and crafts with Children’s Museum of the East End.
“We are excited to host Optimum Kids Day once again as part of our schedule at the Hampton Classic,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, Hampton Classic Executive Director. “Many families return year after year to take part in all the fun activities that are held throughout the day and it’s become one of the Classic’s favorite traditions. In fact, we have some people who came as kids years ago who now come with their own children!”
In addition to the children’s activities, Optimum Kids Day also features world-class equestrian competition, shopping and the Classic’s International Food Court. Artist JD Miller of Samuel Lynne Galleries will demonstrate his painting techniques in the Lugano Diamonds VIP Lounge.