Bridgehampton, NY—July 13, 2006—As the Hampton Classic begins its fourth decade, a host of new and returning sponsors have lined up to be part of one of the nation’s biggest and most respected horse shows.
When the Hampton Classic returns, August 27-September 3, it will celebrate its 31st anniversary with more than seventy corporate sponsors drawn from virtually every sector of the business world—aviation, fashion, finance, luxury brands, publishing, real estate, and television. The Classic’s impressive sponsorship roster includes such long-time supporters as Calvin Klein (1980), Jaguar (1997), Land Rover (1989), David Yurman (1996), Manhattan Mortgage Company (1996), Prudential Financial (1998), Sotheby’s International Realty (1999), and Wölffer Estate Vineyards (1991).
“We are very proud of our loyal family of corporate sponsors,” stated Shanette Barth, Executive Director of the Show. “The Hampton Classic would not have achieved its position of national prominence without them and we are so grateful when they return year after year. It is especially gratifying to have so many new companies join what was already an amazing roster.”
The Hampton Classic is one of the country’s largest hunter/jumper horse shows. With more than 50,000 spectators and 1,500 horses, the Classic is not only a sporting event of major proportions, but also one of the most extravagant social events of the summer, thus drawing the cream of the crop when it comes to sponsorship.
“The Hampton Classic is indeed honored to welcome this vast family of sponsors,” stated Michael Howell, Director of Marketing for the Hampton Classic. “The commitment these sponsors make to the Classic is what makes it so special and what sets it apart from all other horse shows.”
Heading the list of returning sponsors is Prudential Financial, reassuming its role as title sponsor of the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix, the Classic’s featured event to be held on Sunday afternoon, September 3.
Sotheby’s International Realty returns as title sponsor of the $25,000 Sotheby’s International Realty Challenge Cup and Wölffer Estate returns as a sponsor but with a new positioning, title sponsor of the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship. Both of these events will be held on Saturday, September 2.
Calvin Klein returns as sponsor of the $25,000 Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby, a member of event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, and Hermès of Paris comes in as a new sponsor of the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic. Both of these events are held on Sunday, September 3. Other returning sponsors include Barbour by Peter Elliot, Champagne Louis Roederer, FENDI, Nicolock, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, R-Squared Real Estate Partners, and The Corcoran Group.
This year, the Hampton Classic also welcomes back Der-Dau, but in a new role as sponsor of the Classic’s Riders Tent. The Der Dau Riders Tent is where the Classic’s riders, from those who are up-and-coming to those who have won Olympic medals, can relax as they watch other competitors take their turn in the Grand Prix ring.
London Jewelers, a new sponsor this year, is the official jewelry retailer of the Hampton Classic and will be showcasing their wares in the Classic’s Boutique Garden. Ciesse, a high-end Italian outerwear company, will also have a boutique in the garden.
Also new to the Classic’s family of sponsors are FTI Consulting, title sponsor of the $30,000 FTI Consulting 7- & 8-year-old Young Jumper Championship Finals, and GREY GOOSE® Vodka, title sponsor of the $50,000 GREY GOOSE® Vodka World Cup Qualifier, which sets the order for Sunday’s $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix.
Other new sponsors include Bank of America, Blue Star Jets, Budget Rent A Car System, Calyon Financial, Hampton Resorts & Hospitality, Mellon, NYMEX, and RV Sales of Broward.
Competition at the Hampton Classic runs from Sunday, August 27 through Sunday, September 3. Admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under 6 admitted free. Admission is free for all on Monday, seniors are free Tuesday-Thursday and kids are free on Saturday. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 3 is $15 per person (in addition to regular admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free throughout the week.
Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.
Additionally, WCBS-TV/CBS 2 New York, the official New York television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast a special one-hour program of Hampton Classic highlights on Saturday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. The special will feature action from the frontlines, behind the scenes, and colorful social events connected with the Classic.
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