Bridgehampton, NY—August 27, 2006—In spite of the clouds and the occasional raindrop, hundreds of spectators were on hand to celebrate the Manhattan Mortgage Company’s Opening Day of the 31st Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show on Sunday, August 27.
The festivities began with the World of the Horse Opening Day Ceremony featuring a variety of attractions for the whole family, including the beautiful black Allan Arrieta Friesians and the Millstone Farm Miniature Horses. Headlining the ceremony this year was John Casey’s Frisbee dogs K-9s in Flight, who entertained the audience with exciting Frisbee tricks.
The Manhattan Mortgage Company’s Opening Day also featured Long Island competitors in several hunter classes including Amateur Owner, Junior, and Working Hunter while throngs of nervous parents watched as their little ones participated in the Leadline classes in the Grand Prix ring.
In the afternoon, the Grand Prix ring will feature the $20,000 Nicolock Time Challenge. More than thirty top show jumping riders and horses are expected to compete in the fourth annual running of this popular speed jumping class. Last year, Ramiro Quintana of Argentina won this class aboard Carousel, owned by Mary B. Schwab and OEJI Farm.
Throughout this day (and all week!) families are welcome to visit the World of the Horse exhibition tent and show yard with its playground set. Located behind the main Grandstands, in the World of the Horse Tent, kids will find Llamaland and those big “Teddy Bears of the horse world”— Friesians, even some mares with their foals! Kids will also be able to climb on a special playground installation furnished by Walpole Woodworkers and enjoy a pony ride! The Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) presents a display with hands-on children’s activities.
Not only does Opening Day provide a great way to enjoy a day of family entertainment for all ages, but it is also a chance to come and get first pick of the choice wares from the many Boutiques, including the famous and much-coveted Hampton Classic merchandise. Hampton Classic merchandise includes souvenir t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, mugs and other “Classic” memorabilia including this year’s striking poster by local artist Dan Black. There are many new (and returning) boutiques this year, both in the Garden and along Stable Row—and there is sure to be something for everyone!
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 of charge. Admission is free for all on Monday, seniors are free on Tuesday through Thursday, and children under 12 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 enjoy the show 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.
The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Sunday, August 27 and Saturday-Sunday, September 2-3.
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