Bridgehampton, NY-September 2, 2007- Tracey Weinberg of Lovettsville, VA, rode to victory in the $25,000 Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby at the Hampton Classic Horse Show on Sunday morning, riding Linda Z, owned by Weinberg and the Weinberg Brokerage Group. Andrew Welles of Long Lake, Minnesota, finished second on Cadanio Z, owned by Peter Welles. Third went to Canadian rider Miranda Fischer riding Hot Wheels.
The 32nd Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions boasts more than $500,000 in prize money, 50,000 spectators and 1,500 horses. The Hampton Classic is not only a sporting event of major proportions, but also one of the most noteworthy social events of the summer.
In the Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby no one managed to go clear in round one, so the jump-off consisted of three riders who had tied for the lead with four faults. Weinberg and Linda Z were the first to go. They went clean, but their time of 44.651 seconds was respectable but beatable. Welles beat the time, but not without dropping a rail, so he ended up with four faults and a jump-off time of 42.575. Fischer, the final rider in the jump-off also managed to beat the clock, but not gravity. She and Hot Wheels also had a rail to finish with four faults in a time of 43.160 seconds.
Weinberg, who is trained by Olympic veteran Joe Fargis, said she was told to ignore the clock and go for the clear round. “Joe told me not to go crazy, just ride for a clean round and of course, Joe is always right!” said Weinberg. “I knew after I came out of the ring that my time was beatable, but the stars were aligned and the others had rails. I’m overwhelmed!”
Weinberg thought the Conrad Homfeld designed course was difficult for her 15-hand Holsteiner mare, but learned valuable lessons in the process. “Every time I ride one of his courses, I learn something. Conrad is a genius. He makes you think every step of the way. I knew when I walked the course it was going to be difficult. I didn’t have a moment to take a breath other than at the top of the bank.”
Several Championships were awarded at the Classic on Sunday. They included: Tracey Weinberg, who won the Amateur Owner Division and Maria Schaub of Holmdel, New Jersey, who took the Junior Jumper Style of Riding Award. Margie Engle of West Palm Beach was awarded the National Open Jumper Championship and Katherine Newman of Upperville, Massachusetts, won the Junior Jumper High Score Award. Jessica Springsteen of Colts Neck, New Jersey, captured the Best Junior Rider award. Addison Phillips of New York, New York, took home the Equitation Championship and the Best Style of Riding Award on a Hunter went to Scott Stewart of Wellington, Florida.
All week long, the Classic hosted hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to the Olympic veterans Grand Prix classes.
Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, is broadcasting up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.
The Classic also receives extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, a long time sponsor and 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.
Live webcasts from the Hampton Classic Grand Prix ring and Hunter Ring I are available free of charge at www.equestriansport.tv
For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.
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