Hampton Classic Puts On A Winning Show


by Lauren Clarke-Bennett
& Heather Bryce

The annual Hampton Classic is one of the most highly anticipated events of the South Fork’s summer season. From Opening Day to the Grand Prix competition of closing day, celebs and VIPs such as Jennifer Lopez, Mary Kate Olsen, Jimmy Buffett, Majors Giuliani & Bloomberg, Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, LuAnn de Lesseps, Jill Zarin, James Lipton along the horsey set roamed the beautiful grounds on Snakehollow Rd, in Bridgehampton, NY. Between enjoying the art, watching the grace of the jumpers, shopping in the beautiful boutiques and dining on their tasty fare by Robbin’s Wolfe Eventeurs, many came back several times throughout the week to enjoy the suerlative offerings and atmosphere.

However the Grand Prix, which is the culmination of the entire weeks challenges, is the Main Event. The competition ring surrounded by 15,000 fans proved especially challenging this year to the 33 riders from five nations. In the end Kevin Babington took the top honors claiming $250,000 for the 39th Hampton Classic Grand Prix, presented by Land Rover and Richie Moloney took home the $30,000 Longines Rider Challenge as the fans cheered.