2024 Hampton Classic $400,000 Grand Prix
Dr. Gregory Beroza, aka HorseDoc ‘Talking Horses,’ was onsite for the 2024 Hampton Classic $400K Grand Prix. Here’s his full report.
Photo by GBeroza.
The 2024 Hampton Classic Grand Prix on Sunday September 1st was anticipated to be one of the most thrilling show jumping competitions of the year — and it did not disappoint. The Classic Grand Prix was the climax of a week-long festival of equestrian competition from August 25th through September 1st. It came on the heels of multiple international Olympic riders having challenged each other in Paris; they had the chance to face off once again in another significant contest. The eight Olympic riders were in Bridgehampton, Long Island, New York in pursuit of the honor of winning the prestigious 5-star Grand Prix, sponsored by Longines, with total purse money of $400,000 dollars.
Hampton Classic ringmaster, Alan Keeley. Photo by GBeroza.
Forty riders competed in the first Grand Prix round, with eight riders progressing to the second-round jump-off. Only the first and second place riders in round two were faultless. The final placement was first going to Rene Dittmer of Germany aboard his horse Corsica X. He was half a second faster than the second place USA finisher Mimi Gochman, aboard her horse Inclen BH. Alex Matz, also a USA rider, finished third with four faults, riding his horse Ikigai. The remaining order of the Grand Prix finish was Shane Sweetnam in fourth, Nayel Nassar in fifth, McLain Ward in sixth, Darragh Kenny in seventh, Jordan Coyle in eighth, Carly Anthony in ninth, and Georgina Bloomberg tenth.
Hampton Classic Grand Prix Awards Winner Rene Dittmer aboard Corsica X in arena ceremony. Photo by GBeroza.
There was a formal awards presentation in the arena immediately following completion of the competition — as well as a ceremonial Winner’s Lap taken by Rene Dittmer aboard Corsica X.
Prior to the Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix, the Classic honored eight riders who represented their countries in this summer’s Paris Olympic Games as part of the Grand Prix opening ceremonies: Daniel Bluman (ISR), Mario Deslauriers (CAN), Thaisa Erwin (AUS), Kent Farrington (USA), Darragh Kenny (IRL). Nayel Nasser (EGY), Shane Sweetnam (IRL), and McLain Ward (USA).
After the Grand Prix Dittmer said, “My horse was unbelievable this week. She jumped five clear rounds and didn’t have a rail down all week. I tried to go faster without being too crazy. I knew Jordan (Coyle) and McLain (Ward) were coming after me, so I had to do what I could to make them chase the time. It worked because if McLain had gone clear, he would’ve been faster and won. Today went in my favor, and it really is just unbelievable.”
Although McLain Ward did not win the Hampton Classic, his sixth place finish did secure his spot at the top of the Longines Rider Challenge standings — earning him a cool $30,000.
You can view the HorseDoc’s full 10-minute report here:
Dr. Gregory A. Beroza, DVM, DACVS, DABVP has been a practicing veterinarian and consultant for 42 years; and HorseDoc® ‘Talking Horses’® media host, author, and consultant since 2007. Dr. Beroza is a multimedia host and broadcasts his productions, including a new Podcast, via his WuzUpDoc Media website: www.WuzUpDoc.com. He can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other social media sources.
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