Hampton Classic: Jazz Johnson Merton Takes Top Honors in $10,000 Strong's Marine Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Source: News Release/Classic Communications

Jazz Johnson Merton Takes Top Honors in $10,000 Strong's Marine Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Lauren Fischer Wins $10,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic

Bridgehampton, NY - Jazz Johnson Merton of Oldwick, NJ, and Ahaveros took top honors in the $10,000 Strong's Marine Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at the 41st annual Hampton Classic Horse Show.

"It's great, really fun. I'm very happy. I have a great time every time I come here," said Johnson Merton. "He's such a good boy, he really takes care of me. This was a bit of a step up for him, but he did really well. The courses were pretty big and technical. He is such a winner. Honestly, he covers up my mistakes. He likes to win."

Judy Richter, Christophe de Menil, and Shanette Barth Cohen Present Firefly Trophy

to Jazz Johnson Merton and Ahaveros

Photo credit: The Book, LLC

The pair also won the $2,500 Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Class on Opening Day of the Classic, which gave them enough points to earn the Low Amateur-Owner Championship and the Firefly Trophy. Christophe de Menil, a founder of the horse show in whose honor the trophy was established, was on hand for the presentation with Judy Richter and Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen.

Jazz Johnson Merton and Ahaveros

Photo credit: Shawn McMillen

Lauren Fischer, 18, of Bedford Hills, NY, and Norton De La Sapaie took the blue ribbon in the $10,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic and the tricolor in the Low Junior Jumper division.

"The course today was a bit technical, and the jump-off was a tough track too," said Fischer. "But I have a really good horse. We've had a really good partnership together so I knew what to do with him."

Lauren Fischer and Norton De La Sapaie

Photo credit: Shawn McMillen

Fischer has had the 16-year-old Selle Francais for five years and appreciates their latest victory. "The win at the Classic is a really nice reward for all your hard work and effort and I have had my horse for a long time, so it's really gratifying when it all works out. He's my best friend and will be forever. He makes me so happy."

The Hampton Classic Horse Show runs through Sunday, September 4 at its pristine Bridgehampton, NY, venue. For this year's 41st annual edition, a fourth FEI class has been added to the schedule in addition to more than 200 classes of competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities. A wide range of hunter, jumper and equitation classes are offered at all levels, from leadline all the way up to grand prix. Classes are also featured for riders with disabilities.

In addition to the six show rings, the Hampton Classic features a Boutique Garden with more than 80 vendors for an amazing shopping experience, a wide selection of dining options and a Farmer's Market, all on its immaculate 60-acre show grounds.

For those who can't make it to the show grounds, a complimentary live webcast of all Grand Prix ring classes will air on the Hampton Classic website, produced by ShowNet and courtesy of LONGINES. In addition, WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, broadcasts up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen on line at www.wvvh.tv. Most of the Classic's other classes will also be available on ShowNet.biz.

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.