Source:  Classic Communications

 

 

Darragh Kenny Races to the Top in the Autism Speaks Speed Derby at the 36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show
Frances Land Wins the Sotheby’s International Realty Welcome Stake

Bridgehampton, NY—September 2, 2011— Darragh Kenny of Ireland, won the $15,000 Autism Speaks Speed Derby, sponsored by The Geier Group (1.40m), with his veteran campaigner, Obelix, at the 36th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, on Friday. “I had three horses in the class, but my good old horse, Obelix, won the class for me,” said Kenny. “He was careful and tried really hard. He was really quick, and was very, very good today.”

Kenny was also third on one of his other mounts, Quarterletto. “I finished third on my young horse that was also fantastic,” said Kenny. “I’m lucky; I have a couple of really good horses.”

The Derby is Kenny’s biggest victory at the Classic and it is one that he has longed to win. “I’ve always wanted to win the Derby,” said Kenny. “It’s fantastic to win here in the big ring here at the Classic. It is one of the things that you always wish for. I really like this class, it is really fun for the riders and the horses. It is really nice to have nice sponsors for this class and the horse show.”

This is the first year that Autism Speaks is part of the Hampton Classic. Their sponsorship is underwritten by The Geier Group. “The Hampton Classic is thrilled to support the organization Autism Speaks,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “And we thank The Geier Group for underwriting the class on their behalf.”

Earlier in the day Frances Land of Alpharetta, GA, saved enough real estate to win the $10,000 Sotheby’s International Realty Welcome Stake riding Merlin, her 11-year-old English Warmblood.

“We watched a few riders and knew that in order to win I would have to had to take the inside turn after the Sotheby’s jump,” said Land. “I think that helped shave off a few seconds.”

A few seconds was all they needed. They completed the course in a time of 60.236, which was three seconds faster than then Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL, who stopped the clock in 63.767 seconds. Land saw Colvin’s ride and then made her plan.

“I went in the middle of the class and Victoria had gone, so I knew I had to go as fast as I possibly could,” said Land. “I was just trying to be super smooth and make really neat turns and Merlin was amazing.”

This is Land’s biggest win at the Classic and it is one of her favorite shows. “This show is an icon,” said Land. “It has been around so long. My dad (Jay Land) won the grand prix here in 1987, so it’s definitely special to win here.”

The top 30 horses in the Sotheby’s Stake qualify for the $25,000 Carolex Derby that takes place on Sunday morning just prior to the Hampton Classic’s featured event, $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier.

One of the most prestigious horse shows in the nation, the Hampton Classic managed to keep almost its entire competition schedule, albeit compressed from eight days into five. The Classic runs through Sunday, September 4.

The Classic’s revised show schedule is available on line at the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com. The Classic is also providing frequent updates on its Facebook page.

For those who can’t make it to the show grounds, 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 online at www.wvvh.tv.

Further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show is available on the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or by calling (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) charitable corporation.