Bridgehampton, NY - The Hampton Classic Horse Show is thrilled to announce that it is awarding its annual Long Island Sportsmanship Award to Noël Love Gross, respected horse owner and member of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors. The award, given annually, recognizes a Long Island horseperson for their dedication to and sportsmanship in the horse world.

 

In announcing the selection of Noël Love Gross for the Sportsmanship Award, Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Cohen cited Gross's dedication to horse sports and unwavering commitment to horse welfare. "Horses have always come first with Noël," said Cohen. "As an owner, nothing has ever come before the well-being of her horses."

 

Gross has been a committed horse owner for more than twenty years, owning many horses

 that have been highly successful in both hunter and jumper competitions. Gross is a former Chair of the New Jersey Racing Commission and continues to be a member today. Additionally, Gross currently serves on the Hampton Classic Board of Directors, a role she has held since 1999.  At her current home of Bridgehampton, NY, she owns and operates Dark Horse Farm. 

 

Since 2007, the Hampton Classic has presented the Long Island Sportsmanship Award to a Long Island horse person who has demonstrated excellence and service in horsemanship over a long period of years. Gross' name will be added to the Oldfield Farm Trophy, joining previous winners: Anne Aspinall, Agneta Currey, Alvin Topping, James Benedetto, Jimmy Rice, Barbara Clarke, Sally Lynch, Dave Birdsall, and Karen Bocksel. 

 

The Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to its pristine Bridgehampton, NY, venue, August

 28 through September 4. 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.  Official radio partner WLNG will broadcast live Wednesday-Sunday during the classic also courtesy of LONGINES.