Source:  Classic Communications/Marty Bauman

 

 

36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show Ready to Begin
“Monday Miracle” Has Show Grounds Ready Despite Hurricane Irene

Bridgehampton, NY—August 30, 2011—The management and staff of the 36th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show have accomplished what can only be considered a “miracle” and have the horse show grounds ready for the horse show’s delayed opening on Wednesday.

Hampton Classic Tuesday. Photo: Hampton Classic/Classic Communications

Approximately 150 staff and crew worked from about 5:00 am till dark on Monday to restore the show grounds to its former splendor following the impact of Hurricane Irene that pushed back the show’s start from its original Opening Day.

On Friday, August 26, the Classic’s management made the decision to take down all of the tents and virtually everything else on the show grounds. This included 18 tents with 1600 stalls as well as 40 other large tents housing the chalets, VIP seating, and boutiques plus dozens of other small tents.

"We were in contact with the National Weather Service and the town of Southampton throughout the lead-up to Irene and it became pretty clear on Friday that we were going to get hit with hurricane force winds,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “Safety concerns left us with no choice but to take down everything and get the word out to exhibitors not to bring any horses to the grounds until Tuesday.

“It turned out that we did get hit with high winds but we were spared the heavy rains that hit points west of here,” she continued. “Our staff and crew turned out in force on Monday morning and everyone pitched in to do whatever needed to be done. Their efforts made sure that we were ready for horses to arrive on Tuesday and for the horse show to open on Wednesday. I hear people talking about the ‘Monday Miracle’ and while it does seem that way, I think that the fact that we’re ready lies in the incredible commitment and dedication of our crew and staff. There are no words to express just how fantastic they are!”

One of the most prestigious horse shows in the nation, the Classic managed to keep virtually its entire schedule, albeit compressed from eight days into five. It now runs Wednesday through Sunday, September 4 when it culminates with the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier.

"Amazingly, we have been able to keep virtually all of our classes including all our local competitions, disability classes and even lead line,” said Cohen. “Anyone who was entered in the Classic will still have the chance to compete in what they entered. Horses started to arrive the first thing on Tuesday and exhibitors are telling us that they can’t believe that we even had a hurricane because everything looks great.”
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.