Bridgehampton, NY – September 2, 2004 — Julie Welles of West Simsbury, CT, won the $5,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic on Thursday, September 2, at the 29th Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.

In a show jumping class open to competitors aged 18 and under, Welles was the 13th rider on course riding the 12-year-old bay mare, Lapeti. Putting in a fault-free performance, Welles advanced to the immediate jump-off where she was again clear, stopping the clock at a time of 28.04 seconds.

“The first round was hard because there was a tight time allowed, and you had to be thinking the whole time,” noted Welles, 16. “The jump-off was the best one I’ve ridden all summer, it had tight turns and there were also a couple of good gallops. I didn’t feel like I went that fast. When I saw the last rider go, I thought she was going to catch me.”

Welles had reason to worry, but Whitney Weeks and Amiral clocked in at 28.57 seconds, giving Welles the win.

Welles is starting her grade 11 junior year at the Ethel Walker School in Connecticut where Linda Langmeier coaches her. She also enjoys the instruction of well-known trainer, Missy Clark, when she competes in the equitation divisions. Welles began leasing Lapeti, who is owned by Turnabout Farm, in March, and the pair have been experiencing great success.

“We’ve been showing together all summer, we started off well and we’ve been on a roll ever since,” noted Welles, who began riding in the Low Junior Jumper division in 2003. “We won the Low Junior Jumper Classic at Ox Ridge in June, and then won the Low Junior Jumper Classic during the first week of the Lake Placid Horse Show. Even though Lapeti is on the small side, she has a big jump. She is a very sweet horse who loves attention, and is always looking for it whenever I am around.”

Welles began riding when she was three and began showing competitively at the age of 11. In addition to winning the $5,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic at the 29th Hampton Classic Horse Show, Welles will also be contesting the two-round $10,000 Calvin Klein Jeans Equitation Championships that concludes on Saturday, September 4.

Each year the Hampton Classic Horse Show attracts more than 50,000 spectators and celebrities to watch the country’s best horses and riders compete. One of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions, the Hampton Classic boasts jam-packed social events and equestrian competitions from August 29 through September 5, culminating with Sunday’s $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix. With boutiques, on-site restaurants and a wide variety of displays and activities, there is fun for the whole family.

Admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under six admitted free. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 5, is $15 per person (in addition to regular admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free throughout the week. Hampton Classic proceeds benefit Southampton Hospital. For more information on the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.