Addison Phillips Tastes Victory in the Wölffer Estate Equitation Championshipon Cablevision's Kids Day presented by Monty Python's Spamalot at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

The 32nd Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, September 2.  With more than $500,000 in prize money, 50,000 spectators and 1,500 horses, the Hampton Classic is not only a sporting event of major proportions, but also one of the most noteworthy social events of the summer.  The Classic's featured event, the $150,000 FTI Grand Prix, will be heldonSunday afternoon, September 2. 

As the top scorer in the first phase of the Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship which took place on Thursday, Phillips rode last for the final round.  The pressure was on for her as McAlary and McCormack had already put in impressive performances.

"It all came down to the right horse," said Phillips of her 13-year-old gelding.  "My horse was pretty much a pro.  I thought the course was really good.  It was challenging, especially with the natural elements.  It was a definite advantage going at the end because I was able to watch some of the others ride." 

Former USET Show Jumper Chrystine Tauber and renowned trainer Karen Healey judged the class.  Both were impressed with all of the competitors, especially the final group.  "The top level was really extraordinary," said Tauber.  "Addison was just a notch better, but the top two were stellar."

Andre Dignelli was the trainer of Phillips as well as several others in the class.  This is the fourth consecutive year as winning trainer for Dignelli and he credits the level of preparation as a factor.  "We have these natural jumps at home and so all our kids come prepared.  You have to applaud the Hampton Classic Horse Show for continuing to have this class because it really raises the level of equitation.  There is no other event like this anywhere."

All week long, the Classic hosted hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to the Olympic veterans Grand Prix classes. 

Show, a charity event presented by JustWorld International to benefit the children of the Justworld International projects in Honduras, Cambodia, Kenya, Brazil and Senegal.  The benefit was a huge success and tons of fun.  Over one hundred children jumped fences without horses to win prizes presented by Monty Python's Spamalot.

Monty Python's Spamalot was also a presenting sponsor of Cablevision's Kids Day on Saturday featuring circus performers, face painters and other special Spamalot activities.

On Sunday The Classic is highlighted by the$25,000 Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby, a member of event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, and the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic in the morning prior to the $150,000 FTI Grand Prix.             

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television.  WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, is broadcasting up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic.  These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic also receives extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, a long time sponsor and the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Sunday, September 2.

Live webcasts from the Hampton Classic Grand Prix ring and Hunter Ring I are available free of charge at www.equestriansport.tv

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.