Georgina Bloomberg and Paola 233 were winners of the $30,000 Boar’s Head Open Jumper (c)Shawn McMillen
Bloomberg, a native of New York, NY, explained that the ‘decisive moment’ in their jump-off round came as Paola landed from fence six and literally pivoted on one foot to the left toward the final combination without having to add any extra steps to complete the turn.
“She’s a really quick horse – she’s quick in the air but she also turns on a dime,” said Bloomberg following the victory gallop. “And she’s brave. Sometimes I can go TOO quick with her and then end up missing it entirely! I trust her to go to anything – she can win anything she wants, it’s just a matter of me not getting in her way.”
Runner-up went to Canadian veteran Olympic rider Mario Deslauriers, with his 11-year-old mare Cherrypop, owned by Wishing Well Farm LLC of Sands Point, NY.
Deslauriers, who went immediately following Bloomberg in both the first round and the jump-off, was faster across the ground but didn’t have the turning agility to best Bloomberg in the jump-off.
“Sometimes ‘Cherry’ doesn’t steer the best so I have to be a little cautious in the turns,” mentioned Deslauriers. “She’s a little quicker when I can gallop and leave out the strides – so this jump-off course was not as ideal for me. But she really jumped beautifully in both rounds, I’m very happy with today’s results.”
The Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the country’s biggest and most prestigious equestrian events, is ready to welcome top jumping competitors, equestrian enthusiasts and A-list celebrities back to its pristine 60-acre showgrounds in Bridgehampton, NY, for its 43rd annual event, August 26 – September 2.
A highlighted event on both the equestrian competition and Hamptons social calendars, the Hampton Classic is the place to see and be seen. The world-class event showcases more than 1,600 horses competing in 200 hunter, jumper and equitation classes in six show rings. The schedule features competition for horses and riders of all ages and abilities, ranging from children’s leadline classes all the way up to the grand prix show jumping with Olympic veterans that come from all across the U.S. and abroad. The Classic, which also hosts classes for riders with disabilities, offers four FEI (International Equestrian Federation ) classes, culminating in the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI4*!
“The Hampton Classic offers something for everyone,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the Classic’s Executive Director. “We feature the nation’s best horses and riders and a full array of attractions for every member of the family, whether fans of the sport of not. We are so excited to welcome everyone back this year as we celebrate the Classic’s 43rd annual event.”