Press release from Hampton Classic, edited by World of Showjumping

At the Hampton Classic Horse Show, ten of the 43 horse-and-rider combinations representing 14 countries made it to the jump-off in Friday’s CSI5* $116,100 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix qualifier presented by Longines, which saw a challenging 16-effort, 1.60m course designed by Nick Granat during the initial round. Each entry seemed to get faster than the last until penultimate rider McLain Ward (USA) stepped into the ring with High Star Hero (Zazu x Darco), securing the win with a double-clear effort in 36.84 seconds. 

Celebrating 50 years of world-class equestrian competition in 2025, the Hampton Classic Horse Show takes place in Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, featuring CSI5* and CSI2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter competitions with more than $1 million in prize money. The highlight of the week is the CSI5* $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix, one of the world’s premier show jumping competitions, on Sunday, August 31.

Friday’s $116,100 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix Qualifier ultimately came down to the final four riders in the jump-off, with speed experts like Ward, Jessica Mendoza (GBR) on In The Air (Air Jordan x Indoctro) and Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz (Kannan x Cruising) and Jonathan Corrigan aboard Darius de Kerglenn (Mylord Carthago x Diamant de Semilly) closing out the class. Ward once again proved himself faster than the rest, piloting Michael and Wendy Smith’s 12-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding through the timers in 36.84 seconds. 

“It’s always nice to have the luxury of going at the end,” Ward said. “Shane’s horse is a very fast horse with a big stride. I know he’s setting up for Sunday and leaving a little in reserve, but Hero’s focus for this week was this qualifier so I was able to take some risks. We know each other very well, and we stuck to our plan today."

“I’m looking forward to this weekend,” he continued. “I’ll be riding Imperial HBF in the Grand Prix on Sunday. I think he’s possibly the best horse I’ve ever ridden. You need things to go your way in this sport, but we’ve set up well for it. It’s been a few years since I’ve won the Grand Prix, so I’m hoping for the best result.” 

Sweetnam landed in second place with his double-clear score of 37.51 seconds aboard James Kann Cruz, his and Gizmo Partners LLC’s 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. Third went to Corrigan, who stopped the clock in 38.39 seconds with Twin Oaks Ventures LLC’s 12-year-old Selle Français gelding Darius De Kerglenn. 

Mendoza earned fourth for her faultless time of 38.70 seconds aboard In The Air, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare she co-owns with Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Mellissa Skowlund and Pernilla Amman. Rounding out the top five was Spencer Smith (USA), who set the early time to beat (39.18 seconds) aboard Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s 14-year-old Holsteiner mare Cassina (San Patrignano Cassini x Caretino).

Ward has taken the lead with 248 points in the $20,000 Longines Rider Challenge for the CSI5* division, which will be awarded on Sunday after the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix. Mendoza has moved into second with 195 points, while Skylar Wireman (USA) holds third with 174 points.