Press release from Hampton Classic Horse Show

Ireland’s Jonathan Corrigan set an early time to beat in the jump-off of Friday’s $37,000 Wölffer Estate CSI2* Grand Prix Qualifier at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, riding Maya Nayyar LLC’s Nadal VD Wateringhoeve (Bisquet Balou vd Mispelaere x Breemeersen Adorado), a 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, to a fault-free time of 37.970 seconds. Great Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire wouldn’t let him hold the lead for long, though. She and Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Wonder If (Cevin Z x Bolivar) sliced and diced their way to shaving over half a second off that time, stopping the clock in 37.350 seconds to win the class. 

The Hampton Classic, August 28-September 4, is one of the world’s most prestigious horse shows, offering more than $1 million in prize money during a full schedule featuring competitors at every level from young children in leadline to Olympic, World, and World Cup Champions. The Classic also has competitions for riders with disabilities. 

“I’ve had ‘Juicy’ since the start of Florida this year,” Derbyshire said of the 10-year-old Anglo-European mare. “She’s the most awesome horse. She’s literally a big pony with a really big heart. She’s been nothing but perfect since we got her and is the nicest, friendliest horse. Every time you go into the ring, you know she’s going to try for you, and it’s such a good feeling to have. Even though she’s little and doesn’t have the biggest stride, she makes up for it by being really fast and economical over the jumps.”

Fifty-seven entries representing 11 countries tackled Alan Wade’s (IRL) 15-effort, 1.45m course for the $37,000 Wölffer Estate CSI2* Grand Prix Qualifier. The LONGINES combination (#6AB) proved to be the most influential in the initial round, with just 14 competitors navigating everything successfully to move on to the jump-off. 

“I thought the course was beautiful,” Derbyshire said. “I thought there was just the right amount of clears after the first round, and the jump-off was great with a lot of rollbacks and a few gallops. It certainly worked out well for me. The owner, Becky, was also here to watch today, and it’s just amazing. She’s my biggest supporter, and I will always be grateful to her.” 

Venezuela’s Luis Larrazabal was the only other rider to beat Corrigan’s time, piloting his 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Sligo Balou Boy (Balou du Rouet x Caletto I) through the timers in 37.660 seconds for a second-place finish. Corrigan and Nadal VD Wateringhoeve ultimately landed in third. 

This win puts Derbyshire at the top of the leaderboard in the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge with a total of 198 points. McLain Ward (USA) sits in second place with 160 points, while Corrigan has moved into third with 130 points. The Challenge, which awards $30,000 and a LONGINES watch to the winner, will be awarded Sunday following the $410,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix.