Dramatic Win: 45th Annual Hampton Classic
Grand Prix Horse Show

Chris Henchy and Brooke Shields at the 45th Annual Hampton Classic Grand Prix Horse Show

Each year the Hampton Classic Grand Prix Day is a most coveted ticket as it not only showcases the best equestrians it also is a last chance for the leaders in politics, business, fashion and philanthropy to reunite for an afternoon watching the best riders compete for the $300,000 Grand Prix prize. I have been covering this event for 20 years. This season, the riders and spectators clearly were delighted to be rejoined in an in person event.

The winner of the Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prize was Daniel Blum with a record time of 34.750 seconds. The two–time Olympian rode Gemma W, a Dutch mare owned by Blue Star Investments. With the Israeli anthem playing the well dressed affluent crowd watched Daniel Blum receive the $300,000 grand prix prize. The competition was not only seen in the ring but also amongst the ladies with their fancy hats and the table settings.

It was exciting to see actress Brooke Shields with her husband Chris Henchy. The 55 year old actress stood out in her bright yellow plunging neckline dress and matching sunglasses and Chris complimented her look by wearing a matching yellow pocket square with his grey sport coat. Cameras were flashing for Lorraine Bracco and her daughter Dr. Stella Keitel. We also saw a super trimmed down Aida Turturro who told me that she had lost the weight to fight type 2 diabetes, she said she lived “in denial” for a couple of years, not realizing the serious medical complications she was exposing herself to. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor dressed casually chic, with Ms. Taylor telling me that she recycles the same hat every year. Jean Shafiroff in a short fitted fuschia Oscar de la Renta and Kokin hat looked elegant and chic. Sailor Brinkley Cook looked relaxed at the Love Shacky Fancy Table in her long white prarie dress which was very much the trend of 2021.

Interestingly enough Rebecca Hessel’s Love Shack Fancy table won The Hampton Cottages and Gardens won for best decorated table. I spoke with Missy Flowers who is responsible for all of the flowers in the Love Shack Fancy stores as well as at the Classic. It is fascinating to learn about how the essence of the brand is told through the color and selection of the flowers that are done in an undone type of way. The first place winner ‘best in show’ table also featured pink fans and floral-flavored pink delicacies from Carissa’s the Bakery.

Sad to see the season end but happy that the management despite the hurricane was able to persevere and pivot to make the show continue. Kudos to Shanette Cohen, and the Hampton Classic team!

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, visit the Hampton Classic website at hamptonclassic.com.

Photography Katlean de Monchy

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