Anne Kursinski Rides to the Top of the Land Rover Open Jumper Stake at the 29th Annual Hampton Classic.

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y -- Anne Kursinski of Flemington, NJ, rode away the winner of the $5,000 Land Drover Open Jumper Stake on Thursday, September 2, at the 29th Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.

Not only was Kursinski the winner, she was also named the Open Jumper Champion for her consistent performances in the division riding Scott Hakim's Roxanna 112. Making her championship title even more impressive, Kursinski and the 10-year-old bay Hessen mare have only been partnered together one week, making their competitive debut at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

Kursinski, herself a 1988 and 1996 Olympic Team Silver Medallist, beat out three other Olympians on her way to victory. One of 15 riders from the original starting field of 60 to advance to the jump-off over the course set by course designer and 1984 Team Gold and Individual Silver Olympic Medallist Conrad Homfeld, Kursinski turned in a time of 31.78 seconds. Margie Engle of Wellington, FL, placed second in a time of 32.12 seconds riding the nine-year-old chestnut gelding, Narem, while McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, earned third riding Goldika, a 12-year-old bay mare, for Double H Farm, stopping the timers at 33.20 seconds. The Hampton Classic Horse Show marks Ward's first competition appearance since helping the United States Equestrian Team claim the Olympic Silver Medal last week in Athens, Greece.

Each year the Hampton Classic Horse Show attracts more than 50,000 spectators and celebrities to watch the country's best horses and riders compete. One of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, the Hampton Classic boasts jam-packed social events and equestrian competitions from August 29 to September 5, culminating with Sunday's $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix. Friday's featured events include the Show Jumping Derby Welcome Stake that acts as a qualifier for Sunday's $25,000 Calvin Klein Jeans Show Jumping Derby while the $30,000 Adequan(R) Grand Prix Qualifier, also a World Cup Qualifier, will determine the top thirty horse-rider combinations that advance to Sunday's $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix. Other highlights include the Washington International Equitation Jumper phase, the U.S. Equestrian Pony Medal, and the NHSAA/ASPCA Maclay.

With boutiques, on-site restaurants and a wide variety of displays and activities, there is fun for the whole family. Admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under six admitted free. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 5, is $15 per person (in addition to regular admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free throughout the week. Hampton Classic proceeds benefit Southampton Hospital. For more information on the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call [phone].