Colombian-born rider Daniel Bluman strode home with the top prize of $300,000 on Sunday after winning the Grand Prix jumping competition at conclusion of the week-long Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton.
It was the third time during the competition that the two-time Olympian led the victory gallop around the spectacular grand prix field, as he topped the list of 31 starters. When Bluman entered the ring riding for Israel with his mount Ladriano Z, he jumped a clean round in a time of 46.09 seconds and the crowd went wild.
“When I walked the course I honestly thought there were going to be a few more clean rounds,” said Bluman told reporters afterward. “I don’t think there was any place where the horses really had to struggle. It played out the perfect way, only three in the jump-off, which is beautiful because you get to go in knowing you already have a nice piece of the pie.”
The 42nd Hampton Classic, a world-class event that hosts hundreds of top riders and horses from all over the nation and world, is one of the most spectacular equestrian events in the nation and showcases the highest levels of hunter-jumper competition.
It featured more than 200 classes in six beautifully manicured show rings; a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors for shopping, and a wide selection of dining options on the world-class 60-acre showground.
