Maggie McAlary Stands on Top Following the First Phase of The Wolffer Estate Equitation Championship At 31st Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show
Bridgehampton, NY—August 31, 2006—Maggie McAlary of Amherst, NH, heads the list following the first phase of the $10,000 Wolffer Estate Equitation Championship at the 31st Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show. Julie Welles of West Simsbury, CT, stands second and Brianne Goutal of New York, NY, is third.
McAlary already won Section “B” of the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search on Tuesday, but she will have her work cut out for her in the Equitation Championship. According to Leo Conroy of Colts Neck, NJ, who along with Jimmy Torano of Fort Lauderdale, NJ is one of the judges for the class, any one of the top ten can take top honors in the Final Phase on Saturday.
“I thought the top three today were absolutely outstanding and while any of the top ten could win on Saturday, the top three really showed themselves to be the best today,” said Conroy. “What sets this class apart from other equitation classes is that these kids get to ride it in a big Grand Prix field. It adds a dimension that helps set apart the best riders.”
Conroy is a long time horse trainer, instructor and judge. Additionally, Conroy is on the Board of Directors for the National Horse Show. Torano is a veteran grand prix rider and owner of JET Show Stables, which has produced several grand prix jumpers throughout the years.
The Wolffer Estate Equitation Championship encourages younger riders to compete on jumpers by today’s international standards. The competition is held over two rounds, two different courses and on two separate days.
Riders are judged and awarded a numerical score based on their use of aids, position, analysis of course, and eye for an appropriate jumping distance. The rider must solve the problems that the varied tests in the courses present in order to effectively control the horse and produce a competitive and stylish performance. Jumping faults and time penalties incurred are deducted from the judges’ score in each round. Emphasis is placed on riding style, along with riders’ ability to negotiate natural obstacles in the tight time allowed and still produce a clean round, which is necessary for winning a jumping competition.
The top ten in the Wolffer Estate Equitation Championship that move on to Saturday’s Final Phase are as follows:
Maggie McAlary
Julie Welles
Brianne Goutal
Nikko Ritter
Jack “Hardin” Towell
Carolyn Curcio
Kate Salzman
Kelsey Rae Calabro
Sloane Coles
Zazou Hoffman
The Hampton Classic runs through Sunday, September 3. Admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under 6 admitted free, and children under 12 are free on Cablevision’s Kids Day on Saturday. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 3 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.
Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to enjoy the show on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, is broadcasting up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.
Additionally, WCBS-TV/CBS 2 New York, the official New York television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast a special one-hour program of Hampton Classic highlights on Saturday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. The special will feature action from the frontlines, behind the scenes, and colorful social events connected with the Classic.
The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Saturday and Sunday, September 2-3.
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