Bridgehampton, NY – August 31, 2004 — Norman Dello Joio flew to the finish in the $5,000 Sentient Jet Open Jumper competition on Tuesday, August 31, at the 29th Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.

Dello Joio of Wellington, FL, bested a field of 38 entries to take top prize riding Sincere, an 11-year-old bay gelding owned by Ron and Cheryl Krice. Only the second rider to challenge the test set by course designer Conrad Homfeld, the 1992 Olympic Individual Bronze Medalist put in a clear round in a time of 66.64 seconds that no one could beat. The closest challenger was Ramiro Quintana of Argentina, who clocked in at 68.34 seconds riding Turnabout Farm’s Labelle. Incredibly, the Hampton Classic marks only the second time that Dello Joio has ridden Sincere in competition.

“I was going second in the class, so my strategy was to be smooth and clear and get the people who followed to chase me,” noted Dello Joio. “He’s a very good-natured horse, and a real competitive horse. It will take a little time for him to get to know my moves and for me to get to know his, but he has a good foundation so it is not difficult for me to take him from here.”

Long Island competitor James Benedetto of Northport, NY, took third place riding Midnight while Candice King of Wellington, FL, was fourth with the eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Tarco, owned by Joan and Ernie Kalman. Joe Fargis of Southampton, NY, rounded out the top five riding Hurricane. Fargis got his week off to a good start, winning the first jumper class of this year’s Hampton Classic, the $20,000 David Yurman Time Challenge, on Manhattan Mortgage Company’s Opening Day on Sunday, August 29.

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 that run from August 29 through September 5, culminating with the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix. Featured events on Wednesday, September 1 include the opening rounds of competition in the 5 and 6-Year-Old East Coast Young Jumper Championships as well as the beauty and elegance of numerous hunter competitions. 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 Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.