Bridgehampton, NY – September 5, 2004 — Wilhelm Genn of Cincinnati, OH, rode away the winner of the $30,000 Greenbrier Seven-Year-Old Young Horse Championships – Eastern Finals at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, on Sunday, September 5.

Following two rounds of preliminary competition, 15 horses qualified to move forward to Sunday’s Final, held in the Grand Prix ring. From there, only three horses mastered the first-round course to return for the jump-off.

“The course was very nice for the age group, challenging as it should be,” noted Genn of the course designed by Conrad Homfeld that included an open water jump as well as a triple combination. “It was careful more than scopey.”

First to challenge, Robert Kraut had 12 faults riding Providence, an American-bred gelding by Olisco owned by breeder Peter Wetherill, to eventually finish in third place. Next in, Robin Sweely guided Tinka’s Lad, an Anglo-European gelding by Tinka’s Boy, to a clear round in a time of 42.47 seconds. The final rider back for the jump-off, Genn was clear in a time of 40.76 seconds to secure victory.

Genn purchased Le Argento as a four-year-old in Germany before selling him a year later to current owners, Harry and Cary van Wormer of Vero Beach, FL. When asked what attracted him to the Oldenburg gelding by Levantos and out of an Argentinus mare, Genn replied, “Everything! His temperament, his athletic ability, and he jumps in a beautiful style.”

As well as winning the $30,000 Greenbrier Seven-Year-Old Young Horse Championships, Genn also placed sixth riding Ariado, his Holsteiner gelding by Ariadus out of a Capitol I mare.

Genn has been excelling in the Young Horse Championships – Eastern Finals at the Hampton Classic, placing second in the $20,000 Five-Year-Old Young Horse division riding Lauren Barnaclo’s Chantal, a Holsteiner gelding by Calido, and also enjoying a top three finish in the $30,000 Six-Year-Old Young Horse Championships riding Happy Z, his Zangersheide gelding by High Valley Z.

“All of these horses I imported from Germany and all of them I own or did own at one time,” explained Genn. “I would like to give a special thanks to all of the owners who deserve recognition.”

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, ending with Sunday’s $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix. Boutiques, on-site restaurants and a wide variety of displays and activities accentuate the Hampton Classic ‘experience’.

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. Hampton Classic proceeds benefit Southampton Hospital. For the first time, live coverage of the 2004 Hampton Classic Horse Show can be viewed on-line at www.wvvh.tv

The $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix will also be broadcast on Fox Sports New York at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 25.