Stephanie Danhakl Repeats Victory in the Hermès Hunter Classic at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Stephanie Danhakl and Enough Said. Above Photo credit: Shawn McMillen

Stephanie Danhakl gave it her best shot but couldn’t quite repeat her clean sweep of the top three places in the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic from 2018. She had to settle for first, second and sixth instead, in the final hunter competition at the 44th edition of the Hampton Classic horse show. 

Danhakl, originally from Pacific Palisades, CA, is currently finishing her PhD in Art History at Boston University. Following two challenging rounds, the final scores were incredibly close. Danhakl took first on Enough Said with a two-round score of 175, second on Golden Rule with 174 points and sixth on Quest with 170.50 points. Ella Bikoff and Cabrio took third with a two-round score of 173.75.

“I found the courses to be quite tough this year,” remarked Danhakl following the awards. “There was a bending line by the VIP tent which had uneven footing – it was up and downhill – and I kept losing count of my strides. I really had to rely on my horses and ride off my eye to get it right. Thankfully our strength is consistency, and the fact that I have been doing this for so long that I don’t really get nervous anymore. I put my complete trust in my team and my horses, and they always get it done. I’m so lucky and blessed to be able to keep showing them here at the Hampton Classic.”

The final Hunter Championship awards of the Hampton Classic were presented following the completion of the Hermès Classic.

Scott Stewart and Everwonder were Grand Hunter Champions. Stewart was named Leading Hunter Rider, receiving the Charlie Weaver Memorial Trophy. 

The Best Junior Rider on a Horse with accompanying Kathy Scholl Trophy was presented to Jordan Allan, and Best Junior Rider on a Pony went to Emma Hakim, who received the Horse Haven Trophy.

Elli Yeager was named Best Junior Equitation Rider. Trained by Missy Clark and John Brennan, she was awarded the “Gordon Wright Trophy,” sponsored by the friends of Gustav Leidlof. In winning one of the Classic’s subjective awards, Yeager was chosen by the judges rather than ranked by points won to receive the award.

The 44^th Hampton Classic featured over 200 classes in six beautifully manicured show rings. One of the most spectacular equestrian events in the nation showcasing the highest levels of hunter-jumper competition, the world-class event hosts hundreds of top riders and horses from all over the nation and world.

For complete horse show results and more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.