Long Island’s Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the most popular and well-attended U.S. equestrian competitions, is joining Devon, the World Cup finals and the Kentucky 5-star in the ranks of shows cancelled due to Covid-19.
The Labor Day weekend fixture, postponed until Aug. 29 – Sept. 5, 2021, is known as much for drawing celebrities to its VIP tent as it is for attracting stellar show jumpers, hunters and equitation riders. Just as Devon is a highlight of the spring, the Classic marks the waning days of the summer show season in style with the action involving six rings on 60 acres. It has been a “can’t miss” for competitors and spectators over the last 44 years.
Hampton Classic perennial winner McLain Ward is always a crowd favorite at the show. (Photo © by Lawrence J. Nagy)
“It is difficult to express how disappointing this is for everyone,” said Shanette Cohen, the show’s executive director.
“However, given the current situation and the uncertainty that lies ahead, our Board reached the conclusion that there really is no other option.
“Naturally, the safety and well-being of our exhibitors, and everyone involved with the Classic, takes first priority and the Board is unanimous in its belief that the wisest course of action is to put all our efforts and resources into ensuring that the Classic is able to return next year at the same high standard that everyone expects.”
Around the world, high-end shows like the Classic one by one have been postponed into 2021. Internationally, travel restrictions have made such major fixtures as Germany’s Aachen unable to proceed. But even domestic shows like the Classic that attract large numbers of spectators, have expansive (and expensive) VIP arrangements, offer a large vendor village (the Classic has 70 vendors) and are supported by major sponsors can’t proceed under Covid-related restrictions.
Social distancing makes selling sufficient seats to help pay for the shows impossible, and it can’t be effected in VIP areas that usually are jammed to begin with. Unfortunately, the Classic likely isn’t the last major show to cancel its 2020 edition, though there aren’t many in that category left that could run this year.