Bridgehampton, NY—September 3, 2005—Aaron Vale of Aiken, SC, won the $25,000 Fendi Cup at the 30th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show on Saturday. Vale prevailed over a field of 40 aboard Jumex Sport Luigi, owned by Millstream Inc. This was the first Grand Prix win at the Classic for Vale and he gave the credit to fences named after two Hampton Classic sponsors, Fendi and Sotheby ’s.

"We had a really good turn going in and out of the Fendi fence (fence #11), said Vale. "We also had a good gallop to the Sotheby’s vertical (fence #15). I think that’s really what gave me the win."

Although this was the first grand prix win at the Classic, Vale is known as one of the "winningest grand prix riders" and with good reason. The Fendi Cup marked his 20th grand prix victory in 2005, extending the record that he already held.

"You always have a goal to do well," said Vale. "But it’s a nice place to get a 20th win. It’s super."

Vale and Luigi had to work for that win. By the time they entered the ring five out of the 11 riders that made the jump-off already had clear rounds.

McLain Ward and Lariso had just snatched the lead in a time of 41.36 seconds and they looked unbeatable.

Vale came next and was able to shave a few seconds off to mark a winning round time of 39.79. According to Vale, it took more than speed to take over the top spot.

"I had a really experienced horse," said Vale about the 14-year-old gelding. "He is not my fastest, but he anticipates the right direction and sometimes that makes the difference."

One of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions, the Hampton Classic features the sport’s biggest names competing for more than $450,000 prize money. The show culminates with Grand Prix Sunday, featuring the $100,000 Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix and the $25,000 Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby. Grand Prix Sunday also features a dressage demonstration by six-time Olympic dressage rider Robert Dover, the most accomplished dressage rider in U.S. history!

Awards presentations take place on Sunday, including a gold and silver David Yurman belt buckle and a jeroboam of Louis Roederer Champagne to be awarded to the Grand Prix winner.

Hampton Classic admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under six admitted free. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 4 is $15 per person (in addition to regular admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free.

The Hampton Classic is a benefit event for Southampton Hospital.

Some Hampton Classic classes can be seen live online at www.wvvh.tv.

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