Real Estate Players Splash Out for Hampton Classic

The Hampton Classic Horse Show may be one of the premier equestrian competitions of the year, but some of the biggest names in real estate took center stage this weekend.

The Classic, based in Bridgehampton, has been the area’s banner event for Labor Day weekend since the 1970s. Marking the end of the high season in the Hamptons, the event plays host to high society and companies willing to splash out to court VIPs. This year, the show kicked off on Sunday, Aug. 25, and ran through the following Sunday, Sept. 1, culminating in the $400,000 Longines Grand Prix.

Real Estate Players Splash Out for Hampton Classic — Enzo Morabito is with his wife Cathy (Photo by Richard Lewin)

Spectators spent the week roaming the grounds off Snake Hollow Road, dotted with stalls selling luxury antiques, designer dog collars, riding boots, and art. Hermès sold belts and bracelets out of its stall in the Boutique Garden, and across the way Citarella hocked kits of prepacked caviar and blinis.

The event attracts scions of America’s wealthiest families, both as competitors and spectators. Billionaire Barry Sternlicht’s daughter Adrienne Sternlicht rode in the Classic this year, as did Michael Bloomberg’s daughter Georgina Bloomberg. Bill Gates’ daughter Jennifer Gates watched ringside as her husband Nayel Nassar competed. Jennifer, herself a competitive equestrian, sat out this Classic as she announced in June she is expecting their second child.

With the possibility of bumping shoulders with deep pockets, the Classic has become a stomping ground for agents and brokerage executives, whose firms take out costly corporate sponsorships and buy ringside VIP tables starting at $35,000 a pop. That price doesn’t include catering, the crucial supply of rosé or a tablescape designer.

Table decor at the final day of the Classic is a competition unto itself, with VIP table holders dropping thousands to outfit them with floral arrangements, linens, glassware and dishes. Compass opted for white anemones in black vases, with managing director Joe Fuer and agents Matt Breitenbach and Chris Ritchey floating around the table.

Sotheby’s International Realty displayed blue and white hydrangeas with top New York City agent Nikki Field and the firm’s CEO Philip White in attendance. Hamptons powerhouse Susan Breitenbach held down the Corcoran table, which sported colorful florals and ice buckets full of Wolffer Estate rosé.

The Agency opted out of sponsoring the Classic this year, after launching its first franchise in the Hamptons last summer with a pricey spread at the competition that included a $120,000 title sponsorship and private chalet. But top Hamptons agent and franchise co-founder Dana Trotter placed third in the $5,000 Amateur Jumper Classic on Saturday.

Douglas Elliman decked out its four tables with calla lily bouquets, gold cutlery and branded canvas totes as goody bags for its attendees. The firm’s tables were revolving doors of its top agents, including Enzo Morabito, Noble Black and Frances Katzen. Elliman’s top agent in the equestrian village of Wellington, Maria Mendelsohn, competed with her horse, Gerben, in two of the jumping events.

Susan de França, CEO of the firm’s new development marketing arm, attended the Classic on Friday for the $70,000 Elliman-sponsored Grand Prix qualifier. Todd Bourgard, the head of the firm’s Hamptons operation, crowned six-time Olympian McLain Ward and his horse High Star Hero the winner.

Chairman Howard Lorber and his son, agent Michael Lorber, appeared for the final Sunday of the Classic.

Fashion at the show’s last day rivals that of the Kentucky Derby, with some attendees decked out in floral and feather fascinators. For ladies, Hermès Oran sandals and Zimmermann dresses were ubiquitous, while men strolled the VIP tents in polos, sport coats, white pants and designer loafers. A cloud of expensive cologne and perfume permeated the fresh air.

Ultimately, German rider Rene Dittmer and his steed, Corsica, took home first place in the $400,000 Longines Grand Prix, followed by Americans Mimi Gochman and Alex Matz.