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Contact: Marty Bauman, 508-698-6810, info@classic-communications.com

Bridgehampton, NY- September 8, 2008 - Victoria Birdsall of Topsfield, MA won the SHALANNO Style of Riding Award at the 33rd annual Hampton Classic Horse Show. The SHALANNO Style of Riding Award is presented to the Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation as modeled by Olympic medalists Joe Fargis, Conrad Homfeld and George Morris. The award recipient must have the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman.

Birdsall was selected by the jumper judges at the Hampton Classic as well as by horse show personnel (jumper ring in-gate, steward, and announcer) who were in a position to observe the necessary sportsmanship qualities of the horse show's Junior Jumper riders and who have the knowledge of equitation riding necessary to make this judgment.

Birdsall placed second in the $20,000 Nicolock Time Challenge on Manhattan Mortgage's Opening Day aboard Jerremy, owned by Natalie Johnson. Birdsall was second behind Hillary Dobbs who dominated this year's Hampton Classic, winning the $200,000 FTI Cup and World Cup(TM) Qualifier as well as the horse show's VOX Rider Challenge and National and International Open Jumper Championships.

Birdsall has had a busy summer. In July, she won the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic two straight weeks at the Horse Shows by the Bay.

"The Hampton Classic is proud to reward riders who exemplify good sportsmanship and will continue to do so each year," said Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen. "Victoria Birdsall is a standout young lady and has earned the respect of riders and officials alike."

Full results and further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show are available at the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.