Bridgehampton, NY - September 1, 2004 - Junior rider Aimee Aron of Keswick, VA, topped a field of veterans to drive away a winner in the $10,000 Jaguar Open Jumper Competition on Wednesday, September 1, at the 29th Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.

15-year-old Aron beat out 2004 Olympic Team Silver Medallist Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, who is competing for the first time since returning home from Athens, and 1992 Olympic Individual Bronze Medallist Norman Dello Joio of Wellington, FL, for the win.

"My trainer, Laura Kraut, told me to go in and be confident," said Aron, who gained international experience this summer by competing in Europe. "My horse is a real sweetheart, she is very easy to ride."

Aboard Corofina, a nine-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Kinloch Enterprises, Aron jumped fault-free in a time of 64.80 seconds to beat Madden, who clocked in at 66.64 seconds aboard Iron Spring Farm's 15-year-old stallion, Judgement, by almost two full seconds. Dello Joio finished another three seconds behind Madden, stopping the timers at 69.98 seconds with Peace Train, owned by Raining Stone Farm. Dello Joio won Tuesday's $5,000 Sentient Jet Open Jumper competition with Sincere.

Each year the Hampton Classic Horse Show attracts more than 50,000 spectators and celebrities to watch the country's best horses and riders compete. One of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, the Hampton Classic boasts jam-packed social events and equestrian competitions from August 29 to September 5, culminating with the $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix. Featured events on Thursday, September 2, include the first round of the $10,000 Calvin Klein Jeans Equitation Championship, the $5,000 Junior Jumper Classic and the $5,000 Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. With boutiques, on-site restaurants and a wide variety of displays and activities, there is fun for the whole family.

The Hampton Classic is held for the benefit of the Southampton Hospital, who will be offering free cholesterol and glucose screenings at their on-site booth tomorrow between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission is $10 per person or $20 per carload, with children under six admitted free. Reserved grandstand seating for Sunday, September 5, is $15 per person (in addition to regular admission) or $25 per person in the special Premium Seating center sections. Parking is free throughout the week. Hampton Classic proceeds benefit Southampton Hospital.

For more information on Manhattan Mortgage Company's Opening Day and the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.