Bridgehampton, NY - September 4, 2004 - Jeffrey Welles of Pound Stone, NY, proved to be tough as nails, winning the $25,000 Sally Hanson Grand Prix in a two-horse jump-off at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.

The featured event on Saturday, September 4, the $25,000 Sally Hansen Grand Prix took its toll on the world's best, with only two of the 41-horse starting field able to master the challenging test set by course designer Conrad Homfeld.

The 11th rider on course, Clare Bronfman of New Hope, PA, posted a clear round riding Katerina, her 13-year-old Swiss mare, then waiting patiently for someone else to do the same, ensuring a jump-off. The wait proved to be longer than expected as it took until Welles, the second last rider on course, to follow suit.

"It was interesting, in a field that big you have an expectation that there will be a jump-off," noted Bronfman. "Conrad built a very technical course that took a lot of precision, and the time allowed was a factor, but I thought it was quite enjoyable."

Coming back for the jump-off, Bronfman set the challenge, again jumping clear and clocking in with what appeared to be a very efficient time at 40.13 seconds. Welles, the winner of the class in 2000 and 2001, was not to be outdone, repeating his perfect first round effort and shaving almost two full seconds off Bronfman's time to stop the timers at 39.10 seconds.

"You needed a careful horse, the combinations were tricky, and it was an advantage to have already ridden the course with my other horses," noted Welles, who also rode Medici M, and Penelope with whom he placed 12th. "It was also difficult to complete the first round and then immediately go back in for the jump-off, my horse was really huffing and puffing, but he is really fit so that was a big help."

Welles was aboard Octavius, an eight-year-old black Dutch Warmblood stallion by Jumbo Jet. Welles has been riding the horse, owned by International Show Jumpers LLC, for the past year and a half.

Despite being the runner-up, Bronfman was happy with her result, which marked her first top-three Grand Prix finish at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

"Here's the thing - if you look down the list of rider's competing and you pick the fastest rider, it is Jeffrey," laughed Bronfman, 25. "You just go in there and do your best and enjoy it. When there are only two of you, you want to be clear and competitive. I have a fast mare, and I know I can be quick no matter what. I haven't made it to that many Grand Prix jump-offs in my career, so I went in and jumped the jumps and really enjoyed it."

Christine Tribble of East Windsor, CT, narrowly missed qualifying for the jump-off when she exceeded the 87 second time allowed to incur one time fault riding Laddidor. McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, posted the fastest four fault round riding Goldika for Double H Farm while Norman Dello Joio of Wellington, FL, placed fifth after having the Sally Hansen signature fence down to incur four faults riding Quriel.

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, and culminates with Sunday's $150,000 Prudential Financial Grand Prix. With boutiques, on-site restaurants and a wide variety of displays and activities, there is fun for the whole family.

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 the first time, live coverage of the 2004 Hampton Classic Horse Show can be viewed on-line at www.wvvh.tv

For more information on the Hampton Classic, please visit http://www.hamptonclassic.com/ or call (631) 537-3177.