Dan's Papers - August 24, 2007 - Hampton Classic Announces FTI Consulting as Title Sponsor for 2007 Grand Prix

FTI Consulting, the new sponsor of the $150,000 FTI Grand Prix, leads a host of new and returning sponsors that have lined up to be part of the 2007 Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the nation's biggest and most respected equestrian competitions. The $150,000 FTI Grand Prix, the Classic's featured event, will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 2.

When the Hampton Classic returns, August 26 - September 2, it will celebrate its 32nd anniversary with more than 70 corporate sponsors drawn from virtually every sector of the business world - fashion, finance, luxury brands, publishing, real estate, and television. The Classic's impressive sponsorship roster includes such long-time supporters as Calvin Klein (1980), Jaguar (1997), Land Rover (1989), David Yurman (1996), Manhattan Mortgage Company (1996), Sotheby's International Realty (1999), and Wölffer Estate Vineyards (1991). FTI Consulting, sponsor of the $30,000 7- & 8-year-old Young Jumper Championship Finals at the Hampton Classic in 2006, is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value. FTI has been a key sponsor at other prominent equestrian events such as the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, where they were the sponsor of the $200,000 FTI Rider Challenge."We are so pleased that FTI Consulting and Dennis Shaughnessy, Chairman of the FTI Board, have returned to the Hampton Classic as our Grand Prix sponsor," stated Shanette Barth Cohen, Executive Director of the show. "This increased sponsorship is further evidence of FTI's leadership and commitment to the equestrian industry. This is indeed an important partnership not only to the Hampton Classic but to the sport in general. We are most appreciative of that commitment."

New & Returning Corporate Sponsors

Bluhammock Music, who has signed on to sponsor a 1.45 meter Open Jumper class on Thursday, August 30, is an independent music label based in New York City. Founded by an avid equestrian, the company's mission is to create honest, evocative music to enhance lifestyle experiences. Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, a returning sponsor, will become the title sponsor of the $15,000 Prudential Douglas Elliman Speed Derby on Friday, August 31.

"We are very proud of our loyal family of corporate sponsors," said Cohen. "The Hampton Classic would not have achieved its position of national prominence without them and we are so grateful when they return year after year. It is especially gratifying to have so many new companies join what was already an amazing roster. This year we are pleased to welcome the ASPCA, Fraser Yachts and Porsche to our sponsor family."

Sotheby's International Realty returns as title sponsor of the $25,000 Sotheby's International Realty Challenge on Saturday, September 1, and Wölffer Estate returns to sponsor the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship, an exciting two-phase competition for young riders, the final round of which is also held on Saturday.

Also returning to the Classic's family of sponsors is GREY GOOSE® Vodka, title sponsor of the $50,000 GREY GOOSE® which takes place at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 31 and sets the order for Sunday's $150,000 FTI Grand Prix.

Calvin Klein will be back to sponsor the $25,000 Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby, a member of event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, and Hermes of Paris will return to sponsor the $10,000 Hermes Hunter Classic. These two events will add to the excitement of Grand Prix Sunday, as they are both held in the morning preceding the premier event. Other returning sponsors include Antarés Saddles, Barbour, Champagne Louis Roederer, The Corcoran Group, Der-Dau, FENDI, Newsday, Nicolock, Pepsi, R-Squared Real Estate Partners, RV Sales of Broward and Walpole Woodworkers.