Jess Mendoza soars to victory in the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix
Wednesday 03 September 2025
Jess Mendoza marked her first five-star win in spectacular style in the Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix in Bridgehampton, New York, with In The Air.
“It’s a pretty amazing win,” said Jess. “This is one of the best and biggest shows in America. It’s truly amazing to be here and to win the Grand Prix. It’s always fun to go into the jump-off with the top three; you don’t have much to lose. I knew there was a bit of room where Shane could catch me, but my mare was perfect across the ground. She’s an incredible horse and had an incredible summer. She really found herself this year.”
Thirty-nine competitors representing 14 countries faced Nick Granat’s highly technical course featuring 17 jumping efforts at 1.60m, and it proved quite the challenge. Only three achieved their initial goal.
“I knew today was going to be very difficult, and with the seated order based off Friday’s qualifier, that we had to wait for a clear round,” Granat said. “I was really pleased with the class and the jump-off. There is always pressure to have some clears; everyone wants to see a jump-off. I was happy we were able to give them one.”
First off, The USA’s Kristen Vanderveen took a risk to set the target but the final fence fell for Bull Run’s Jireh, leaving the door open. In fighting form having finished fourth in the qualifying round to join the elite in this Grand Prix, Jess immediately followed up with a double clear on the 12-year-old Air Jordan x Indoctro mare, owned jointly with Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Melissa Skowland and Permilla Amman, also beating the time by 0.71 seconds.
Last to go Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam slotted James Kann Cruz into second place, 0.56 seconds adrift.
“She came back jumping incredible since returning from the European Championships and jumping the shows she did,” said Jess, who was British individual. “She’s really stepped up a lot this year and it feels like every class she goes in now she’s really found herself, her scope and her ability; she trusts herself and I trust her. There’s nothing better than entering a jump-off knowing that I can have a good go at it on her and she’s right there with me.”
The prizes for Jess didn’t stop there: along with the winner’s share of the $400,000, Jess received a Longines timepiece and wine from the Wolffer Estate. The victory also secured the Longines 5* Rider Challenge and a $20,000 bonus and a second Longines timepiece.
“It’s been a spectacular week for me and for my owners whose kids train with me and they all own shares of In The Air – we call it ‘The Mom’s Club’ and it is great to have owners supporting me and the horses like her,” added Jess.
Ben Maher claims a winning double at the Brussels Stephex Masters
Ben Maher doubled up in the 5* 1.50m classes with Ginger-Blue at the Brussels Stephex Masters in Belgium.
The pair notched up their first win in the early Equihome Grand Prix qualifier against 57 rivals over a 13-fence, 15-effort speed track designed by Gregory Bodo. Ben used his late round to skilfully guide Jane Forbes Clark’s Plot Blue x Royal Bravour mare into a 1.88 second win.
“I’ve had an incredible partnership with her since she was a seven-year-old. She’s unbelievably fast and loves this arena, which is exactly why I chose her for this class,” said Ben.
Forty-eight hours later, the pair were top of the podium again as 11 from a start list of 51 posted initial clears over the technical, demanding 13-fence 1.50m course to qualify for a tense jump-off. Ben and the 14-year-old Ginger-Blue were again unbeatable, securing the top of the podium from third draw by 0.29 seconds.
“Ginger-Blue loves the Brussels Stephex Masters. She really enjoys the incredible crowd. She doesn’t have the biggest stride, and to the last fence I came on a slightly long distance. But she took it brilliantly and brought me another fantastic victory,” said Ben.
Harry Charles rounded out the podium in the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi in third place with Sherlock.
Forty-nine riders tackled the 14-fence, 17 effort 1.60m track with the best 12 from round one returning for the second. Five remained clear after both rounds to stay in contention in the jump-off, but it was current Under 15 Number 1 Nina Mallevaey (FRA) who proved the quickest on Dynastie De Beaufour. Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet slipped Bond Jamesbond De Hay into second 0.96 seconds adrift and Harry was a further second out for third on the Bisquet Balou C 12-year-old Sherlock.
Harry was delighted with his third place: “This was top-level sport at its very best. Gregory Bodo’s delicate and fair courses challenged us in the right way, and that brought out the finest in the horses, the riders, and the sport. I wouldn’t know what I could have done better, and I must admit defeat to Nina and Gregory.”
Pollyanna Gredley picked up an early win in the 50-strong 2* 1.30m two-phase on the Kannan 13-year-old Katoki with a 0.67 second advantage over fellow Brit Noora von Bulow in second on Billy Utah.
Image: Monarch Creative
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