Brianne Goutal-Marteau Tops the $30,000 Wellington Jumper Challenge at The Hampton Classic Horse Show

By Jumper News USA on August 25, 2025

Bridgehampton, New York – August 24, 2025 – Early spectators of the 50^th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show caught a glimpse of its world-class field of entries in the Grand Prix Ring on Opening Sunday, with 43 horse-and-rider combinations representing nine countries contesting the afternoon’s $30,000 The Wellington Jumper Challenge. Eleven returned to jump off for top honors in the winning-round format, with Brianne Goutal-Marteau (USA) and S&L Marlon VD Heffinck claiming the ultimate prize on a faultless score of 40.482 seconds.

Celebrating 50 years of world-class equestrian competition in 2025, the Hampton Classic Horse Show takes place in Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, featuring FEI CSI5* and CSI2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter competitions with more than $1 million in prize money. The highlight of the week is the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI 5*, one of the world’s premier show jumping competitions, on Sunday, August 31.

Sunday’s $30,000 The Wellington Jumper Challenge featured a 15-effort, 1.40m course designed by Nick Granat (USA), allowing many of the world’s top riders to set the tone for the rest of their week at the Hampton Classic. Of the ten who went double-clear, none proved better than Goutal-Marteau (USA), who was the last to return to the ring aboard S & L Farms’ 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion. The pair tripped the timers in 40.482 seconds, 1.4 seconds faster than second-place finisher Sam Walker (CAN).

“I have a horse who rode a bigger stride than Sam’s,” Goutal-Marteau said. “My horse was fast everywhere; I was able to take advantage of his big stride from jumps one to two to three. Our whole team is so excited to be here for the Classic’s 50^th anniversary. It’s just great to be back.”

Walker earned second for his 41.838-second time aboard Funny Star Semilly, Ilan Ferder’s 10-year-old Selle Français gelding. Rounding out the podium in 41.846 seconds was Uma O’Neill (NZL) aboard O’Neill Show Jumping’s 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Luigi d’Eclipse.