Hampton Classic Co-founder Anne Aspinall Dies

Anne Aspinall, one of the founders of the Hampton Classic Horse Show and a long-time board member of the annual event in Bridgehampton, died Thursday morning following a long battle with cancer.

Aspinall was one of the most respected hunter-jumper trainers on Long Island, according to Hampton Classic officials. She was also a leading figure at the Topping Riding Club in Sagaponack and produced countless champions. She received the Hampton Classic’s inaugural Long Island Sportsmanship Award in 2007 for her exemplary sportsmanship and more than 35 years of service to the Long Island Hunter-Jumper industry.

"Everyone associated with Hampton Classic is deeply saddened at the loss of this key member of our family," said Dennis Suskind, the president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors. "Anne was one of the original founders of the Classic back in 1976 and she served on our board and executive committee ever since. Our sport, and anyone who has ever enjoyed even a single day of the Classic over these last 36 years, owes Anne a tremendous debt of gratitude. She will be missed greatly."

Aspinall is survived by her sister, Emily, the vice president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring at Topping Riding Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Aspinall’s memory may be made to Peconic Land Trust, P.O. Box 1776, Southampton, NY 11969 orFighting Chance, Free Cancer Counseling Center, P.O. Box 1358, Sag Harbor, NY 11963. Donations can also be made online to Peconic Land Trust or Fighting Chance.