Jazz Johnson Merton of Oldwick, NJ, and Ahaveros took top honors in the $10,000 Strong's Marine Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at the 41st annual Hampton Classic Horse Show. "It's great, really fun. I'm very happy. I have a great time every time I come here," said Johnson Merton. "He's such a good boy, he really takes care of me. This was a bit of a step up for him, but he did really well. The courses were pretty big and technical. He is such a winner. Honestly, he covers up my mistakes. He likes to win." The pair also won the $2,500 Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Class on Opening Day of the Classic, which gave them enough points to earn the Low Amateur-Owner Championship and the Firefly Trophy. Christophe de Menil, a founder of the horse show in whose honor the trophy was established, was on hand for the presentation with Judy Richter and Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen. Lauren Fischer, 18, of Bedford Hills, NY, and Norton De La Sapaie took the blue ribbon in the $10,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic and the tricolor in the Low Junior Jumper division. "The course today was a bit technical, and the jump-off was a tough track too," said Fischer. "But I have a really good horse. We've had a really good partnership together so I knew what to do with him." Fischer has had the 16-year-old Selle Francais for five years and appreciates their latest victory. "The win at the Classic is a really nice reward for all your hard work and effort and I have had my horse for a long time, so it's really gratifying when it all works out. He's my best friend and will be forever. He makes me so happy."
