Mark Bluman Back on Top in the $32,000 Wölffer Estate Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*

By Jumper News on 2026-08-29

Bridgehampton, United States – August 28, 2026 – World #21 Mark Bluman (ISR) returned to the Hampton Classic winner’s circle on Friday, piloting S&L Eyes 4U through the timers in 32.23 seconds to claim top honors in the $32,000 Wölffer Estate Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*.

Celebrating 51 years of world-class equestrian competition in Bridgehampton, NY, the Hampton Classic features FEI CSI 5* and CSI 2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter competitions with more than $1 million in prize money, August 23-30.

Friday’s $32,000 Wölffer Estate Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2* saw 93 horse-and-rider combinations representing 12 countries present over the 16-effort, 1.45m course designed by Nick Granat (CAN). Although 24 went clear over the initial round, 11 advanced to the jump-off in Winning Round format. Israel’s Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Gemma W elected not to return.

Mark Bluman (ISR) and S&L Farms’ 8-year-old Selle Français mare sliced their way across the shortened track to put over a second between them and their fellow competitors, stopping the clock on the winning time of 32.23 seconds.

**Kent Farrington** (USA) & **Nikki Angel**

World #1 Kent Farrington (USA) earned second with a time of 33.44 seconds aboard Nikki Angel, his and Robinson Ridge’s 8-year-old Anglo-European mare.

**Amanda Derbyshire** (GBR) & **Cornwall BH**

Third went to Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) for her 33.75-second time aboard Cornwall BH, her and Gochman Sport Horse’s 18-year-old Holsteiner gelding.

“I think I had basically the same plan as Kent (Farrington), just my second-to-last fence was a bit smoother than his,” Bluman said. “I think he didn’t find the forward distance, but I did, and I was able to continue going a little bit faster toward the last fence. It worked out today.

“This mare belongs to Sam and Libby Edelman,” he continued. “She’s only 8, and she’s been great. I started riding her at the beginning of this year, and we’re producing her slowly. She’s actually won a couple of these ranking classes already, and she’s going phenomenally. She’s still young, so to end this weekend on such a high note is a good thing. I’ll ride my other 2* horse, S&L Hello Sunshine, on Sunday.”

Bluman now leads the $10,000 Longines Rider Challenge for the 2* division with 150 points. Ariana Marnell (USA) and Derbyshire are tied for second with 135 points. The $30,000 Longines Rider Challenges will be awarded as two separate bonuses for the FEI 5* and 2* divisions following the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix and $70,000 Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix on Sunday.