Michael Tokaruk and Lord Byron © Flashpoint Photography

HARRODSBURG, KY—November 3, 2007—Bob Bell, president of the Classic Company shared today that there has been tremendous growth in the Gulfport, MS area just in time for the upcoming Gulf Coast Winter Classics held at the Harrison County Equestrian Center in Gulfport beginning February 9th through March 16th 2008.

Many upgrades and changes along the entire Gulf Coast area were apparent to Bell from the moment he stepped off the plane. "It started at the airport," he began, "The reconstruction is almost complete and the airport is easily twice its previous size."

The biggest growth is in the hotel industry, Bob stated, "We traveled up the beach highway and saw all the new high-rise condos, most of which will be ready for the 2008 series." Also new is the billion dollar Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, which features a Ruth Chris Steak House. "The whole area is getting quite upscale." Bell commented. An exhibitor favorite, the Island View Casino and Hotel, has also just finished a multi-million dollar renovation that included the addition of a new restaurant, Emeril's.

Co-Chairs Bell and Janet McCarroll met with county officials while touring the beach line and the horse show grounds. "We are all set for this winter!" Bob exclaimed. McCarroll echoed his enthusiasm after seeing the grounds, "Perfect! Just perfect! The rings have never looked better."

The winter series will see changes and improvements in its schedule and prize money offerings for 2008. The Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers will see more cash up for grabs in both the Low and High divisions. The Lows will now have two classes at $500 each and the Classic prize will jump to $2,777. The High JR AOs will feature two classes at $1,500 each while its Classic will increase to $7,777. All figures playing off the "Lucky Sevens" theme Gulf Coast is famous for. Also gaining extra cash will be the Open Level 5 Jumpers, now at $750 per class, and the Open Level 6 Jumpers at $1,000 per class. Overall the jumpers will be eligible for nearly $6,000 more in prize money. Another incentive this season for the jumpers will be the lowering of the Welcome Stakes to a level 6 height thus allowing more to participate in the dash for bigger cash events. Bell stated of the change, "We have a strong junior contingency moving up the ranks and this will allow them the opportunity to grow as riders and compete with some of their favorite professionals. It gives them a taste of what they're all striving so hard to achieve. Not to mention it's the beginning of the show year and we have so many first-time Grand Prix horses making debuts."

And speaking of debuts, this year the Gulf Coast Winter Classics will play host to a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Style Derby class during week III. "This is going one of the most exciting classes of the entire series!", Bell said of the new venture. Another addition this season will be the warm-up classes for the Young Jumpers and perhaps the biggest news will be for the Pre-Green Hunter competitors, as prize money will now be offered in those divisions. "Each year this event's competition grows stronger so we want to reward the riders hard work, and what better way than to increase prize money," said Janet McCarroll said of the influx. Bell added: "We want our exhibitors to know WE ARE LISTENING to them. Throughout the new season they're going to see more changes and more fun coming into our events."

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is a five-week USEF AA Rated Hunter-Jumper event that showcases some the sport's finest equine athletes from across the nation. Spectators are invited to attend free of charge with competition running Wednesday through Sunday of each week beginning at 8AM until approx. 5PM, with the highlight being the Grand Prix events, which will begin at 2PM each Sunday afternoon.

To learn more about Gulf Coast Winter Classics please visit www.ClassicCompany.com or call the office at 843-768-5503. To book hotel or condo reservations please contact Connections at 800-262-9974.