The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day (generally referred to as "The Classic") is a unique day-long event featuring a myriad of family-focused activities including a USEF/FEI-sanctioned equestrian event featuring Olympic-caliber athletes competing for $125,000 in prize money, a concert featuring top pop touring acts from around the world and a large-scale carnival atmosphere including rides, sports experiences, hands-on art activities, musical and dance entertainment, car displays, food trucks and farm tours. Held annually since 1998 in New Albany, Ohio on the estate of Leslie Wexner and his wife Abigail Wexner, the event serves as the primary fundraiser for The Center for Family Safety and Healing, which seeks to break the cycle of family violence and provide support to victims of domestic abuse.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2015, The Classic has raised over $25 million for the Center for Family Safety and Healing thanks to over 200,000 guests and the work of 4,400 volunteers in its 18-year existence. The 2014 event alone hosted nearly 18,000 people and raised over $1.7 million.
Past winners of the New Albany Classic:
2015 - Conor Swail (riding Simba De La Roque)
2014 - Shane Sweetnam (riding Chaqui Z)
2013 - Kent Farrington (riding Blue Angel)
2012 - McLain Ward (riding Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve)
2011 - McLain Ward (riding Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve)
2010 - Kent Farrington (riding Up Chiqui)
2009 - Jeffery Welles (riding Armani)
2008 - Todd Minikus (riding Pavarotti)
2007 - Darragh Kerins (riding Night Train)
2006 - Laura Chapot (riding Little Big Man)
2005 - Beezie Madden (riding Authentic)
2004 - McLain Ward (riding Goldika)
2003 - Laura Kraut (riding Quickstar II Z)
2002 - Aaron Vale (riding Nonix Le Parc)
2001 - Lauren Hough (riding Windy City)
2000 - Kimberly Frey (riding Bergerac)
1999 - Ellen Talbert (riding Hi-Vain)
1998 - Todd Minikus (riding Oh Star)
Family Day concert headliners:
2015 - Timeflies, Dove Cameron, Before You Exit, RaeLynn, Skylar Stecker
2014 - Fifth Harmony, Jake Miller, AJR, and Sabrina Carpenter
2013 - Ariana Grande with Emblem3
2012 - Hot Chelle Rae with Conor Maynard
2011 - Big Time Rush with Greyson Chance and New Hollow
2010 - David Archuleta
2009 - Jordin Sparks and Mitchel Musso
2008 - Demi Lovato and Jordan Pruitt
2007 - The Jonas Brothers
2006 - T-Squad (known then as Truth Squad). with Milkshake.
2005 - Hi-5
