First indoor XC pulls in the stars

Britain’s top eventers have been invited to partake in the first indoor cross-country competition being held at this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships (6-9 April). On the opening evening (Thursday 6 April) William Fox-Pitt and Pippa Funnell, along with 18 other riders, will negotiate a series of bespoke cross-country jumps for a £5,000 prize.

“This is a really exciting innovation at a fantastic event,” said Funnell.(pictured) “I am very excited at the prospect of competing in the first indoor cross-country competition ever to be staged in the UK.”

David Evans and Richard Taylor, the duo behind the fence construction for the Beijing Olympics, will be creating the portable fences and Mike Tucker and Bob Ellis will design the course. Speed will be of the essence on the evening: the fastest time will win the one-round competition, with two seconds added for each fence down.

The British Open Show Jumping Championships are taking place at Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena, 6-9 April 2006.

For online ticket booking, a timetable and further details, visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com

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