The British Open has invited the top two placed competitors from the intermediate final of British Eventing’s (BE) Baileys Jumping and Style (JAS) series to compete at next year’s event.
Those placed first or second in the intermediate section will be given the opportunity to compete against some of the most famous names in eventing — former competitors include Zara Phillips, William Fox-Pitt and Oliver Townend — in the British Open indoor cross-country championship.
As previously, the top three from a wildcard show at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in March will also qualify for the indoor cross-country championship.
Helena Pettit, managing director of British Open organisers Grandstand Event Management, said: “We are delighted to be working with BE as it has allowed us to open up the indoor cross-country at the British Open Show Jumping Championships by promoting the competition to a wider audience.
“This is beneficial in both promoting the sport to our equestrian audience and providing up-and-coming eventers with additional experience.
Last year’s winner of the JAS final, 17-year-old Eliza Sangster (pictured), thinks inviting next year’s JAS competitors to the British Open is an “exciting opportunity”.
“To be given the opportunity to compete against the biggest names in eventing would be an amazing experience and if I had been given the chance last year I certainly would have taken it,” she said.
The JAS series runs during January and February with the final being held at Addington Manor on 27 February.
The British Open Show Jumping Championships, held at Birmingham’s NEC, takes place from 7–10 April.
