Latest from Horse & Hound in British-open-show-jumping-championships

Grandstand pulls plug on British Open Showjumping Championships

Charlotte White — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:34:30 +0000

The British Open Show Jumping Championships has been dropped for failing to make a profit in eight years, organisers Grandstand Event Management announced this afternoon (23 June).

The company said the British Open will not run in 2011 and may not be reintroduced in following years.

The British Open was launched in 2003 at the Sheffield Hallam Arena and relocated to the NEC, Birmingham, in 2007.

Grandstand managing director, Helena Pettit says: “We have invested very heavily in the British Open Show Jumping Championships over the last 8 years and within this time we have not had one profitable year.

“We have therefore had to take a close look at the event and at this time we will use a break to consider options for the show.

“Although we have a loyal audience base; for the show to be successful in the long term, we need to attract a larger number of visitors and increase our sponsorship.”

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Ellen Whitaker steals her cousin Robert’s British Open crown

Horse & Hound — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:53:24 +0000

After four days of tough competition, Ellen Whitaker claimed her first British Open title, preventing her cousin Robert from winning for a fourth time.

The competition consists of three legs and a final. Faults and placings from the first three days are converted into points for the final round, where faults are added to decide the winner.

Robert held the lead by four points from Ellen, who rode her third leg winner Equimax Ocolado in the final. She remained clear, but Robert, competing USA Today also remained faultless, despite a lively round from the nine-year-old stallion.

“I have to ride him forward and try not to pull otherwise [his bucking] is a lot worse than it was tonight,” said Robert.

Only the top eight on points make the jump-off, which, like the first round, was also run in reverse order of merit.

After third-placed Dutchman Eric Van Der Vleuten’s clear on VDL GroepUtascha SFN, the pressure was mounting on Ellen to jump clear again and hold onto her second position.

She just skimmed the last fence, but it stayed and she kept her four-point score.

“I knew I had to be clear and not hang about,” said Ellen. “Because in the case of equalities time in that round is the deciding factor, I had to gamble that Robert could have a fence.”

Robert opted to go for a steadier round and was still clear as he headed down to the final vertical, but USA Today put in an enormous buck three strides away from the 1.67m fence disrupting his striding. He tapped the top rail with his back legs and his slower time meant that Ellen claimed victory.

“It’s a horrid feeling hoping that a member of your family has a fence down,” said Ellen. “I knew USA Today can buck when he’s under pressure, so I had to take the gamble of going a bit quicker and it all worked out.”

Don’t miss H&H’s full report on all the action from the British Open Show Jumping Championships, on sale Thursday 15 April

Davison family will host dressage masterclass at British Open

Horse & Hound — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:26:10 +0000

An exciting line up of riders has been confirmed for a dressage masterclass taking place on 9 April.

The masterclass is one of many attractions at the forthcoming British Open Show Jumping Championships (7-10 April), held at the Birmingham’s NEC.

The demo will be led by 2009 HOYS Equestrian of the Year Richard Davison, who will highlight the diversity of dressage alongside his wife Gillian, international Grand Prix dressage rider, and his youngest son Joe, currently British national under-18 showjumping champion.

Richard, triple Olympian and captain of the British Dressage team who is aiming for the 2012 Olympics, regularly trains with top show jumpers. He will demonstrate a range of training tips to show how fun and uncomplicated dressage can be across all disciplines.

The masterclass is part of a jam-packed schedule, which includes puissance, scurry driving, the Winter Premier Grand Prix and international show jumping classes.

For tickets, tel: 0844 581 1301 or visit the official website at www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Eventer Gaby Cooke gains surprise British Open ticket

Pippa Roome — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:02:06 +0000

Event rider Gaby Cooke, 19, has received a surprise call-up to ride in the indoor cross-country at the British Open Show Jumping Championships (7-10 April).

For the first time this year, the top two finishers in the open jumping and style (JAS) final — held last Saturday (26 February) at Addington — qualified for the indoor cross-country.

Gaby (pictured) just missed out on the ticket, finishing third, but news has come in today that second-placed David Doe has decided not to go to the British Open. He will “focus his young horse and his commitment to the Racesafe-sponsored junior squad for the 2010 season”, according to a British Eventing press release.

His qualification therefore passes to Gaby and her ride, Northcroft Frontier. Gaby still intends to take the horse to the British Open indoor cross-country qualifier at Addington on Friday, in which the top three win a ticket to the British Open.

“I’m very excited,” said Gaby. “I was really going for it to qualify and I thought I’d left it to one last chance [at Addington]. It’ll be good to get the practice and concentrate on getting things right, not trying to qualify.

“Northcroft Frontier’s got an unusual style — he goes up on all fours, but he clears everything by feet. Although he’s 17.2hh, he’s fast and agile, so I’ve always thought he’d suit competitions like this, so hopefully we’ll do quite well if I can keep everything together.”

Gaby is based in Oakham, Rutland, and has been riding full-time since 2008. She was a member of the British junior squad at Thirlestane in 2008 with Northcroft Frontier and runner-up in the national under-21 championships at Weston that year.

The second British Open qualifier from the JAS Finals was Wills Goodhew, 18, who won the open JAS final on More Luck and is also looking forward to heading to the Birmingham NEC for the British Open.

Full report of the JAS Finals in Horse & Hound this Thursday, 4 March.

British Open showjumping wild cards claimed

Horse & Hound — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:43:38 +0000

Tina Fletcher and Paul Barker have claimed two wild card places for the British Open Show Jumping Championships in April.

At the Addington Manor Equestrian Centre British Open Wild Card Qualifier last week Tina and Paul secured enough points over the course of three days to enter the international classes at the British Open.

Tina, riding Hallo Sailor, and Paul, riding Amadeus V, scored 47 and 46 points respectively. Lynne Bevan on Top Gun narrowly missed a wild card place with 45 points.

This is the second time that Paul and Tina have won significant wild card places – last year they both qualified for HOYS this way.

Addington Manor is hosting a number of British Open Qualifiers this year, including the Baileys JAS British Eventing Final and the Indoor Cross Country Wild Card Championship.

The British Open will be held from the 7– 10 April at Birmingham’s NEC and will see the return of Robert Whitaker seeking to defend his title as the 2009 Champion.

Read H&H’s full report from Addington in the current issue (4 Feb 2010), on sale now

Masta to provide winner’s rugs at the British Open for the fourth year

Horse & Hound — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:48:37 +0000

Leading equestrian brand Masta will provide presentation rugs for the winners of each class in the British Open Show Jumping Championships (7-10 April) once again this year.

The company, which is a division of the Bradford-based Matchmakers International Ltd, has been involved in the equestrian world for over 30 years and has presented rugs at the British Open since 2007.

“We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Masta during 2010,” said Helena Pettit, managing director of Grandstand Event Management. “Masta is perfect for providing presentation rugs to all the champions throughout the show.”

“The British Open is one of the UK’s premier equestrian shows,” said Richard Lawrence, brand manager of Masta. “It is the perfect place to showcase the Masta brand, and we look forward to providing the champion horses and riders with rugs.”

Other sponsors of the event include equine bedding suppliers Easibed, animal feed experts Dodson & Horrell and equestrian surface specialists Andrew Bowen, among others.

‘H Factor’ showdown comes to the British Open

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:48:48 +0000

There will be no Simon Cowell or Cheryl Cole but visitors to next year’s British Open will be treated to an X Factor- style showdown.

Four equestrian acts will battle it out in the inaugural “H Factor” competition to win the chance to perform at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2010.

The finalists were whittled down from nine who auditioned at Addington Equestrian Centre in August.

The final four are Equestrienne — an all-action stunt show featuring female riders from Surrey; Saffron Walden Musical Ride — a team from Essex that performs dressage to music; Knights of Middle England — medieval jousting and stunt riding with a twist from the Warwick-based Knights, and Rockin’ Horse — an eccentric fast-paced stunt show.

The acts will perform each day at the British Open 2010 (7-10 April) at Birmingham’s NEC.

The public will then choose their favourite in a special text vote and the winner will be announced on the Saturday.

“The competition was devised to seek out new equestrian talent,” said Helena Pettit from show organisers, Grandstand.

The auditions were judged on the groups’ expertise, a polished performance and what they believed would appeal to the British Open’s audience.

Karl Ude-Martinez from the Knights of Middle England told H&H: “We have fast horses, stunts and tricks and we jazz it up to music. To win and go to HOYS would be fantastic.”

For more information on the H Factor visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (17 December, ’09)

Top two from JAS final to compete at British Open

Horse & Hound — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:37:12 +0000

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.

New class for grass roots pony riders at British Open

Horse & Hound — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:27:53 +0000

Juniors will have the chance to compete at the British Open Show Jumping Championships in April 2010 following the introduction of a new show jumping competition for grass root pony riders.

The competition is only open to British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) members who have joined since January 2008, or who are currently members of a British riding club or Pony Club.

“This is a great opportunity for novice pony riders to compete in a fun, international atmosphere,” Julia Heywood, show liaison manager for BSJA, told H&H.

The eight qualifying competitions will be held at selected BSJA shows throughout the winter and will be divided into three separate classes — 128cms, 138cms and 148cms.

The winners from each class will form a team of three to compete at the British Open at the NEC in Birmingham, where they will benefit from the coaching of a top international show jumper acting as chef d’equipe.

“The format will mix all the riders together — we could have a BSJA member, a Pony Clubber and a riding club member riding on one team,” explains Julia.

The qualifiers take place at a range of venues between January and March 2010, with the first at Colraine Equestrian Centre in Cornwall on 31 January.

“Entries haven’t even opened yet but we’ve had loads of phone calls and positive feedback,” said Julia. “We are delighted at the reaction to this competition — there is a real buzz about it.”

New showing championships at the British Open

Charlotte White — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:39:25 +0000

Next year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships 2010 (7–10 April 2010) at the Birmingham NEC will boast a new showing class, to pit last season’s champions against this season’s.

In the Ponies UK Super League, on Wednesday 7 April, the Summer National Ridden Champions from the 2009 season will compete against the Northern and Southern Winter Ridden Champions of the current season.

The super league will be split into five sections:

The Royalist Super League — for horses, hunters, cobs and competition horses and ponies. 12 competitors will qualify

The Smoke Tree Caesar Super League — for lead rein and first ridden ponies. 15 competitors will qualify

The Ferndale Super League — for mountain and moorland (M&M) ponies. 9 competitors will qualify

The Coalport Super League — for M&M and plaited working hunters and working hunter ponies. 18 competitors will qualify

The Wharf Super League — for show ponies, show hunter ponies, intermediate show hunter, riding type and part-bred horses and ponies. 11 competitors will qualify.

Judging will take place on Wednesday morning and the champions from each section go forward to the supreme championship on Wednesday evening.

The British Open Show Jumping Championships is offering £5 off adults and £2.50 off concessions tickets to Ponies UK members who book for Wednesday 7 April only.

Customers must quote their membership number and offer code BOPUK10 when booking.

Sponsorship opportunities at 2010 British Open Show Jumping Championships

Charlotte White — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:51:00 +0000

Grandstand Event Management is inviting companies to take advantage of commercial opportunities at the 2010 British Open Show Jumping Championships (7–10 April)

The organisers are forecasting record ticket sales as the dates have been strategically placed to coincide with the UK’s local authority school holidays.

Opportunities include trade stand space in the shopping pavilion to sponsorship packages and corporate hospitality.

Managing director of Grandstand, Helena Pettit, said: “Sponsorship at the British Open offers companies a unique and unrivalled opportunity not only to profile their business to a targeted audience but also to invest in the future of Equestrian Sport in the UK through exciting and innovative avenues.

“Strong relationships are built with our sponsors to ensure packages can be specifically tailored to their budget and requirements and to guarantee maximum return on investment from all proposed activity.”

If you are interested in sponsorship or would like more information please do not hesitate to contact the sponsorship department on 01582 711411 or email sponsorship@britishopenshowjumping.com

Behind the scenes at the British Open: day two

Horse & Hound — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:14:41 +0000

Want to know what it’s like to compete at an international show? Then tag along when your sister is picked for the Pony Club show jumping at the British Open — that’s what I did.

Read Victoria’s day one blog

The winners

With Saturday’s schedule running behind there was some confusion as to start times and the chance to watch a bit of working hunter, but eventually the teams were once again ready to go. Unsure whether my skirt and boots adhered to the “suitable dress code” required for the course walk, I played groom and held my sister’s horse this time, while the genuine competitors walked their course.

Although the 14.2hh’s had been earmarked to jump off, in the end it wasn’t necessary. After another two rounds each, the team placings remained much the same as day one, with Wales finishing in first with just eight faults, Scotland in second, Northern Ireland in third and England in fourth.

The presentation and the many, many photographs

After the Welsh team had received their British Open rugs

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

and been presented with rosettes and trophies by Ellen Whitaker, everyone proceeded back to the stables where they posed for photographs, trying desperately to keep hold of their flags in the wind.

Despite a few tears along the way, even one of the England dad’s was eventually able to see the good in the convincing win by Wales. “After all,” he said, “at least when you’re completely massacred you can’t blame it on anyone for having that one pole!”

Behind the scenes at the British Open: day one

Horse & Hound — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:13:47 +0000

Want to know what it’s like to compete at an international show? Then tag along when your sister is picked for the Pony Club show jumping at the British Open — that’s what I did.

Arriving at the Birmingham NEC

Having remembered the hay as we were pulling out of the drive, I felt justified in sneaking off to explore, rather than help. The Pony Club stabling was clean, if damp due to constant drizzle, but was overshadowed by the covered international stables next door — who did these people think they were, famous show jumpers? Oh hang on, that’s right….

Anyway, the four teams representing England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales soon made the yard feel like home — that is, if the Welsh usually festoon their stables with flags and daffodils, and the Irish habitually keep a pile of potatoes outside theirs.

Exercising with the big boys

On Friday morning, the Pony Clubbers introduced their ponies to the main arena during the exercise slot, where they looked incredibly small alongside the top show jumpers, in an arena empty of fences. However, according to Anna East of the England team, the arena is deceptive. “Once you’re in here it feels tiny,” she said.

The first rounds

As Jean François Pignon’s horses galloped past loose (no headcollars backstage either) the teams had their tack checked — rally or not, they were expected to look and behave like

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

members of the Pony Club.

The tannoy announced that team trainers should be suitably dressed for the course walk and I saw my only chance to enter the NEC arena (unless I volunteer to pick up muck). Under the coloured lights and booming music, I measured strides and imagined jumping it — at the height for the 12.2hh’s, I might just manage it.

Each team consisted of a 12.2hh, a 13.2hh, a 14.2hh and an over 14.2hh jumping various heights up to 1.10m. After two rounds each, Wales had the lead and seemed confident that they could keep it up the next day. “There’s always the worry that we’ll get over-confident though,” said Rebecca Peters, of the Welsh team.

Able to discard one score, Wales finished the day on four faults, Scotland on 20 and England and Northern Ireland on 28.

Read Victoria’s day two blog to find out how the teams got on.

Girl power as last British Open wildcards claimed by female riders

Charlotte White — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:38:25 +0000

Helen Tredwell and Laura Newman will join top riders at the British Open Show Jumping Championships (16-19th April) at the Birmingham NEC).

The riders snatched the last two tickets for the international competitions at the Addington Manor Classic qualifier on Saturday (28th March).

Helen and the very popular Opportunity B (pictured) jumped superbly to finish top of the points table, scoring a total of 55.

Then Laura riding the very sharp Running on Red put in a fast round to claim the second wildcard, snapping at Helen’s heels to finish on 51 points.

Tickets are still available for the British Open. To book, call the NEC Box Office on 0844 581 1301 or go on the website www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Nicola Wilson qualifies for indoor cross-country at British Open

Horse & Hound — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:05:58 +0000

Nicola Wilson wowed the crowds at Addington Manor last Friday, winning the qualifier for the indoor cross-country class at the British Open Show Jumping Championships.

The 22-year-old, from Millands, Hampshire, rode skewbald Mini Mr Bigglesworth to beat Brook Stables (Primitive Pistol) and Jo Chipperfield (Ferndale Ballyheen) to the number one spot. These top three all qualify for the British Open.

Nicola (pictured) said: “The whole thing was fantastic. I’ve never been to anything like this before, but it was really good fun.”

The 2007 young rider European Championship silver medallist battled against 30 competitors to take the top spot.

She said: “I’m not nervous about the Open, it will be a great experience for me. At the moment I am just taking everything in my stride.”

Nicola settled on riding Mini Mr Bigglesworth — rather than her other top horse, young rider medallist Oingy Boingy — at the Addington qualifier because the skewbald is much faster.

She said: “Oingy Boingy requires much more effort. Mini Mr Bigglesworth is quite quirky so I’m not sure how he will cope with the crowds, but we will find out.”

Nicola, Brook and Jo will join invited riders such as Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Zara Phillips at this year’s British Open.

The indoor cross-country competition, which consists of approximately 16 show jumps and cross-country fences, will take place on the evening of 18 April at Birmingham’s NEC.

Other attractions at the British Open will include arena polo with Katie Price, musical dressage performances by Andrew Gould and a variety of trade stands.

Katie Price to take on Gladiator Siren in celebrity polo match

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:02:06 +0000

Katie Price will be tackling a Gladiator in a celebrity polo match at the British Open.

Gladiator Siren, aka Amy Guy , will be swapping her pugel stick for a polo mallet and going head-to-head with Katie in April.

British Open organisers announced at the end of January that Katie Price would be leading a team of three players — including two professionals — on in a two chukka match on Sunday 19 April.

But until today (24 February) it has been kept a secret who would be her rival.

Amy, who is one of the newest stars in the Sky Series of Gladiators, will be captaining the opposing team. The former member of Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Pony Club has competed for her native Wales in Pony Club mounted games and show jumping and says she is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m really excited about playing polo at the British Open,” said Amy. “It’s going to be great fun playing against Katie Price and among some top professionals.

“My Gladiator training keeps me very fit but I will be having a few polo lessons to get me prepared. It sounds like a brilliant show and I hope to see some of my fans there to cheer me on!”

A spokesman for the British Open said: “As one of the fastest and most dangerous sports in the world, Polo is a truly thrilling spectator’s sport and with two gutsy celebrities at the helm expect fun and fireworks!”

The British Open runs from 16-19 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

For tickets and information tel: 0844 581 1301 or visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com

New show jumping and showing classes for British Open

Horse & Hound — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:16:03 +0000

There will be new showing and show jumping classes at the British Open Show Jumping Championships this year.

The NEC Birmingham event will run this year from 16-19 April. And for the first time, it will feature Pony Club home international team show jumping, an amateur national show jumping championship and a working hunter grand prix.

The national show jumping amateur championship, for which there are seven qualifiers still to run*, will take place on 16 April. The class is open to registered horses of any grade ridden by a full, associate or junior associate BSJA member, excluding anyone on the top 150 BSJA riders ranking list 314.

The Pony Club home international team show jumping competition will take place over Friday 17 April and Saturday 18 April, contested between teams from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The working hunter grand prix is set for Saturday 18 April. All 25 starters in the 2008 Horse of the Year Show working hunter championship will be invited to compete — for the accolade of being the first British Open Showing Champion and a share of the £2,520 prize-fund.

Remaining dates and venues for the British Open Amateur Championships’ qualifiers:

11 January: Rowallan
24 January: Towerlands Park
1 February: Hand
14 February: Solihull
21 February: Aintree
15 March: Arena UK
29 March: Addington

For more details, tickets and terms and conditions for entry, visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Amateur show jumpers get new prestigious final at British Open

Horse & Hound — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:47:41 +0000

Following the success of the inaugural amateur classic championship at this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), a new amateur final will be held at the British Open Show Jumping Championships, held at the Birmingham NEC (16-19 April).

Helena Pettit, director of Grandstand Media, who run the British Open and HOYS, said: “The championship at the Horse of the Year Show worked really well, so we thought it would be great to bring it to the British Open.

“It gives us an opportunity to support the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) and its grass roots members, of which I believe there are 18,000. We’re pleased to be able to give amateur riders the opportunity to ride at a 4-star show. With the exception of top international competitors, how many others get a chance like that?”

Eight qualifiers will be held, with the top 3 from each winning tickets for the final, which will be held during the British Open.

The championship is restricted to BSJA members who rank outside the top 150 on the rider rankings list. Riders who have ever competed as a team member of any senior international team, and pony riders, children, juniors and young riders who have ever competed as a counting score in Nations Cup/international team events and European championships in the past 5 years are not eligible. These rules exclude veteran teams.

The 8 qualifiers will be held at:

Rowallan: 13 December
Crofton Manor: 27 December
Towerlands Park: 24 January
The Hand: 1 February
Solihull: 14 February
Aintree: 21 February
Arena UK: 15 March
Addington: 29 March

www.britishopenshowjumping.com

British Open Show Jumping Championship results 2008

Horse & Hound — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:25:01 +0000

BRITISH OPEN SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP 2008

World Class Development Programme Pathfinder.— 1, My Boy (L Whitehouse); 2, Seander (L Godber); 3, Whinny Jackson (A Condon). Birmingham City Shield.— 1, Late Night 16 (H Engemann), GER; 2, Rusedski II (R Whitaker), GBR; 3, Sonybanta (P Barker), GBR, 6, Utah Van Eperkom (J Whitaker), GBR; 9, It’s Super Girl (M Whitaker), GBR; 10, William’s Spirit (D Lampard), GBR. Midland Masters.— 1, Lord II Z (G Gulliksen), NOR; 2, Lavaletta II (M Armstrong), GBR; 3, Russel (N Skelton), GBR; 4, Temple Ryefield (P Barker) 5, Leandros De Semilly (J Whitaker); 6, Cortaflex Billy Birr (W Funnell), GBR; 7, Amai (M Whitaker); 8, Radetzky S (R Bevis), GBR; 10, Ronaldo (R Smith), GBR. BSJA winter Premier gp.— 1, Cortaflex Kanselier (E Whitaker); 2, Quinton (P Barker); 3, Intertoy Z (S Brash). British Open competition 1.— 1, Lacroix 9 (R Whitaker); 2, VDL Groep Naomi (M Van Der Vleuten), NED; 3, World Cruise (S Breen), IRE; 4, Casino (J Whitaker); 10, Mr Springfield (R Smith). 4 Apr: Grandstand Classic.— 1, Rusedski; 2, Robin (G Luckett), GBR; 3, Rex (M Armstrong), GBR; 6, Sonybanta. World Class Development Programme ch.— 1, Unbelievable Darco (L Pavitt); 2, Sebastian III (S Brash); 3, Osiris (G Paternoster). accumulator.— 1, Russel; 2, VDL Groep Owendel (E Van Der Vleuten), NED; 3, Castle Forbes Vivaldo Van Het Costerveld (J Kurten), IRE; 4, Finbarr V (R Whitaker); It’s Super Girl; 8, Utah Van Erpekom; 9, Lavaletta; 10, Kalusha (R Smith), GBR. British Open competition 2.— 1, Quibell (J Kurten); 2, Casino (J Whitaker); 3, Insul Tech Wonami Van Aard (M Whitaker). 5 Apr: Zinc Management stakes.— 1, VDL Groep Owendel; 2, Kalusha; GBR; 3, BMC Satisfaction (J Stenfert), NED; 4, Quinton; 6, William’s Spirit (D Lampard), GBR; 9, Utah Van Erpekom; 10, Amai. British Open competition 3.— 1, Mr Springfield (R Smith); 2, Rusedski; 3, Pikap (B Twomey), IRE; 6, Wonami Van Den Aard (M Whitaker); 8, Ocalado (E Whitaker); 9, Arielle (W Whitaker), GBR. knock-out.— 1, Connery 9 (R Bevis); 2, Brickfield Boy (G Luckett), GBR; 3eq, BMC Vayom (J Stenfert), NED & Sonybanta. puissance.— 1, Insul Tech Leonardo (W Whitaker); 2, Cointreau Z (D Burnham), GBR; 3, Finbarr V. 6 Apr: PCA easibed Plus Futura final.— 1 & 2, Maestro De Rend Peine & Amaryllis Van De Heffink (N Pavitt); 3, Cointreau Z. speed stakes.— 1, Robin (G Luckett); 2, Cortaflex Kanselier; 3, Sarlino (W Whitaker). British Open Championship.— 1, Lacroix 9; 2, InsulTech Wonami Van Den Aard; 3, Arielle; 5, Casino; 9, Ocalado. Red Mills Horse Feeds Indoor Cross-Country Championship.— 1, Song For Gull (G Spence) GBR; 2, Drunken Disorderly (M Kyle) IRE; 3, Ballincoola (William Fox-Pitt) GBR. Red Mills Horse Feeds Cross-country Power & Speed.— 1, Drunken Disorderly (M Kyle)/W Whitaker; 2, Market Force (Bill Levett)/S Brash; 3, Tribal Leader (O Townend)/W Funnell.

Robert Whitaker regains British Open Champion crown

Horse & Hound — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:35:28 +0000

Robert Whitaker regained the British Open Championship crown with top ride La Croix in a brilliant display of ice-cool nerve.

Champion in 2003, Robert earned the prime draw by winning the first leg, taking ninth in the second and securing second in the last speed leg to top the leaderboard by six points.

This gave him a valuable fence in hand thanks to Rusedski’s efforts in the third qualifying competition.

And he needed the lifeline when the orange vertical by the collecting ring fell.

“I felt the pressure but just concentrated on keeping him relaxed and jumping clear,” said Robert, who kept his nerve to negotiate the rest of the track clear and pocket over £25,000.

In total Whitaker domination, Michael brought Insul Tech Wonami Van Aard into second with Puissance winner William third on his World Cup Final ride Arielle.

Asked if there had ever been a Whitaker one, two, three before, Robert joked: “Maybe at Markfield [Leicestershire Show Arena] in the Newcomers, but there’s only one winner.”

“We felt sorry for Robert, so we let him win,” shot back Michael.

Delayed by overnight snow en route from her Sussex base, Nicole Pavitt almost missed the PCA easibed plus Futura Final, arriving with five minutes to spare, but shrugged off the panic to lay claim to the top two places.

“We almost turned back at one stage, but I saddled up while travelling,” said Nicole, who made this show a family affair after sister Louise had topped the first day’s BSJA Winter Premier Grand Prix.

Stylish but extremely fast, Nicole set a sizzling target with first ride Maestro De Rend Peine and then proceeded to bring Amaryllis Van De Heffink into second with the only other clear.

The Speed Stakes was just that, speedy. Times grew progressively faster but the title was finally awarded to former speedway rider Geoff Luckett’s amazing round on Jo Passetti’s Robin.

“He was proper and I was so impressed with his attitude; he’s never seen anything like this calibre of show but took it all in his stride,” said Geoff, who held off Ellen Whitaker’s bid on Cortaflex Kanselier by a quarter of a sec.

PCA easibed plus Futura Final

1. Maestro De Rend Peine (Nicole Pavitt), GBR

2. Amaryllis Van De Heffink (Nicole Pavitt), GBR

3. Cointreau Z (Dale Burnham), GBR

British Speed Stakes

1. Robin (Geoff Luckett), GBR

2. Cortaflex Kanselier (Ellen Whitaker), GBR

3. Sarlino (William Whitaker), GBR

British Open Championship Final

1. La Croix 9 (Robert Whitaker), GBR

2. Insul Tech Wonami Van Den Aard (Michael Whitaker), GBR

3. Arielle (William Whitaker), GBR

Robert Smith back to his best at the British Open

Horse & Hound — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:14:49 +0000

Former champion Robert Smith bounced back to form on the third day to top the British Open’s third qualifying leg on his Athens Olympic ride Mr Springfield.

The result put him in ninth on the leaderboard for Sunday’s final.

“I think last night cost me” said Robert, who had two fences down in the second leg on Ronaldo, “otherwise I’d have been in with a squeak.”

Coolly holding his nerve, Robert Whitaker used his penultimate draw to bring Rusedski into second and regain his lead on the Points Table with six points over his father John.

Extraordinarily, the leaderboard has five Whitakers in the top six: Robert, John, Michael and Ellen holding the first four while William is sixth. Ireland’s Shane Breen is the only rider preventing a total Whitaker whitewash.

Robert Smith tried for another win on Kalusha, but Eric Van Der Vleuten pipped him at the post on VDL Groep Owendel in the Zinc Management Stakes.

“She’s a fantastic speed horse and drawn late I knew what I had to do” said Eric.

William Whitaker repeated his Olympia feat and guided Insul Tech Leonardo to clear the 7ft 2in Puissance wall — and made it look easy.

“He’s jumping good” understated William, who has no particular plans for the Leandler son, “I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, it’s worked so far.”

In his first time over the big wall, Cointreau Z cleared 7ft to take second place for Dale Burnham.

Robert Bevis and Geoff Luckett came head-to-head in the Knockout. Geoff passed the post first on Old Lodge Stud’s Brickfield Boy, but lowered a pole.

“The final turn caught me,” said Geoff, “and he’s tired. I won’t jump him on Sunday.”

Robert was thrilled with Ina Clutton’s Connery 9. “It’s not really his class but he’s laid back and doesn’t get fired up.”

Second in the previous day’s Indoor Cross Country Championship, Mark Kyle landed the Power and Speed Relay with William Whitaker’s help on his scopey new ride Loxley.

“There was only four names left in the draw when it came to my turn, but I certainly didn’t get the short straw” said Mark, whose veteran ride Drunken Disorderly belied his 18 years to gallop round the track and widen the winning margin by five secs.

ZINC MANAGEMENT STAKES

1. VDL Groep Owendel (Eric Van Der Vleuten) NED

2. Kalusha (Robert Smith) GBR

3. BMC Satisfaction (Jurgen Stenfert) NED

RED MILLS HORSE FEEDS INDOOR CROSS COUNTRY POWER AND SPEED

1. Drunken Disorderly (Mark Kyle) & (William Whitaker) 57.04

2. Market Focus (Bill Levett) & (Scott Brash) 61.92 (3)

3. Tribal Leader (Oliver Townend) & (William Funnell) 62.18 (3)

BRITISH OPEN SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION 3

1. Mr Springfield (Robert Smith) GBR

2. Rusedski (Robert Whitaker) GBR

3. Pikap (Billy Twomey) IRE

BRITISH OPEN KNOCK-OUT

1. Connery 9 (Robert Bevis) GBR

2. Brickfield Boy (Geoff Luckett) GBR

3. Sonybanta (Paul Barker) GBR

3. BMC Vayom (Jurgen Stenfert) NED

BRITISH OPEN PUISSANCE

1. Insul Tech Leonardo (William Whitaker)

2. Cointreau Z (Dale Burham)

3. Finbarr V (Robert Whitaker)

BRITISH OPEN LEADERBOARD AFTER THREE COMPETITIONS

1. Robert Whitaker GBR 5.5

2. John Whitaker GBR 11.5

=3. Michael Whitaker GBR 12.0

=3. Ellen Whitaker GBR 12.0

5. Shane Breen IRE 13.0

6. William Whitaker GBR 13.5

8. Dirk Demeersman BEL 16.0

=9. Robert Smith GBR 16.5

=9. Billy Twomey IRE 16.5

11. Maikel Van Der Vleuten NED 18.5

=12. Jurgen Stenfert NED 20.0

=12. Jessica Kurten IRE 20.0

14. Geir Gulliksen NOR 20.5

15. Eric Van Der Vleuten NED 21.0

16. Linda Heed SWE 21.5

17. Heinrich Engemann GER 22.5

18. Helena Lundback SWE 23.5

19. Di Lampard GBR 24.5

20. William Funnell GBR 26.0

British Open riders speak out over arena surface

Horse & Hound — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:32:11 +0000

This year’s British Open Show Jumping Championship has been marred by the going, with a number of top riders expressing their concerns about the conditions.

Reigning British Open Champion Jessica Kurten won the second leg of the British Open competition yesterday on Quibell, but was considering withdraw the mare from the rest of the competition.

“I’m not sure I’ll jump Quibell again because of the ground,” said Jessica. “She’s only just come back after six months off. These are expensive horses we are competing; good ground is very important.”

Nick Skelton produced an outstanding performance from Russel to win the Accumulator class, but was scathing about the going after the class: “I’ve got one word to say [about the going] — crap.”

The surface has been provided by Equestrian Surfaces, who have an ongoing contract with Grandstand, organisers of the British Open Show Jumping Championships and the Horse of the Year Show.

Mark Wein of Grandstand told Horse & Hound: “We are just as frustrated as the riders are. But when you have got 640tonnes of surface down you can’t just rip it up and replace it mid show.

“We have got a long term contract with Equestrian Surfaces and to start with the surfaces were fine. We will be meeting with senior members of the company as soon as they are back in the country.

“To give the Equestrian Surfaces staff their due, they have worked every night on the arena, watering it, adding more fibre and rolling it to try and produce the best surface they can.

“We have had some terrific jumping so far and we will continue to work on the going as the show goes on.”

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full report from the British Open in next Thursday’s magazine.

Jessica Kurten wins second leg of British Open

Horse & Hound — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:18:31 +0000

Reigning British Open champion Jessica Kurten put herself back in the reckoning in Birmingham with a breath-taking round on Quibell to deservedly head the second leg of the British Open qualifier.

“I over-cooked the goose yesterday (eight faults put her in 16th) and had to do something spectacular today,” said Jessica, who risked a virtually impossible line to the final imposing planks — the only one to dare — to move into fifth in the Standings Table.

The 12 strong jump-off made a record itself, with all five Whitakers jumping initial clears. Michael was the first to challenge the lead with Insul Tech Wonami Van Aard. This Bon Ami daughter was a second slower, taking an eventual third when John pushed Casino slightly ahead, sufficient for him to now head the leaderboard.

Drawn last, Robert was in contention until La Croix chipped the back rail of an oxer to drop them in ninth but still keeps him in the frame for the final just one and a half points behind his father.

Ellen Whitaker brought new ride Ocolado in fourth with cousin William just behind on Arielle.

Following his spectacular win the previous evening, Robert Whitaker compounded his form in Friday morning’s hotly contested Grandstand Classic in a 12 strong jump-off, on this occasion riding Rusedski.

“He’s returned fresh from a six week rest and won well,” said Robert.

Hailed as the round of the show so far, Nick Skelton annihilated the opposition in a masterclass of speed riding to top the Accumulator by almost three secs on Lisa Hales’s Russel.

This track was made for Russel’s ability to gallop at fences, especially the imposing ‘Joker’ vertical, and the striking stallion looks at his best after a four month break.

The World Class Development Programme Championship for Under 23-year-olds saw Brendon Stud stallions lift the top two places.

Scott Brash’s opener on Sebastian III, a winner for him on Portugal’s recent Atlantic Tour, looked sufficient for the top spot but Louise Pavitt, verbally encouraged by the audience, set off galloping and kept the momentum on Unbelievable Darco.

“I knew the track would suit him” said Louise.

Georgie Spence’s show jumping experience may have helped in the Red Mills Horse Feeds Indoor Cross Country Championship, but she certainly picked up the speed when crossing disciplines.

“I kept tight between two and three in the show jumping, then galloped flat out on the cross-country” said Georgie, the youngest competitor at 19 and incredibly some three secs in front of second placed Mark Kyle on Drunken Disorderly despite carrying a three sec penalty from a lowered pole. Professionally stylish, William Fox-Pitt was third on Ballincoola in his first visit to the show.

GRANDSTAND CLASSIC

1. Rusedski II (Robert Whitaker)

2. Robin (Geoff Luckett)

3. Rex (Mark Armstrong)

WORLD CLASS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME CHAMPIONSHIP

1. Unbelievable Darco (Louise Pavitt)

2. Sebastian III (Scott Brash)

3. Osiris (Gemma Paternoster)

THE ACCUMULATOR

1. Russel (Nick Skelton)

2. VDL Groep Owendel (Eric Van Der Vleuten)

3. Castle Forbes Vivaldo Van Het Costerveld (Jessica Kurten)

RED MILLS HORSE FEEDS INDOOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

1 Song For Gull (Georgie Spence), GBR (3 secs to add) Total time 73.46

2 Drunken Disorderly (Mark Kyle), IRE (0) 76.45

3 Ballincoola (William Fox-Pitt), GBR (0) 81.33

BRITISH OPEN QUALIFIER SECTION TWO

1 Quibell (Jessica Kurten)

2 Casino (John Whitaker)

3 Insul Tech Wonami Van Den Aard (Michael Whitaker)

Robert Whitaker in flying form at the British Open

Horse & Hound — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:27:37 +0000

Robert Whitaker made his intentions perfectly clear in the first Speed leg of the British Open Championships with a decisive win on La Croix 9.

A previous title winner in 2004, Robert relentlessly attacked the fences with accurate precision on the German bred 12-year-old.

“He’s naturally very quick” said Robert, at his first show for six weeks with this athletic bay, who was kept fit by hacking around the Yorkshire hills while Robert was jumping on the Spanish Sunshine Tour.

Points amassed from the three qualifying classes — riders can select different horses for each competition — will see the top 20 riders contend Sunday’s Final.

Robert intends to use the powerful La Croix again in Friday’s jump-off class.

Young Dutch rider Maikel Van Der Vleuten currently lies in second after Thursday when finishing a sec behind Robert while early target setter Shane Breen took third on the big and scopey World Cruise.

Foreign riders took the lion’s share of prizes when Heinrich Engemann and Geir Gulliksen outpaced all.

Nick Skelton left little room for improvement with a storming opener on Russel in the nine-strong Midlands Masters jump-off with a risky gallop to the last, but Geir went quicker with the enthusiastic Lord II Z.

“He’s super sound and rides as well as ever” said Geir, who had sold the 15-year-old to Judy-Ann Melchior two years ago but recently purchased him back.

Heinrich Engemann landed a Two Phase with Late Night.

“Going early gave me an advantage, the surface was not so good in the end” said Heinrich.

Robert Whitaker’s early standard on Rusedski took second.

With £5,000 up for grabs the BSJA Winter Premier Grand Prix promised a hot competition and spectators were not disappointed.

A known speedster and just returned from a successful four week stint on Portugal’s Atlantic Tour, Paul Barker set a sizzling standard riding Quinton.

But they were no match for determined Ellen Whitaker, who shaved two secs from the time with a series of efficient turn-backs on Cortaflex Kanselier, who is now jointly owned with Dawn Makin.

Lance Whitehouse headed the World Class Development Programme Pathfinder on Graham Sparkes’s My Boy.

RESULTS

World Class Development Programme Pathfinder

1. My Boy Lance Whitehouse

2. Seander Louis Godber

3. Whinny Jackson Anthony Condon, IRE

Birmingham City Shield

1. Late Night Heinrich Engemann, GER

2. Rusedski II Robert Whitaker, GBR

3. Sonybanta Paul Barker, GBR

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s extended eight-page report on the British Open. Will Britain’s top 10 riders be able to reclaim the title from the strongest field put forward in the show’s history? Comments and analysis of the competition, as well as reports on the national finals at the event will be published in Horse & Hound’s British Open report issue, on sale 10 April, priced £2.30

British Open Championships attracts top show jumpers

Horse & Hound — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:42:56 +0000

Four of the world’s top 10 show jumpers will compete at next week’s British Open Show Jumping Championships (3-6 April 2008).

Britain’s Michael Whitaker will be joined by Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs, Ireland’s Jessica Kurten and Germany’s Christian Ahlman jumping at Birmingham’s NEC.

In addition, John, Robert, Ellen and William Whitaker have accepted invitations to jump at the British Open, along with Tim Stockdale, William Funnell, Nick Skelton, Robert Smith and Guy Williams.

Two more riders will be awarded wild cards from this weekend’s Addington Manor easibedplus Classic.

www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Bill Levett wins British Open indoor cross-country qualifier

Pippa Roome — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:55:21 +0000

Australian eventer Bill Levett will ride at the British Open Show Jumping Championships (3-6 April) after winning the indoor cross-country competition qualifier at Addington last Friday, 15 March.

This is the first time there has been a qualifier for the indoor-cross country competition at the British Open, which is normally open only to invited riders.

Lauren Shannon (Quixotic) and Ginny Howe (Cavort) — who were both on the British squad at last year’s young rider European Championships — finished second and third to take the other qualifying tickets.

The qualifying class was run over a combination of fixed indoor cross-country fences and show jumps, with three seconds added for each fence down.

Mark Kyle recorded the fastest time on Drunken Disorderly — a specialist in these types of class — but fences down dropped him to fourth.

Winner Bill Levett rode a clear round on Norwegian Connection NJ, a 17-year-old who he previously competed at top level (the pair are pictured above at Badminton 2003) and who is now evented by his wife, Jenny.

Bill said: “The great thing about this horse is he doesn’t get strong. You can ride him fast and it doesn’t blow his mind. I didn’t go mad in the show jumping section, but it was one of those classes where you had to take a few chances.”

www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Results

1. Norwegian Connection NJ (Bill Levett, AUS)

2. Quixotic (Lauren Shannon, GBR)

3. Cavort (Ginny Howe, GBR)

4. Drunken Disorderly (Mark Kyle, IRE)

5. Sir Roselier (Julie Tew, GBR)

6. Astronave (Clare Chamberlayne, GBR)

7. Lazy Acres Skip On (Sarah Stretton, GBR)

8. Wulstan Rock On (Laura Shears, GBR)

9. Bit Of A Barney (Louise Skelton, GBR)

10. Claverleys Cairolina Breeze (George Hilton Jones, GBR)

Win VIP tickets to the British Open with H&H

Top 10 riders invited to British Open Show Jumping Championships

Horse & Hound — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:19:45 +0000

The top 10 BSJA-ranked riders on 31 December 2007 have been invited to appear at the British Open Show Jumping Championships this April.

Reigning British Open champion Jessica Kurten will return to the NEC to defend her title, together with John, Michael, Robert, Ellen and William Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Tim Stockdale, Robert Smith, William Funnell and David McPherson.

Two further riders will win a place at the Addington Classic in March.

With £25,000 to the winner, the British Open (3-6 April) offers the biggest single indoor show jumping prize in Britain. The total prize-fund is £150,000.

Tel: 08700 100 216 or visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com for tickets.

Show jumping at Unex Towerlands

Penny Richardson — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:44:51 +0000

Portia Howard and Graham Lovegrove took the first tickets to the Permanent Show Organisers Association Championship at next April’s British Open in the opening qualifier at Unex Towerlands (12-14 October).

This new easibed-sponsored series gives grade B horses and those upgraded to A since March 2006 the chance to compete in a lucrative final — and with £1,000 on offer to the winner of each qualifier, there are considerable potential earnings along the way. The top two in each of nine classes go through to the final, with the remaining six contenders decided on points throughout the series.

In the third and final round of the class Portia Howard got Kartonne De L’Abbaye into a superb rhythm and they never touched a pole en route to a terrific time. With the pressure on, none of Portia’s rivals could get near her. Graham Lovegrove came closest after Angel faulted at a big vertical following a daring turn, while Ellen Whitaker had to be content with third place when Caya Z stroked off the top pole on the final stile in a slightly slower time.

Read this report in full, plus reports from other top show jumping shows around the country, in today’s Horse & Hound (25 October, ’07)

Jessica Kurten wins British Open Show Jumping Championship

Horse & Hound — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:40:27 +0000

Jessica Kurten led an Irish one-two in this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championship. Although the German-based rider lowered a single fence on Galopin De Bioley, this was enough to keep her ahead of Billy Twomey, who jumped the sole double clear of the final on the good mare Anastasia.

The final round, contested by the top eight riders, was not without controversy after two officials blocked Swiss rider Markus Fuchs’s path to the triple bar. The resulting pole down with Ovation dropped the Swiss rider into fourth place, but Markus took it well.

“It’s one of those things. These guys do a great job and they went to sleep for a couple of minutes,” he said.

Jessica, meanwhile, is looking forward to the coming season.

“All the Irish horses have jumped so well and that’s good news for the European Championships and getting back into the Nations Cup Super League,” she said, after pocketing a £25,250 cheque here.

Earlier in the afternoon, Markus Fuchs showed everyone exactly how to ride against the clock when he took the British Speed Stakes on the Irish-bred Royal Charmer.

The day had also started well for last year’s Only Fools On Horses TV series when one of Jessica’s co-stars on the programme, Tim Stockdale, produced a fantastic round to take the £5,000 prize in the Winter A and B Grand Prix final with Fresh Direct Corlato.

Tim had to be at his best to hold off a spirited challenge from another popular pair, Helen Tredwell and Opportunity B.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full report from the British Open Show Jumping Championships, including fantastic photographs, in this week’s magazine (19 April, ’07)

Whitaker family dominates at the British Open

Penny Richardson — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:48:16 +0000

Two younger members of the Whitaker family brought the house down in Saturday’s first two classes at the British Open.

Robert Whitaker started the ball rolling in the Grandstand Classic jump-off class, where he and yesterday’s winner, his sister Louise’s coloured horse, Nureev Du Houssoit, completed their double in some style.

In a 13-horse jump-off, penultimate-drawn Robert, 24, turned and galloped all the way to demote the first to go, Dutchman Eric van der Vleuten — looking for his third win of the show — on Pitareusa.

World Class Star and Performance

After this class, Eric made a quick move to the commentators’ rostrum to judge the style prize in the British Equestrian Federation World Class Star and Performance Championship.

Seven younger stars reached the jump-off, where Amanda Derbyshire set a stunning standard on her boss Robert Maguire’s Retreats Oakie Doakie. But William Whitaker was determined to add this class to his 2006 junior European Championship success.

A fabulous round on Nick Ward’s Insultech Leonardo and a stride out on the long gallop to the final parallel proved good enough to take the title won last year by William’s cousin, Joe — and capture the style prize to boot.

“I heard people whistling me to speed up, so once he cleared the second last, I kicked and prayed for a stride,” said William, who is at his final indoor show of the season.

“I’m hoping to go to Maubeuge in France and then Royal Windsor,” he said.

A4 class

“Whitaker Saturday” continued at the NEC this evening when the father and son combination of John and Robert Whitaker ran away with the third leg of the British Open Championship.

This A4 class was judged on faults and time, but Bob Ellis’s course was big and techincal, ensuring that there would be no gallop.

John set an unbeatable standard from an early draw on Mandy Hall’s Casino and despite close challenges from Robert Maguire (Two Mills Casino) and John’s son Robert on Lacroix, held on to take the top spot.

This victory moved John up to seventh on the points table. This is led going into the final by Ireland’s Jessica Kurten. Mark Armstrong and Robert Whitaker are the best of the Brits, just over a fence behind, while Robert Maguire, Michael Whitaker, Ben Maher, Ryan Prater, William Whitaker, reigning champion Robert Smith and William Funnell have also made the 20 who will jump tomorrow for the £25,250 winner’s purse.

Knockout and puissance

The Whitaker family’s run of success finally ended in Saturday evening’s knockout. But the honours still went to Yorkshire in the shape of Paul Barker on Jimmy Small’s home-bred mare, Temple Guess What, who beat fellow brit William Funnell (Cortaflex Machiavelli) in a photo-finish.

Sadly, William ended up on the floor in the puissance after a nasty looking fall in round two on Vaillant De Ma Campagne, Luckily, no harm was done to horse and rider and William was able to watch the remainder of the class.

Only two reached the final round and when neither could clear the 7ft 5in wall, the honours were shared between Ben Maher on Eperlan Du Fouquet and fellow young gun Robert Whitaker with Finbarr V.

Read Horse & Hound’s full report on all the action from Birmingham in this Thursday’s magazine (19 April, ’07)

Jessica Kurten heads the British Open rankings

Penny Richardson — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 07:08:46 +0000

Ireland’s Jessica Kurten moved to the top of the British Open rankings after the jump-off leg on Friday night.

Bob Ellis’s big course produced a terrific nine-horse jump-off, where Jessica came from penultimate draw on Galopin De Bioley to beat Belgium’s Kristof Cleeren on another scopey stallion, Sea Coast Conan, by almost 0.5sec.

In a good class for the Irish, Billy Twomey rode Anastasia into third place, just ahead of Mark Armstrong, once again the best of the Brits on Thesaura.

Jessica Kurten took the ride on the 13-year-old Galopin in January. “And he’s getting better every time he competes,” she said.

Earlier in the day, Dutchman Eric van der Vleuten completed a winning double when he and the Andiamo mare Pitareusa held off Britain’s Paul Barker on Blue Chip Quinton in an entertaining easibed Accumulator.

But it was the early evening class that really headlined 17-year-old William Whitaker’s talent. Already looking certain — barring a disaster — to qualify for the British Open final itself, the junior European Champion took on the others in his age group in the British Equestrian Federation World Class Start and Potential Under-23 Classic.

There was again a tremendous jump-off. Classy Irishman Anthony Condon jumped a great jump-off round on Killy Jones, but William and Insultech Leonardo cut the corners tighter and crossed the line more than 1sec ahead.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s indepth report on all the action for the British Open in Birmingham in next Thursday’s magazine (19 April, ’07)

Whitaker one-two at British Open SJ Championships

Penny Richardson — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:33:17 +0000

Robert and John Whitaker restored British honour by scoring a one-two in the Zinc Management Speed Stakes, the opening class on the second day of the British Open Championships.

From third draw, 24-year-old Robert produced a superb round on his sister Louise’s coloured gelding Nureev Du Houssoit. The course proved tricky enough and only four others could go clear, led by Robert’s father, John, on Julia Lee’s Arena UK grand prix winner St Honores Liquido.

“I borrowed Nureev while Louise went to America to ride for Laura Kraut and he’s going really well at the moment. But I’ll have to give him back because Louise came back home on Tuesday,” said Robert.

British Open Show Jumping Championships: Day One

Horse & Hound — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:24:20 +0000

The British riders were left reeling at the end of the first day’s competition at this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships, where overseas visitors won every class.

The rout began in the opening Birmingham City Shield two-phase when Dutchman Eric van der Vleuten triumphed on Audi’s Owendel.

Mark Armstrong was the best of the Brits in third place on Rex and the man from Surrey again flew the flag when finishing fifth on Thesaura in the day’s major class, the first phase of the British Open Championship. This was a speed class with seconds added for fences down and no one could get near Swiss maestro Markus Fuchs, who finished 3.5sec clear of his rivals on his mare Granie.

“The plan’s going well so far, but you know what they say about best laid plans,” said Markus afterwards.

Dutchman Leopold van Asten finished second here on VDL Groep Think Twice, just ahead of Ireland’s Jessica Kurten on the impressive Jipey Dark.

Leopold earlier had his own moment in the spotlight when he and VDL Groep Kaid came out top in a 14-horse Midland Masters jump-off. They never wasted an inch to hold off a flying challenge from Ellen Whitaker on Cortaflex Kanselier by almost 1sec.

Read a full report of this class and all the other action from the British Open Show Jumping Championships in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound

Indoor cross-country action at the British Open

Penny Richardson — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:17:06 +0000

Belgium’s Raf Kooremans retained his unbeaten record in the indoor cross-country class at this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships.

A full house at Birmingham’s NEC cheered every rider round Mike Tucker’s track, which comprised seven show jumping fences followed by a cross-country course. And for a long time it looked as though reigning young riders European Champion Amy Young would take the £1,250 prize after a tremendous round on her top horse, Highville.

Despite 4sec to add for two show jumps down, Amy led by a good margin, but Raf — whose one previous British appearance was as a member of Belgium’s European Championship team at Blenheim — meant business from the start.

It looked as though Raf’s chance was gone when his 17-year-old Dutch-bred mare Izanetta lowered three show jumping poles, but a stirring cross-country round, during which they took every short-cut, put them ahead by 0.73sec.

Raf and Izanetta were invited here after winning equivalent classes at Mechelen and Amsterdam World Cup shows.

“The cross-country fences were smaller here, but the crowd cheered louder,” he said afterwards.

Third place went to Oliver Townend, who was ruing one rolled pole and a couple of extra pulls to the narrow final cross-country fence on ODT Mouse, while Australian Matt Ryan’s immaculate clear on Slight Of Hand was rewarded by fourth spot.

Read a full report of this class and all the other action from the British Open Show Jumping Championships in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound

Addington Classic show jumping

Horse & Hound — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:12:22 +0000

Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct Animation became top scorers in the battle for wildcards to the British Open at the Addington Classic show. Joining Tim at Birmingham will be rising star William Whitaker, 17, on Arielle.

Tim meant business from the start and topped Friday’s jump-off class. Young rider Ryan Prater slipped into second place on Otage ahead of William Whitaker.

Saturday’s speed track was stronger and Michael Whitaker eased Insultech Up To Date into the top spot. Helen Tredwell bounced into contention in second place ahead of John Whitaker on St Honores Liquido. Tim and Animation gained 19 points for fifth place, giving them a healthy lead going into the final class.

It was all to play for in the grand prix. Seven jumped clear and were joined in the jump-off by fastest four-faulter James Billington on Lady Des Hayettes. These did not include Tim and Animation, but by finishing eleventh they had done enough to claim their British Open ticket.

William Whitaker produced a super double clear on the 10-year-old Arielle, ahead of Michael Whitaker on Up To Date. Then Robert Whitaker claimed top spot on Lacroix, ensuring that William joined his fellow family members in Birmingham.

Read this report in full, including photos and further analysis, in tomorrow’s Horse & Hound (12 April, ’07)

Robert Smith favourite for British Open Show Jumping

Horse & Hound — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:48:41 +0000

Reigning British Open Champion Robert Smith is bookies favourite to win the British Open Show Jumping Championships at the Birmingham NEC (12-15 April).

Robert, who just missed an individual medal at the Athens Olympics, is aiming for a hat-trick at this year’s Championships having won the title on his own Kalusha, in 2005 and 2006. Ladbrokes are quoting Robert as the 6/1 favourite to retain the title for the third consecutive year.

A competitive line-up of top international riders will no doubt give Smith a run for his money. Among them is the Whitaker family comprising Michael (number four in the world, number one in Britain), and John, Robert and Ellen who currently occupy first, second, third and tenth respectively in the UK rankings. Six of the world’s top fifty riders have been invited to contest the Championship including former world number one, Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs and Ireland’s Jessica Kurten.

“Kalusha had a break over the winter, so the British Open will be his first big show this year,” Smith explained. “He is 13 and good to handle but he does have a mind of his own and can be unpredictable when jumping. However, he seems to like the British Open and if he starts well he should remain consistent throughout the competition.”

To book tickets for this year’s British Open please telephone NEC Box Office (tel: 08700 100 216) or book online at www.britishopenshowjumping.com. Tickets range from £25 to £45, subject to booking fee, with concessions for children under 15 and senior citizens.

Premier league riders head for British Open

Horse & Hound — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:56:48 +0000

The BSJA’s new championship series will come to a head at the British Open Show Jumping Championships (12-15 April).

Points were allocated to the highest placed riders at the Premier Shows this winter and the top 20 have been invited to contest a £15,000 prize fund at the British Open.

By grouping the Winter A&B Grand Prix at Premier Shows into a series, the BSJA has created a league for both amateur and professional riders and both newly upgraded and more established horses.

Points were earned at South View, Addington, Rowallan, Patchetts, Towerlands and Arena UK. The winner of the Championship Final at the British Open will receive a £5000 prize.

Riders who have qualified for the final

Philippa Dobby from Ormskirk, Lancashire

Guy Williams from Stelling Minnis, Canterbury, Kent

Ryan Prater from Great Horwood, Milton Keynes

Michael Whitaker from Whatton, Nottinghamshire

Helen Tredwell from Finmere, Buckinghamshire

Mark Armstrong from Bordon, Hampshire

John Whitaker from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Paul Barker from Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Keith Shore from Northwich, Cheshire

Charlotte Platt from Henfield, West Sussex

Justin Tuff from Totnes, South Devon

Tim Stockdale from Roade, Northamptonshire

Simon Davies from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Hannah Paul from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Ben Maher from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Andrew Davies from Warrington, Cheshire

Victoria Tulloch from Darlington, County Durham

Ellen Whitaker from Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Scott Brash from Peebles, Scotland

Billy Twomey from Nantwich, Cheshire

Cowboys and Indians at British Open Show Jumping

Horse & Hound — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:56:30 +0000

This year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships (12-15 Aptil) will be embracing the Wild West, with barrel racing and a western-style musical ride. The four day show has moved to the Birmingham NEC where there is plenty of space for cowboys and Indians.

A band of 32 members of the Cheshire Hunt North Branch of the Pony Club will perform a musical ride ‘How the West was Won’ during each performance at the show. The branch has been training for the event every week since October. Cheshire Hunt North Pony Club member 12-year-old Hilary Secker said, “I am looking forward to camping in wagons and caravans at the event. We will be looking after our ponies, putting their war-paint on before each show and also helping the younger children with their ponies – the youngest rider in the team is only seven-years old.”

The rodeo discipline Barrel Racing is returning to the British Open by popular demand and at the end of the show the British Open Barrel Racing champion will be crowned. Barrel Racing is a timed rodeo discipline requiring speed, accuracy and agility. Barrel Racing has become increasingly popular over the past few years for western riders in Europe as well as in America. The horsemanship skills and competitive drive in this fast and furious event make it a crowd favourite.

In addition to the western-style action, reigning British Open Show Jumping Champion Robert Smith, Michael, John, Robert and Ellen Whitaker, and other leading British riders have been invited to compete for the esteemed title of British Open Champion. The event offers the biggest single indoor show jumping prize in Britain and this year the total prize money on offer is over £150,000 with the British Open Champion receiving £25,000.

For more information and online booking please visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com or call the Box Office on 08700 100 216. Groups of 12 or more are entitled to a discount via the Groups Box Office, please call 0800 358 0058.

Star show jumpers and eventers to contest British Open

Horse & Hound — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:26:41 +0000

The public will have the rare opportunity to see Britain’s top show jumpers and eventers competing under one roof at this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championships (12-15 April). A world class line up, including reining British Open Champion Robert Smith and BBC Sports Personality of the Year Zara Philips, has been invited to the show which will be staged at the Birmingham NEC for the first time.

Robert Smith has all to play for this year as a win would mark a hat trick of British Open titles. But Britain’s premier show jumping family, the Whitakers, will no doubt give Smith a run for his money. Michael, John, Robert and Ellen along with a host of the UK’s leading riders will be contesting the £150,000 British Open prize pot, the biggest indoor show jumping prize in Britain. Two further riders will win a place to compete at the British Open at the Addington Classic from 29 March to 1 April.

Eventing fans have plenty to look forward to at this year’s British Open. Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Zara Phillips have all been invited to contest the British Open Indoor Cross-country title on Thursday 12 April – Britain’s only top level indoor cross-country competition. The one-round competition against the clock, with a prize fund of over £5,000, will boast a demanding course of bespoke cross-country jumps, specially designed for the competition. Riders will be required to negotiate several show jumps at the start of the course with two seconds added for each knock-down, before stepping up the pace over the cross-country fences.

As well as top show jumping and eventing, visitors will enjoy high class entertainment from Jean Francois Pignon who will be performing a specially choreographed routine, dubbed ‘the best equestrian display in the world’. Also included in the timetable will be high speedscurry driving, an intricate equestrian vaulting display by the English aquad, a dressage exhibition by Becky Moody, barrel racing and an arena polo competition featuring Jack Kidd and other leading arena polo professionals. The new shopping forum will include more stands than ever before, ensuring no one will walk away empty handed.

For more information and online booking visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com or call the box office (tel: 08700 100 216). Groups of 12 or more are entitled to a discount via the groups box office (tel: 0800 358 0058).

Top 10 British show jumpers

1. Michael Whitaker (Nottingham)

2. Nick Skelton (Warwickshire)

3. John Whitaker MBE (Yorkshire)

4. Robert Smith (Warwickshire)

5. Robert Whitaker (Yorkshire)

6. William Funnell (Surrey)

7. David McPherson (Kent)

8. Ellen Whitaker (Yorkshire)

9. Paul Barker (Yorkshire)

10. Ben Maher (Essex)

Event riders invited to the British Open

William Fox-Pitt

Pippa Funnell

Zara Phillips

Jeanette Brakewell

Polly Stockton

Sarah Cohen

Daisy Dick

Sharon Hunt

Mary King

James Robinson

Oliver Townend

Matthew Wright

Amy Young

Laura Collet

Mark Kyle (IRE)

Andrew Hoy (AUS)

Bettina Hoy (AUS)

Clayton Fredericks (AUS)

Lucinda Fredericks (AUS)

Dag Albert (SWE)

Andrew Nicholson (NZL)

British Open unveils new identity

Horse & Hound — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:48:55 +0000

The British Open Show Jumping Championships (12-15 April) might have moved to the same venue as the Horse of the Year Show (3 – 7 October) but it will still have its own unique identity. Organisers of the British Open will be using the floor space in the Birmingham NEC in an entirely new way. Visitors will be able to browse 4,000 sq m of trade stands in the new indoor shopping forum – a stark contrast to previous years where space at the British Open has been limited.

On arrival, visitors will walk straight into the dazzling shopping area, passing hundreds of top quality stands on their way through to the arena. “The infrastructure requirements of the British Open have grown considerably during the past four years to the point where we were running out of space. We have therefore taken the decision to move the Show to a larger venue allowing us to expand from using one hall in Sheffield to three halls at the NEC. This gives us the opportunity to create a dedicated trade stand hall to help meet demand,” explained Mark Wein, Director of Grandstand Group.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the four-day show, which promises to provide the most action-packed programme of equestrian competition and entertainment ever seen at an indoor show. Britain’s top riders will be contesting the prestigious Open Title and arena spectaculars include the UK’s highest goal Arena Polo, the world-famous Jean François Pignon and his white horses and high speed Scurry Driving. The world’s top eventers will be vying for the British Open Indoor Cross Country title and there will also be an exciting Pony Club display, dressage to music and barrel racing.

Booking hotline 0870 0100216 or visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com

British Open tickets launched early

Horse & Hound — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 16:09:52 +0000

The British Open Show Jumping Championships (12-15 April 2007) might seem light years away, but tickets are already on sale due to unprecedented demand. Organisers have also announced the four-day equestrian extravaganza will be taking place at the Birmingham NEC for the first time, with in excess of 100 trade stands in an all new shopping forum.

It is no wonder British Open tickets are on sale earlier than usual: since its launch in 2003 the show has established itself as one of the blue chip events of the sporting calendar – packed with high calibre show jumping and thrilling displays. The British Open Championship and the puissance have become coveted titles on the British show jumping circuit.

In 2007 the British Open will once again host the highly acclaimed British Open indoor cross-country competition. Last year it attracted a line-up of top name riders including World Champion Zara Phillips.

Aside from first class competition, there will also be scurry driving, the UK’s highest goal arena polo, cowboy barrel racing and freestyle to music dressage special. In addition, the Pony Club will be displaying a uniquely choreographed ride by 24 young riders.

Further information and online booking: www.britishopenshowjumping.com or (tel: 08700 100 216).

New £15,000 BSJA championship launched

Horse & Hound — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 11:22:57 +0000

A new £15,000 championship series has been launched by the BSJA. Using the current Winter A&B Grands Prix, already hosted by the Premier Shows, the BSJA has formed a series that will culminate in a championship final at the British Open Championships in Birmingham (12-15 April).

“The series will create another opportunity for a wide selection of talented combinations to qualify for a prestigious championship over a well-balanced period at very good venues,” said Peter Gillespie, BSJA UK show jumping development chairman. “A major policy of the show jumping development committee in the future year is to support the potential International opportunities available to our members.”

Premier Shows kick off in January with South View (19 – 21 January), and points will be awarded to the best place six riders in each of the grands prix. The allocation ranges from 12 points to the winner, to two points for sixth place, with one point being awarded to those in the jump off. At the culmination of the premier shows, the top 20 point scorers will be eligible to compete for the £15,000 prize pot at the British Open Championships. The best four results from any one combination will count.

According to the BSJA, the championship series has been produced in line with the ethos of the Premier Shows, which is to provide quality show jumping in the winter season for both amateur and professional riders. The circuit offers an introduction to international type classes for the newly upgraded horse as well as fine tuning the established horses.

This new championship was the brainchild of Peter Gillespie and the UK Show Jumping Development Committee and will be funded by the BSJA Development Fund.

Premier Shows 2007

South View 19/21 January
Addington 31 Jan/2 February
Rowallan 16/18 February
Patchetts 2/4 March
Towerlands 16/18 March
Arena UK 23/25 March

Talking to a British Open debut

Horse & Hound — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 17:22:23 +0000

For Open Championship debutante Jade Lazenby, Gatcombe does not spell one long eventing party. Jade is happy to admit she wants to remain focussed this weekend. “We’re staying off site tonight,” she explains, “There is a party tomorrow night but I won’t stay late. This is the biggest course I’ve ever jumped!”

Jade finished ninth in the U25 section at Bramham earlier this season and in the top 20 at Barbury CIC three-star last month. Sitting beside her lorry, with multi-coloured striped socks peeping out over her chaps and a bandana round her head Jade seems relatively relaxed for someone who has just witnessed the Gatcombe Open fences for the first time.

“The course here is bigger and more technical than Barbury but some of the fences are similar so it was good preparation,” Jade explains, admitting that on first inspection the course seems “pretty massive”.

“There are lots of places to kick on which I’m going to need to as Gatcombe time is always really tight,” she explains, “And by the water there are lots of fences close together so I think more time will be wasted there than people expect.”

After Gatcombe, Jade is heading to Blenheim and hopes to make her Badminton

debut next season.

Open Championship Timetable

Saturday 5 August

11:30am Dressage

Sunday 6 August

9:00 am Dressage

12 pm Show Jumping

3:00 pm Cross-country

British Open moves to Birmingham

Carol Phillips — Mon, 22 May 2006 11:32:41 +0000

The fifth anniversary of the British Open Show Jumping Championships will be celebrated in a new venue as the international show is moving from the Hallam Arena in Sheffield to the NEC in Birmingham.

The British Open was launched in 2003 and has quickly established itself as a favourite with riders and visitors alike. The decision to move venues follows the successful relocation of Horse of the Year Show to the NEC in 2002 by event organisers, The Grandstand Group.

Mark Wein, director of Grandstand Group explains: “The infrastructure requirements of the British Open have grown considerably during the past four years to the point where we were running out of space [in Sheffield]. We have therefore taken the decision to move the show to a larger venue.”

Plans for further expansion of the event, which debuted the popular British Open Indoor Cross Country competition at this year’s event, are high on the organisers’ list of priorities following the move.

“The move will allow us to expand from using one hall in Sheffield to three halls at the NEC. This offers us the opportunity to create a dedicated trade stand hall as well as stabling the horses in a separate hall in our backstage area. These additional facilities will greatly enhance the show to the benefit of the visitors, trade stand holders and riders alike,” continues Wein.

“I have no doubt that the British Open will be a resounding success in Birmingham and could lend itself to hosting a World Cup final in the near future.”

For more information visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Robert Smith retains British Open title

Horse & Hound — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 18:43:59 +0000

Britain’s Robert Smith, 45, is British Open Show Jumping Champion for the second consecutive year. Partnering Kalusha, Smith clocked up just 1 pen in this afternoon’s Finals at Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena, leaving Switzerland’s Maryline Vorpe, ranked 289th in the world, in second place. Smith’s win marks the first time in history that the British Open title has been won by the same person in consecutive years.

The British Open is a unique format with a championship class every day. After yesterday afternoon’s final qualifying round, the 20 riders were invited to contest the British Open Final. Smith was at the top of the leader board at the beginning of today’s competition, with Vorpe and Mercure du Chable 3.5 faults behind.

In a nail-biting final, Markus Fuchs, who won yesterday’s qualifier clocked up 14.5 pen to finish in 10th place. France’s Florian Angot produced the fastest time in the jump off but a frustrating 10.5 pen in round A left him in fourth position. Eric van der Vleuten from the Netherlands clocked up just 5 pen in rounds A and B and produced an impressive jump off time to take third place.

Robert Smith is delighted to retain the British Open Showing Jumping Champion title. His show jumping career began when he was just seven-years-old and he went on to win the Grand Prix at the Great Yorkshire Show as a teenager. He is currently leading the Western European leader board of the 2006 FEI World Cup Jumping Series.

According to Smith, his 2006 British Open partner Kalusha has not always been an easy ride. “Even though he’s an international horse and wins what he wins, you still can’t call him reliable, but saying that, most horses that are reliable only win a fraction of what he wins. You have to take the rough with the smooth,” Smith explained. He is already looking forward to London 2012 Olympics. “ I would like to be part of – it would be a good round up for me,” he said, “I will be 51 by then but the world’s number one a few years ago was 59. As long as I’ve got the horse power there’s no reason why I can’t be there.”

Two other British riders finished within the top 10 at today’s Championship final. Michael Whitaker and Portofino added just 1 pen to their first round score of 12.5 pen and after a consistent jump off round, finished in fifth place. Eighth position went to Tim Gredley and Omelli.

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Puissance record broken at British Open

Horse & Hound — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 15:00:12 +0000

Records were broken in the puissance at this year’s British Open when a packed Saturday night house saw five horses reach the fifth round and jump again over 7ft 3in.

The “Maestro”, John Whitaker, on Lactic Two and Exploit Du Roulard faced the youthful challenge from his son Robert, who had cleared his highest ever on Finbarr V, last year’s winners, Ben Maher and Eperlan Du Fouquet, and former HOYS puissance winner Robert Maguire, with one of his top rides, Mr Cawley.

In front of his adoring public, John was first in on Lactic, who slithered up and over, somehow leaving the wall intact. Robert almost emulated his father, but the big chestnut Finbarr pushed a brick off, as did Ben and a revved up Eperlan Du Fouquet.

Back came John on Exploit, who produced his best jump yet and gave the fence inches to spare, so it was all down to Robert Maguire. The young Lancastrian was giving Mr Cawley only his second ever puissance outing and they went out early in the first one, at Belfast. The Irish-bred chestnut has his own way of tackling the wall , but he boldly threw his heart over and it stayed up.

“‘Rhubarb’ would go higher still,” assessed John of Exploit, while Robert Maguire was delighted and surprised.

“I entered as a warm-up for the big class tomorrow. I expected to be out by round two,” he said.

Earlier, Belgian Olympian Dirk Demeersman became the “speed king” in the knockout, riding the big bay Tibaldi to beat Britain’s Mark Armstrong and Rex by a fraction in an entertaining final.

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Smith leads the Sheffield pack

Horse & Hound — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 18:20:36 +0000

Robert Smith maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the third qualifying competition for this year’s British Open Championship.

A big crowd at Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena was treated to some top-class show jumping as riders lying towards the cut-off point tried to ensure their place in tomorrow’s final, while those at the head of affairs at the start of the class had to cope with plenty of pressure.

Reigning champion Robert was cool personified, lifting Marius Claudius round the sizeable track in this speed class to finish in fifth place overall and go into tomorrow’s final 3.5 faults ahead of Switzerland’s Maryline Vorpe.

Clear rounds from Tim Gredley (Omelli) and David McPherson (Cabri D’Elle) also lifted them up the order and left them fifth and seventh on the leaderboard, albeit two fences behind Robert.

The class winner was Marcus Fuchs, whose flying performance on Sylver lifted him out of the non-qualifying zone into eighth place overall.

The earlier Zinc Management Classic jump-off class continued the Whitaker family’s wonderful run at this show. Michael never took a pull on Insultech El Capricho Atormentado Z to hold off the German challenge from Franke Sloothaak’s stable jockey Daniel Deusser with Lucas.

“This horse is a proper winner,” said Michael, who is looking forward to the outdoor season with the Argentine-bred bay, who won at Dublin, Aachen and Calgary last season.

Joe Whitaker kept things in the family when he rode the chestnut mare Desdamona to take the World Class Start and Potential title.

Joe, 18, who lives just 10min from the arena, jumped the sole double clear on the 15.2hh mare to win from Andrew Mizon, who lowered a fence in the jump-off on his scopey gret Special Diamond.

This was the biggest win yet for Joe, who took over the ride on the fiery mare only two months ago.

“She might be quirky but she seems able to jump anything,” he said.

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Paternoster is top young talent

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 22:50:03 +0000

Gemma Paternoster finished first in the World Class Start and Potential Under 23 Classic at the British Open Show Jumping Championships this afternoon. Paternoster, partnering O’Siris, produced the only double clear of the class. An unlucky four faults from James Billington with Lady des Hayettes relegated him to second position, with Ryan Prater and Vahagn de Lozana finishing third.

The World Class Start & Potential Under 23 Classic boasted a line-up of Britain’s top twenty Young Riders. A nationwide series of qualifying rounds has taken place over the past months and the Championships will take place tomorrow morning. All but five of the 20-strong field were knocked out in the first round – including Britain’s leading lady rider, Ellen Whitaker. Whitaker, 20, was eliminated when her partner of three months, Magic Max, put in two refusals. Her brother Joe Whitaker also had an unlucky day, aboard Desdamona. The pair produced a fast and stylish round but an unfortunate four faults at the last fence cost them a place in the jump off.

Last year’s Under 23 Champion Hannah Paul, who won individual and team gold medals at the European Championships just six weeks after breaking her leg, rode an electrifying first round. However Paul, partnering Lucky, clocked up four penalties in the jump off to finish in fifth place. Stephanie Ward and Bullands Sensation also knocked a rail in the jump off but a speedy round pushed them into fourth place.

The Classic is an exciting build up to tomorrow’s Under 23 Championships. With Ellen and Jo Whitaker determined to make up for today’s disappointments and Paternoster gearing up for a Championship title, tomorrow’s competition is destined to be highly charged.

“We have again been delighted with the interest that the British Young Riders U23 Classic has generated among the best young show jumping riders,” said Vikki Underwood, World Class Start and Potential Manager.

Mike Gill of British Open organisers Grandstand Event Management Ltd said: “The British Open offers these young riders the perfect opportunity to compete in a top class international environment facing similar challenges of their elder counterparts.”

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Kyle claims indoor cross-country prize

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 08:47:29 +0000

Eventing arrived at the British Open in style, when 18 of the world’s best vied over a bespoke indoor “cross-country” course. In the end, experience won the day when reigning Hickstead grand prix champions Ireland’s Mark Kyle and Drunken Disorderly (picture right at Hickstead) showed all their rivals how to do it to take the £1,200 prize.

Second spot also went overseas after a smooth performance from Kiwi Andrew Nicholson on Fenicio, with Dag Albert’s exciting round on Who’s Bitz good enough to capture third place for Sweden.

The eveners thoroughly enjoyed their first appearance at a major jumping show and the crowd — many of whom had arrived specially for this class — was equally appreciative.

“That was great fun,” said a breathless Mark Kyle afterwards. “And I also backed myself with the show’s bookies, so I think you could say I’ve had a good day out!”

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British Open whitewash for Whitakers

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 08:42:08 +0000

Michael Whitaker completed a fantastic day for his family by riding Insultech Portofino to victory in the opening leg of this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championship at Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena.

A wonderfully smooth round from the Yorkshireman put him just 0.13sec ahead of wildcard qualifier David McPherson, who rode a classy round on another mare, Bob Moore’s good Bob’s Diamond.

Dutchman Eric van der Vleuten was third on Paloma, with reigning champions Robert Smith and Kalusha looking dangerous in fourth. Good rounds from Robert Whitaker (La Croix), Geoff Luckett (Compliment) and Tim Stockdale (Fresh Direct Corlato) also put them in contention for Sunday’s showpiece class.

Michael was delighted with Portofino, saying: “She felt really good and that was as good a round as she’s jumped here.”

Ellen Whitaker opened the show with a great performance on Kanselier to win the Steel City Shield, while the masters’ jump-off resulted in a “Whitaker whitewash”. John produced a fantastic round on Exploit Du Roulard, chased all the way by son Robert with the lovely coloured horse, Nureev.

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