British Open wild cards secured
Northern riders Scott Smith and Robert Maguire ensured their journeys down south were worthwhile when they came out on top in the inaugural British Open qualifier at the Addington Classic Show to clinch the two British Open wild card places at the weekend.
The three-day qualifier was designed to enable two riders outside the top 12 to qualify for the British Open Show Jumping Championships at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield this April. Unsurprisingly, it proved to be a fiercely fought affair between 29 of Britain’s best.
Robert Maguire, 23, won the Saturday and Sunday qualifiers with ease on his own Two Mills Show Time, ensuring his place in the British Open line-up. Currently ranked 22nd in Britain, Robert is a regular on the international circuit and will be making his debut British Open appearance in April.
Scott Smith’s consistency across the qualifiers paid off, with his overall points securing him the remaining British Open ticket, by a two-point margin ahead of Paul Crago. Scott, 29, competed at the inaugural British Open last year and is currently ranked 17th in Britain.
Robert Maguire and Scott Smith will be joining Britain’s number one Robert Smith, Michael, John and Robert Whitaker, Andrew Davies, Nick Skelton, William Funnell, Tim Stockdale, Richard Davenport, Paul Barker, John Renwick and Keith Shore at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield from 15-18 April.
All the invited home and international riders, including Germany’s Helena Weinburg plus Peter Charles and Billy Twomey from Ireland among others, will be trying to claim the prestigious British Open crown from the current champion Robert Whitaker.
For more details and to book tickets visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.