Changes to World Cup SJ series
16 May 2002
Next year’s World Cup show jumping series will follow a new format following rider complaints
Following representations from the riders, it has been agreed that changes will be madeto the format of the show jumping World Cup series.
There will no longer be pre-qualifying classes, and each World Cup qualifier will now have a maximum field of 38.
The qualifier, which will be held on the Sunday afternoon where possible, will be the most prestigious class at each show and carry the highest prize-money.
A competition will be held on the Friday afternoon to determine the order of starting for the major class.
These changes have been made asthe riders disliked the pre-qualifying speed class as they felt it was hard on the horses. The pre-qualifying class was introduced to reduce each World Cup field to 18 so Eurosport could broadcast the class in 1hr.
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One of the biggest opponents of the system has been world number one Ludger Beerbaum, who recently advocated all of the changes in Horse & Hound (letters, 4 April).
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