British show jumping has received a welcome boost with the news that the BBC plans to broadcast live coverage from Britain’s only World Cup show jumping qualifier at the Olympia International Horse Show (18-22 December).
At the BBC’s request, the World Cup qualifier moves to Sunday afternoon at this year’s show while the popular Masters competition takes place on Saturday.
“The BBC’s television coverage of Olympia is incredibly important both to the show and to the sport,” says Candy Burnyeat, on behalf of Olympia. “For scheduling reasons the BBC is unable to cover the World Cup Qualifier on Saturday, so we have moved the class to the Sunday. This is a good example of how the BBC and shows can work together for the benefit of the sport.”
Olympia always attracts elite riders from throughout Europe, and, with the World Cup qualifier boasting the biggest prize-fund of any European round at £234,000, a fantastic battle promises to be in store.
Jennie Loriston-Clarke brings a new display to the show for this year, featuring leading dressage horses and riders and based on the Celtic dance theme she successfully produced at All The Queen’s Horses in 2002.
Other attractions at the show, which this year has a “circus” theme, are:
- The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery’s musical drive
- Shetland pony grand national
- The British Riding Clubs quadrille
- The Pony Club mini major class
- Mountain and moorland championship
- Veteran Horse Society championship
Tickets for Olympia are no available via the box office (tel: 0870 733 0733) or visit: www.olympiashowjumping.com
