Robert Smith crowned British Open champion

Britain’s number one rider, Robert Smith, achieved an ambition when he rode Kalusha to victory in this year’s British Open Championship.

The Yorkshireman and his tough grey jumped the only double clear over Bob Ellis’s huge course to rise from equal second spot at the start of the class.

Second place went to 2004 champions Nick Skelton and Arko, while overnight leader Billy Twomey finished third for Ireland on Anastasia.

“The Yorkshire crowds are always knowledgeable about show jumping, so to win in front of them makes me feel even better,” said Robert, whose prize for this win was a cool £25,000.

Belgium’s Kristof Cleeren took the honours with a great round on his grey Cardoso Van De Helle in the earlier VCR Addington British Speed Stakes, while the English squad of Lance Whitehouse; Emma Shaw; Sophie Tobin and David McPherson annihilated the oppostion in the Home International.

• Full report and results from the show in next week’s Horse & Hound

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