Support for new SJ talent

From September, the newcomers show jumping series will be sponsored by Great Leighs, better known as Essex County Showground, venue for the Horse Show, where owner John Holmes has spent the past four years building up an international facility.

Next year sees the launch of Great Leighs Racing on the site, with a new racetrack to be built and racing and show jumping running hand-in-hand.

John Holmes, a former competitor, has a long association with novice show jumping horses, with Marion Mould, Joe Turi and Fred de Wykerslooth among the riders who produced young horses for him from his West Park Stables.

Jacky Knightley, BSJA press and marketing officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome John Holmes’s three-year sponsorship of the newcomers, which begins at this year’s Festival of Show Jumping, and we wish him success with his new venture at the showground.”