Young hopefuls head for HOYS

Young talent could throw a spanner in the works at the 2006 Horse of the Year Show. The BSJA has invited Britain’s leading lady rider, 20-year-old Ellen Whitaker, 17-year-old 2006 Junior European Champion William Whitaker, and 2006 Young Rider Champion Gemma Paternoster, 20, to compete in the international classes at the Birmingham NEC (4 October – 8 October). The young triumvirate will join a line up of top British and international names at the show, which culminates in the £22,500 Tack365.com Leading Show Jumper of the Year Grand Prix.

Robert Bevis and Helen Tredwell scored the last remaining HOYS wild cards at Unex Towerlands last weekend, making up the 16-strong British contingent. The pair will join Geoff Luckett and Robert Maguire – who also hold wild cards – and Britain’s top 10 show jumpers at the Birmingham-based event.

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