EQUINE NEWS

7th April 2006

British Open Show Jumping

Day Two

The Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield saw British show jumping legends battling it out against tough competition from abroad in the second day of the British Open Show Jumping Championships raising the stakes for the climax at the week-end.

Whilst the Brit’s flew the flag in last night’s first British Open Championship class with Michael Whitaker’s win and David McPherson as runner-up, tonight second round proved a truly international affair. With the riders knowing that the points accrued would play an important role in determining if they would go through to contest the Final on Sunday, there was everything to ride for. Just Kristof Cleeren from Belgium on Andiamo Z and Florian Angot from France on First De Launay HN mastered Bob Ellis’ technical and demanding course with the only double clears in 44.97 and 44.54 seconds respectively.

The competitive field included world class riders including some of the most talented British young riders in the form of Tim Gredley, Ellen Whitaker and Ben Maher along with British show jumping legends John and Michael Whitaker and last year’s British Open Champion, Robert Smith. The Brits are still holding their own with four strong contenders in the top six with Robert Smith defending his title in the top spot and Michael Whitaker, Robert Maguire and Robert Whitaker hot on his heels.

The third competition of the British Open Championship will be held during tomorrow’s daytime performance, after which a ‘cut’ will be made and only the top twenty riders on the Championship scoreboard will go through to the Final on Sunday in attempt to be crowned the British Open Champion 2006.  These twenty riders will be chasing the £25,000 first prize which forms part of the overall £150,000 prize pot for the week.

Earlier in the evening, the international riders were in full force in the easibed Accumulator which was contested by riders from all over Europe. On fine form, Florian Angot secured first place in an unbeatable round on Javelot D’Helby in 45.99 seconds. Yorkshire rider, John Whitaker on St. Honore’s Liquido took second place in this class in 48.03 seconds and Helen Tredwell from Finmere, Buckinghamshire put in an impressive performance on Opportunity B to be placed third ahead of Holland’s Leon Thijjsen.

This afternoon, in an unpredictable class, Gemma Paternoster from Newbury, Berks, on O’Siris won the BEF World Class Start & Potential British Young Riders Classic with the only double clear in 44.16 seconds, just ahead of James Billington, son of show jumping icon, Geoff Billington. The Young Riders Classic at the British Open topped off three months of intense qualifying competitions held throughout the country for riders under 23 years of age.  The victory was a welcome surprise for Gemma who gained her qualification points at Patchetts Equestrian Centre last month. Pocketing £350 in prize money and a £750 training voucher, Gemma, bowled over by her success, commented, “I’m so happy with O’Siris performance that I don’t mind how he goes in tomorrow’s Championship.” 

Twenty year-old Tim Gredley from Newmarket won the first international show jumping championship class of the day, The Grandstand Classic, on  Nulisina with a clear round in 59.70 seconds ahead of Dutchman, Jürgen Stenfert on BMC Naomie and Mark Armstrong on Graf Gold, who secured second and third place respectively. In a carefully considered round, Tim’s strategy paid off. Commenting on his success, “When I first walked the course, I was looking at cutting inside wings and taking the shortest lines. However, Steven Smith walked the course with me and told me not to worry about the time but to concentrate on going clear.”                

Adding to the excitement of the show jumping, visitors have been treated to some outstanding high goal arena polo in two very closely fought matches on Thursday and Friday with the scores remaining neck and neck. The 18 goal teams made up of six of the country’s top arena polo players, are captivating the large crowds at the Hallam FM Arena with adrenaline fuelled ride-offs and action packed chukkas. The players, who are thoroughly enjoying competing in such a momentous match, are showing off their skills and talent to the roaring crowds with the best yet to come. With the current score tied at 13 all, tension will continue to mount tomorrow with the players attempting to accumulate as many goals as possible before Sunday’s big Final. Blue team captain, Jack Kidd, will be grateful for support from sister Jodie, who will be coming to Sunday’s performance to cheer him and the rest of his team on.

There is still an entire weekend of action ahead at the British Open Show Jumping Championships and much, much more to come including the famous Puissance on Saturday Evening and the Championship Final on Sunday daytime plus a whole host of spectacular equestrian entertainment including a performance by the flying Frenchman, Lorenzo. Tickets are still available from the Box Office on 0114 256 56 56.