The opening day of the British Open Show Jumping Championships in Sheffield’s Hallam FM arena took standing ovations today, with three out of four Whitaker’s successful in all of today’s classes and the UK Indoor Cross Country debut proclaimed a roaring success, with Mark Kyle (IRE) taking the top prize.
Ellen Whitaker from Barnsley got off to a flying start in the opening class, The Steel City Shield, of international show jumping at the British Open, with a double clear on Kanselier in the unbeatable time of 33.68 in the jump off ahead of Dirk Demeersman (BEL) and Eric Van Der Vleuten (NDL).
John Whitaker and Exploit de Roulard then went on to fly the Whitaker flag by winning the second class of the day, The Sheffield Masters, in true style with a double clear and in 35.66 and closely followed by his son, Robert, who was the first British Open Champion in 2003, only thirteen seconds behind his father. Last minute qualifier, Helen Tredwell, who secured her place to compete in the British Open only two weeks ago at Addington Manor, rode an impressive jump-off on Opportunity B, also with a double clear.
The first leg of the British Open Championship kicked off today with the first round going to Michael Whitaker from Nottingham, who clearly had his eye firmly fixed on the richest single class in the country – the £25,000 first prize which will go to the overall Champion after the Final on Sunday. David McPherson also got a foot on the championship scoreboard on Bob’s Diamond followed by Eric Van Der Vleuten on Paloma whilst last year’s British Open Champion, Robert Smith, took fourth place, Robert Whitaker, the 2003 British Open Champion, took six place.
Aside from the Championship classes, Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena tonight witnessed some of the most exciting and nail-biting indoor cross country competition ever seen in this country at the British Open Show Jumping Championships. Mark Kyle from Ireland saw off tough competition from some of the world’s best including Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Dag Albert (SWE) who came second and third respectively. Challenging fences, tight turns, fast sprints, vibrant music and an electric crowd produced one of the most entertaining features of the day.
Knock-down show jumps combined with big solid fences put the pressure on to produce a competition unlike any other. The trade-off between a fast round and a clear round saw the collection of a grand prix show jumper followed by the speed and agility of an eventer flying over impressive cross country fences made up of creatively designed houses, logs and technical combinations.
Also included in the exciting daily timetable is high speed Scurry Driving, the UK’s highest goal indoor Arena Polo competition along with a fast moving Barrel Racing competition. Headlining this year’s displays is the world-famous ‘flying Frenchman’, Lorenzo, who presents a unique double bill including the British debut of his new ‘Liberty’ display alongside his classic ‘Action’ routine which wowed the crowds at the 2004 Horse of the Year Show. In addition, an intricate Equestrian Vaulting display by the English Squad is performed daily along with a captivating Dressage exhibition by Rebecca Moody. For those wishing to gain autographs there are daily rider signings as well as the opportunity to shop and browse the range of tradestands.
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