The British Open Show Jumping Championships (24-27 April), is loosely based on the golfing classic of the same name.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, riders have two chances to accumulate points, with the top 20 going through to Sunday’s grand prix. At the end of this class, the overall champion takes home £25,000, with prize-money reducing on a sliding scale, and £1,000 apiece for the 10 riders who did not make the final.
British riders have few opportunities to compete for such a lucrative prize, so – regardless of the foreign opposition – competition for the British Open Trophy (pictured) will be strong.
Click here for a list of the entries so far (subject to change).
The championships will be the first equestrian event to be held at the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, which has a seating capacity of more than 8,000.
Prize-money at the show totals more than £160,000 and among the highlights will be Saturday evening’s puissance. This is not one of the points classes, so the best over the big wall will collect a cool £4,500.
There is a minimum of four jumping classes per day, plus top-class displays, and tickets are selling fast. So make your way to Sheffield and support this new venture.
Click here for the full timetable.
WIN great prizes with H&H
Spectators have the chance to win a John Whitaker EX2 close contact jumping saddle worth around £1,400, plus £1,000 of clothing from Harry Hall’s spring/summer 2003 range just by visiting the Horse & Hound trade stand at the show.
The free prize draws are expected to be extremely popular, so remember to pop along to the Horse & Hound stand to place your entry. Exclusive subscription offers will also be available on the stand.
For more information about the John Whitaker International range visit: www.johnwhitakerintltd.com
Check out the new Harry Hall range at: www.harryhall.co.uk
How to get there
The Hallam FM Arena is less than two miles from Sheffield City Airport and is linked to local stations and park and ride locations by supertram. The trams run approximately every 10min from 6am until midnight. The arena also has 2,000 pay-and-display on-site car parking spaces (£5 per car-£10 per coach).
Tickets: £15-£35 (adults); £7.50-£17.50 (children under-15 or OAPs). Booking fees are extra. There is a 10% discount for groups of 12 or more. Season tickets cost £195 (plus booking fee) for all eight performances.
For tickets or more information contact the box office (tel: 01142 565656) or visit: www.britishopenshowjumping.com
