This year’s Mercedes-Benz National Dressage Championships (Stoneleigh, Warks. 16-19 September) promises fantastic entertainment as Britain’s top dressage riders compete head-to-head for British Dressage’s prestigious national titles and the chance to drive an SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR Roadster for the next 12 months.
Mercedes-Benz National Dressage Champion 2003, Richard Davison, will undoubtedly be extremely keen to keep the car he won last year. However, he is sure to face strong opposition from his rivals, including Britain’s highest placed dressage rider at the Athens Olympic Games, Carl Hester. Carl will also be hosting masterclasses throughout the show.
With high calibre dressage right up to grand prix level, headset commentary, tradestands, displays and demonstrations, this show promises to be a fitting climax to the British dressage season.
Admission on the gate: £10 per person per day. Children (10 years and under) £3 per day. Grandstands are free on Thursday and Friday and £8 per person on Saturday and Sunday.
Directions: From A46 (Warwick to Coventry dual carriageway), exit towards Leamington Spa on A452. Turn 1st left on to B4115. Follow signs to National Championships.
Timetable
Thursday 16 Sep
Equimax Elem Rest 8am; Equimax Elementary Open 8.15am; Derby House Prix St Georges 11.16am; WOW Intermediaire II 2.30pm. Close of day 6.26pm.
Friday 17 Sep
Dodson & Horrell Novice Open 7.50am; KBIS Disabled Dressage Rider 8.10am; WoofWear Advanced Medium 3.30am; Equistro Intermediaire I 11.10am. Shearwater Supreme 1.55pm Close of day 6.43pm.
Saturday 27 Sep
Solid Gold Medium Open 8.00am; Dodson & Horrell Novice Restricted 8.00am; Grange Hotels Grand Prix 10.43am; Easibed Intermediaire I Freestyle 2.20pm; Masterclass with Carl Hester 4.00pm; Display with top international vaulter Ararat Martin-Ruiz 5.55pm; Close of day 6.15pm.
Sunday 28 Sep
Panacur 4-y-o pre-judging 8.00am; NFU Mutual Preliminary 8.05am; Solid Gold Medium Restricted 8.38am; Panacur 5-y-o pre-judging 9.30am; Panacur Potential International Dressage Horse 11.20am; PAVO Intermediaire I Pas de Deux Classic 12.45pm; Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Freestyle 2.05pm; ACE ATV Pony Club/Celebrity Ride & Drive 3.19pm; Masterclass with Carl Hester 3.40pm; Display with top international vaulter Ararat Martin-Ruiz 5.21pm; Presentation of Mercedes-Benz National Champion 2004 5.41pm; Close of show 5.51pm.
