Showjumping elite to compete for new title

Jun 20 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

Showjumping elite to compete for new title

OLYMPIC stars are to take part in a two-day showjumping festival at Chester Racecourse on July 31 and August 1.

The inaugural British Masters Invitational will feature elite showjumpers, including John and Michael Whitaker, Robert Smith, Ellen, William and Robert Whitaker, William Funnell, Geoff Luckett, Geoff Billington, Daniel Neilson and Tim Stockdale, all competing for a £60,000 prize.

The event, staged in partnership with The British Show Jumping Association, could attract up to 20,000 visitors to the city and will be a welcome boost to summer trade in Chester.

The festival will introduce a series of new elements such as live interviews, music and betting opportunities to broaden the appeal of the sport.

The event, which will be covered on Sky Sports, will also feature ‘matchplay’ jumping, with riders competing on a knockout basis. Punters will also be able to place bets on riders as they compete for a place in the final.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of Chester Racecourse, said: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with BSJA on this event. Chester Racecourse has always been renowned for being at the forefront of all things equestrian and the plans for the British Masters event will really bring show jumping into the 21st century.”

He added: “This event will strengthen our existing racing product and will help to position Chester Racecourse as a major events venue in the area as well as raising the equestrian profile of Chester and the North West.”

Michael Mac, chairman of BSJA, added: “This can only bode well for the future of the sport. Great Britain not only has an enormous wealth of talented riders, but riders who are noted to be some of the best on the world. To showcase this talent in such a unique and exciting format is not only welcome but extremely overdue.”