CHESTER Racecourse international showjumping event, The Charles Stanley British Masters, has attracted a full house of national and international riders for July’s competition.

Among the many names entering for the UK are the Whitaker dynasty including, John, Michael and Ellen, last year’s winner Robert Smith, Olympians Ben Maher and Tim Stockdale and Cheshire-based Geoff Billington.

Hot on the heels of the UK riders, top internationals have confirmed their places and include Miriam Garcia from Spain, Laura Kraut from the USA, Shane Breen for Ireland, Guido Hornesch from Belgium, Barry Taylor from South Africa and Karim El Zoghby from Egypt.

Richard Thomas, chief executive of Chester Racecourse, said: “The number of world-class riders we have had sign up for this competition already confirms not only the popularity of the event but also the need for this type of international competition to take place within the UK.”

After just two years since its inauguration, it was the riders who approached British Showjumping to ask Chester Racecourse to look at the feasibility of the British Masters becoming an international event.

British Showjumping believed that if the UK was to compete internationally to the level everyone wanted it to, then more top-class competition must be found for British riders and the British Masters appeared the perfect vehicle to supply that competition.

Riders agreed the turf on which they jump at Chester is among the best in the country and the facilities second to none, so it was a logical progression on all fronts.

British showjumper Ellen Whitaker said: “I have jumped at Chester since its inception and whilst I haven’t won yet I am hugely excited to be jumping at Chester in a few weeks. After winning the British Open in April, I very much hope that I can continue my success and take the Charles Stanley British Masters as the second leg of a Triple Crown – that would be very special indeed.”

The Charles Stanley British Masters Showjumping is taking place at Chester Racecourse from July 2-4.

Tickets start at just £5 for Friday, children under 12 and parking is free.