PUNTERS at Chester Racecourse have been enjoying horseplay of a new kind as they bet on events and soaked up the music, food and 50 stalls at a two-day showjumping festival.
Chester Racecourse chief executive Richard Thomas hopes the British Showjumping Invitational will become an annual fixture at The Roodee.
He said: “We are raising the image and raising the profile of showjumping to a fantastic place.”
The qualifier for the Horse of The Year Show took place yesterday at the British Masters Invitational (Thursday) and today (Friday) the inaugural British Masters, featuring the top 40 invited riders from across the UK, will delight equestrian fans.
Current and future Olympic hopefuls will compete for a £60,000 prize fund in one of the biggest showjumping events in the UK.
Keith Shore, 44, from Little Leigh, Northwich, has represented Britain six times in the Nations Cup. He rode in Thursday’s Fox Hunter Regional Class, a qualifier for the Horse of the Year Show.
“It’s taking things to a different audience – I hope it works and generates a bit more interest,” said Keith.
“Being in Chester, it’s perfect for us. We can travel back and sleep in our own bed.”
Lee Williams, 24, of Mold, jumped in the junior class on Thursday and was full of praise for the Roodee event’s organisers.
He said: “It’s always got facilities and is well run, it’s an excellent ground and very well organised.”
Organisers are expecting up to 7,000 people today (Friday).
Sheldon Phillips is partnership marketing manager at the show’s sponsors the North West Development Agency.
He said: “It is a different kind of event to take away the staid image of showjumping of people in red jackets and black caps – a bit more fun and exciting.”
Gates open at 9am today. The programme includes the Speed Knockout Class at 11am and British Masters Invitational at 1.45pm. The event will close at 5pm.
Tickets are adults £21, children £15, parking is £7.
