British Open Show Jumping Championships Blog

Grandstand Event Management has today advised that they will not be running the British Open Show Jumping Championships in 2011. The British Open was launched in 2003 at the Sheffield Hallam Arena and relocated in 2007 to a larger venue, The NEC, Birmingham, where over the last four years Grandstand has worked continuously to establish the show as a major event within the Equestrian calendar.

Grandstand Event Management Managing Director, Helena Pettit says: ‘We have invested very heavily in the British Open Show Jumping Championships over the last 8 years and within this time we have not had one profitable year.   We have therefore had to take a close look at the event and at this time we will use a break to consider options for the show.  Although we have a loyal audience base; for the show to be successful in the long term, we need to attract a larger number of visitors and also to increase our sponsorship.

We already have the perfect venue at the NEC and have trialled several new inclusions over the last few years.  However, we believe we do not have the format quite right and intend to look at the shows content with the possibility of re-launching the show again in the future with a new look, feel and revitalised schedule.  We wouldn’t be removing all the show’s existing content but we would have some new inclusions we feel will add to the audiences experience whilst offering them great value for money.   

We would like to thank our sponsors/partners, all of our officials and stewards, the societies and of course our visitors that have all supported us over the last 8 years.

We are seeking an Assistant to work with in the Company’s PR and Marketing department on projects including, but not limited to, the Horse of the Year Show and the British Open Show Jumping Championships.
 
The Applicant will be principally based at the Company’s Head Office located in Harpenden (Hertfordshire). However, during each of the events, the applicant will be required, along with the company’s other personnel (at the expense of the company), to be based at the host venue of the event. This currently involves staying at the NEC (Birmingham) for one week in April and one week in October each year.

Requirements: 
• A graduate with at least one year’s experience working in the Marketing/PR industry
• Computer literate – use of MS Word and Excel essential
• The ability to work within a team environment as well as being able to use own initiative
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Flexible approach to work
• Good time keeping essential
• The ability to “think outside the box”
• An understanding of the Equine industry, whilst not imperative, would be beneficial to the candidate.

Duties include:
• Generally supporting the Marketing Department with various duties including:
- Organising Competitions & Promotions
- Design & Printing
- Press Accreditation
- Website & Social Media Profile Maintenance
• Distribution of Marketing Literature
• Drafting Press Releases & Editorial Copy
• Handling telephone and email enquiries from the press and public
• Database Management
• Proof reading
• Assisting in the production of the official programme
• General Administration

Tasks at an event:
• To assist in the set up and management of the Event Press Office
• Monitoring the activity of TV and radio crews on site
• Ensuring that accredited press sign in and out
• Answering enquiries from press and other accredited guests
• Distributing results
• Obtaining riders for interviews with members of the press
• Generally generating press coverage for the Event

Hours of Work:
• Monday-Friday inclusive 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
• Working at the events may require a minimum of 8 weekend days
• The applicant must understand the requirement for extra hours (within the basic salary contract) both prior to and during the Events.

Salary 
• Starting salary from £17,500 per annum (dependant on experience).
If you are interested in the position, please apply with your CV clearly detailing all qualifications together with a covering letter detailing why you feel are suitable for the role to press@grandstand.co.uk. Please quote reference “MAV” on all communication.

Deadline: 6th June 2010

Visitors to the 2010 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the NEC, Birmingham will now have the opportunity to book their hotel accommodation, hospitality tickets and season tickets online!  The brand new e-commerce system has been designed specifically with the user in mind and promises to be a hassle free and convenient way of booking these extras for the Show. HOYS takes place from 6^th – 10^th October 2010 and promises to be a sensational event, boasting the best in equestrian competition and entertainment.

Helena Pettit, Managing Director of Grandstand Group, commented ‘We are thrilled to launch our new online booking system and really feel we are offering the user a fast and efficient way of securing their reservations with us. The system has been carefully designed and will be of real value to people limited to making bookings in the evenings and weekends. With this process we are now able to operate a 24 hour booking system!’’

To book Hotel Accommodation, Season Tickets or Hospitality for HOYS please click here. If you would prefer to make your booking over the phone, please call 01582 711 411 and our reservations team will be happy to help.

Horse of the Year 2010: 6^th – 10^th October
Box Office: 0844 581 82 82
Show information and online booking: www.hoys.co.uk

The Grandstand Group, organisers of Horse of the Year Show and the British Show Jumping Championships, held at the LG Arena, has been named 2009 Sports Promoter of the Year by The NEC Group.

Grandstand successfully staged Horse of the Year Show and the British Open Show Jumping Championships at the LG Arena, attracting over 80,000 visitors to the two events where 1.2 million square feet is transformed into a horse lover’s paradise. Both events feature prestigious national and international show jumping competition, offering six figure prize funds, alongside a host of equestrian entertainment.

Established in 1994, Grandstand Group secured the rights to manage Horse of the Year Show in 1997 and masterminded the move to The NEC in 2002, where it now achieves sell-out performances at the LG Arena.

In 2003, the Group established its own equestrian event, the British Open Show Jumping Championships which has become one of the top events in the global equestrian calendar. One of only three major indoor equestrian shows in the UK, the British Open Show Jumping Championships at the LG Arena boasts growing audience and trade figures year on year.

Guy Dunstan, General Manager of Arenas, said: “Business is booming in the arenas industry and we’ve scored highly in our sporting calendar of events at our two arenas.”

“Grandstand Group netted this top award for their professional organisation and the world-class events they bring to our venues. We are privileged to host two of the most prestigious equestrian events at the LG Arena each year.” added Guy Dunstan.

Grandstand Media Ltd, organiser of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), is delighted to announce that the winning H Factor presented by Equimax & Eraquell act, the Knights of Middle England, and commentary competition winner, Jo Thoenes, will entertain audiences at this year’s event. The World’s most famous horse show will take place at the NEC’s LG Arena from 6th – 10th October this year and promises to be a spectacle not to be missed.

Fronted by Karl Ude-Martinez, The Knights of Middle England completed a long qualifying journey to be crowned H Factor presented by Equimax & Eraquell winners and win the illustrious place at HOYS, appearing everyday alongside the renowned Frederic Pignon. After two gruelling qualifying rounds Karl and his team of talented knights spent four days at the British Open Show Jumping Championships this month competing for audience votes against the remaining finalists, Saffron Waldon Musical Ride, gladiator girls Equestrienne and stunt show Rockin’ Horse. All of the H Factor presented by Equimax & Eraquell finalists put a tremendous amount of effort into their displays and provided fantastic entertainment for the British Open audience. More than 5,000 people voted for their favourite act and with over 46% of the votes the Knights were declared winners. Already a crowd favourite, the Knights were delighted with the result and cannot wait to entertain the audience at HOYS in October.

Another hotly contested competition at the British Open was the commentary competition which aimed to find a new voice to join the commentary team at this year’s HOYS. The competition received unprecedented entries from budding commentators and the judging panel, comprising commentary guru and international commentator Mike Tucker, International show jumper Tim Stockdale and HORSE&HOUND’s Deputy Editor Jaki Bell, were challenged to select three finalists from the ninety entries received to compete at the final. The final took place on Wednesday 7th April at the British Open and the three selected finalists, Jo Thoenes, Adam Cromarty and Ian Scott, had the nerve-racking challenge of commentating live on a section of a show jumping, scurry and showing class so the judging panel could judge the finalists live in action. After a lengthy day for the finalists, and much deliberating from the judges, Jo was crowned winner.  Alongside the opportunity to join the commentary team at HOYS, Jo was also awarded a £500 voice training bursary.

The 2010 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) promises to be another exceptional event not to be missed! It will host the finals of the most highly regarded showing and show jumping championships, alongside an exciting line-up of equestrian entertainment.

Horse of the Year 2010: 6th – 10th October
Box Office: 0844 581 82 82
Show information and online booking: www.hoys.co.uk

The British Open Show Jumping Championships came to a dramatic finish today with the capacity crowd enjoying one of the most exciting finals to date. Reigning Champion and this morning’s top rider on the Championship leader board, Robert Whitaker entered today’s final with a jump in hand. Riding his new but extremely talented ride, USA Today, Robert jumped clear in the first round of the final, maintaining his zero penalties score. However, show jumping’s golden girl and Robert’s cousin, Ellen Whitaker had also jumped superbly over the four days of the show and has been hot on Robert’s heels at every step. Ellen followed Robert’s lead and also produced a faultless round to maintain the minimum difference between the top two riders going into the jump-off. Second to last to go in the jump-off, Ellen riding Equimax Ocolado jumped a foot perfect round to finish on four points in a fast time of 48.10 seconds. Robert had to jump clear or be faster with four faults to regain his title.

Entering the arena with a few last words of advice from father John, Robert looked set for the challenge. USA Today cleared the first few fences with plenty of space but his boisterous behaviour in between fences caused Robert to loose time. The atmosphere and tension in Birmingham’s LG Arena was electric with the last jump becoming the decider. At the final fence USA Today produced a characteristic buck just before take off and the combination rolled a pole at the final fence, finishing on four faults in a time of 51.65 seconds. With equal points but a faster time the Championship was Ellen’s. The crowd really appreciated this dramatic ending to four days of intense competition and Ellen and Equimax Ocolado’s fantastic consistency and skill earned them the prestigious title which has evaded them thus far. Ellen commented, “I am so happy! Equimax Ocolado jumped out of his skin and has been so careful every step of the way. This is one title I have been chasing for a while and one I really wanted to win so I am ecstatic with the result and the £25,000 first prize!”

An absolutely inspired piece of riding by Ellen Whitaker saw her take the honours in the Zinc Event Management British Speed Stakes this evening. In front of a packed house, Ellen and her most loyal of companions, 18yr old Kanselier tore the competition apart and finished on an unbelievable time of 49.93 seconds. Kanselier has won numerous speed titles in his career and can always be relied upon to jump cleanly and give it his all. At HOYS last year, the pair won the Vinopolis Speed Horse of the Year in the same flawless style.  Tonight’s class resulted in an all-girl top three with Tina Fletcher in 2^nd and last year’s winner, Laura Renwick, taking the third spot with her 8yr old up and coming star, Vernon G.

In the first show jumping class of the day, the best British junior riders took to the arena for the John Whitaker International JA Championship. The uncatchable Jessica Mendoza won the class on Tixylix in a time of 30.09 seconds. Timothy Wilks riding the striking skewbald The Colour of Money finished second in 33.66 seconds. Third place went to super speedy Amy Inglis and Nils D’ Hurl Vent who finished in a time of 30 seconds but was unlucky to have a fence down so finished in third place.   

The extremely poplar innovative H Factor competition saw the four finalists, Saffron Walden Musical Ride, Rockin’ Horse, the Knights of Middle England and Equestrienne battling it out all week to win the public’s votes for the opportunity to be part of Horse of the Year Show in October. All of the acts were praised for their hard work and preparation for the competition but there could only be one winner. The Knights of Middle England clinched first prize with the largest number of text votes. The crowd favourite provided great entertainment for the British Open audience and were praised by the judges for their polished and engaging performance.

The Working Hunter Grand Prix class returned to the show and proved to be popular with a selection of the top working hunter horses battling it out for the title.  The crème de la crème came to the British Open to claim the title and the judges were faced with a very tough task to pick the winner as all the competitors were finalists at HOYS. The leaders after the conformation judging were Louise Bell and Cracker but unfortunately she had four fences down in the jumping section so slipped out of contention. This left Emma Nettleton and Winterstorm to take first place. Keep Talking ridden by Joli Smith took reserve for the second year in a row.

For more information and full results click here.

It’s the end of the British Open and it’s been a great show for me but unfortunately I am not going home with the title. I have been top of the leader board from day one and went into today’s final with a jump in hand but I knocked the last fence in the jump-off and finished on a slower time than Ellen. Because Ellen carried four points into the final this meant we were both on the same score but because her time was quicker she won the title. 

I am disappointed but it’s just how show jumping goes. One pole down can make all the difference. The final made a great spectacle for the audience with the last fence being the decider and I always want my family to be the winner if I can’t so I am really pleased for Ellen. 

My game plan was to go clear but looking back, with a jump in hand, maybe I should have gone faster. I decided to ride USA Today in the final rather than Casino because he has been jumping so well all week and I know he has the ability to beat any horse in the Championship. He was really unlucky to have the last pole.

The best person on the day won and I think Ellen is a worthy champ – well done Ellen! And second place isn’t so bad I still won £9,600! I will be back to battle again next year.

Thanks for following me at the British Open, 

Rob x