The final day at the British Open Show Jumping Championships saw Ireland’s Jessica Kürten become the first lady rider to take the title riding Galopin De Bioley. Currently ranked number seven in the world, Jessica took the lead after the first three rounds of the British Open Championship and was last to go in today’s competition. An unfortunate knock down of the last fence was not enough to get in Jessica’s way as she beamed with delight at becoming the British Open Show Jumping Champion 2007.
n the Show, Jessica commented, ‘This is a fantastic Show. It has a great format and I’m delighted that a show like this can be held here at the NEC. I’m definitely coming back next year to defend my title’. The star from the recent hit reality show, Only Fools on Horses, was reunited will fellow judges Jodie Kidd, who presented her with the Championship trophy, and Robert Smith, who won the title in 2005 and 2006, was also competing alongside “Head Trainer” Tim Stockdale.
Fellow Irishman, Billy Twomey took second place on Anastasia III and was the only competitor to ride a clear in the jump off just 0.46 seconds behind Jessica. Third place went to Belgium’s Kristof Cleeren riding Sea Coast Conan.
Earlier Results from Today:
The British Speed Stakes provided much excitement earlier this afternoon when world number three Markus Fuchs won the class on Royal Charmer in a time of 54.12 seconds. This was the second win for Markus in the British Open Show Jumping Championships 2007. Second place went to Leopold van Asten riding VDL Groep Centanna who followed 0.60 seconds behind and Ireland’s Shane Breen riding Dorada came third in 56.12 seconds.
he BSJA Winter Premier Grand Prix Championships saw six of the 18 riders in the Grand Prix through to the jump off where Tim Stockdale cleared the round in the fastest time of 35.77 seconds taking first place on Fresh Direct Corlato. Helen Tredwell also jumped an impressive round on Opportunity B coming second in a time of 37.64 seconds. Third and fourth place went to Keith Shore on Nintendo and Mark Armstrong riding Sefana.
The move of the British Open Show Jumping Championships to the NEC, Birmingham, proved popular this year and what an amazing show it has been. Other results from the final day of the British Open included the Osborne Refrigerator Scurry Challenge win for Richard Griffiths with Titch and Talisman with the quickest time of just 49.11 seconds with Jemma Millman winning second place on Pooh Bear & Piglet in a time of 49.11 seconds. The British Open Barrel Racing Challenge, which has thrilled the crowds with their twisting turns and fast sprints, was won by John Grant riding Indy in 37.89 seconds with Derek Williams riding Josie’s Image as runner-up in 38.11 seconds.
Going into the final both Team Butchers and Crystal were neck and neck with 22 goals each in the High Goal Arena Polo Challenge, visitors were given a thrilling spectacle which left them on the edge of their seats cheering for their favourite team to win. The competition ended with a respectable draw between both sides.