As the British Open draws near, the tension for the final opportunity for two British riders to qualify mounts this weekend (Friday 28th – Sunday 30th March) at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire.
Last year it was Tim Stockdale and William Whitaker who benefited from the British Open qualifier when they successfully captured the last two places and went forward to compete for the prestigious title of British Open Champion and a host of additional International classes.
Last Year’s Qualifiers, William Whitaker and Tim Stockdale
The popular Addington Classic will undoubtedly prove to be a fiercely fought contest as riders battle it out for a much coveted place in the British Open line-up and will act as an exciting prelude to the event itself. The British Open offers the biggest single prize in British indoor show jumping and this year the total prize money on offer is over £150,000, with the British Open Champion receiving £25,250.
The qualifying competition at Addington will be open to Grade A horses only, consist of three classes in total (one held on each day of The Addington Classic) and will be based on a points system. The two riders achieving the highest aggregate of points on one horse in the three qualifying competitions will be awarded the British Open places.
Each of the riders will be permitted to take the horse on which they qualified, as well as two additional horses, to the British Open, where they will join the top British riders. Reigning Champion Jessica Kürten and the Whitakers (Michael, John, Robert, William and Ellen), and a host of leading British and foreign riders have already entered for this year’s prestigious event.