In the most important show jumping competition of the day, riders faced the second round of the British Open Show Jumping Championship. 12 riders went through to the jump-off and victory went to Ireland’s Jessica Kürten who took first place with the fastest clear in a time of 42.47 on Quibell. Second place went to John Whitaker riding Casino who went clear in a time of 43.74 seconds, followed by another Whitaker success with Michael on Insul Tech Wonami Van Der Aard who went clear in 43.89 seconds. With the top twenty going through to Sunday’s final after tomorrow’s third round, the pressure is on for riders to ensure they make the cut.
The World Class Development Programme Champion was also decided today. Louise Pavitt provided the near capacity crowd with a spectacular two rounds, jumping double clear on Unbelievable Darco in a time of 39.31. Louise did particularly well to scoop the title considering her early draw that was decided by yesterday’s Pathfinder class. First to go, Scott Brash, followed just behind Louise in 40.97 seconds on Sebastian III and was also awarded the style award by International rider Heinrich Hermann Engemann who assessed each riders’ performance. Another early drawn rider, Gemma Paternoster, claimed third place riding Osiris in 42.49.
Robert Whitaker produced an outstanding performance in the first competition of the day, flying round the course in his trademark daring style. Proving he is on electrifying form (and adding another win to his 1st in the opening round of the British Open Championship yesterday) he rode a clear round in the Grandstand Classic in the speedy time of just 39.74 seconds. It was also a successful competition for Great Britain and the top three positions were claimed by some of the country’s most exceptional riders. Following closely on Whitaker’s heels was Geoff Luckett, who also rode a clear round on Robin in a time of 39.84 seconds. Third place went to Mark Armstrong riding Rex in a time of 41.45 seconds.
Riders in the Accumulator had the audience on the edge of their seats as corners were cut and speeds moved up a gear to win this competition. Nick Skelton took first place on Russel with 65 points in a time of 52.12 seconds. Dutchman Eric van der Vleuten, riding VDL Groep Owendel, was hot on his tail with equal points in a fast round of 54.99 seconds. Jessica Kürten and Robert Whitaker, both former British Open Champions and great favourites with the crowds, rode breath-taking rounds to take third and fourth place while other speedy riders such as William Funnell and Dirk Demeersman rode a nail-biting round only to come unstuck at the strategically named ‘joker’ fence!
The evening’s entertainment started with the Red Mills Horse Feeds British Open Indoor Cross Country competition, featuring top international event riders including Matt Ryan and for the first time William Fox Pitt. The fast and furious competition was won by 19 year old Georgie Spence on her own bay gelding, Song for Gull. Even having a rail down she was quick enough to see off stiff competition from Mark Kyle on Drunken Disorderly who finished second in a time of 76.45 seconds and William Fox-Pitt (third) on Ballincoola in 81.41seconds. The crowd pleasing class will return tomorrow afternoon (Saturday) for the Red Mills Horse Feeds British Open Indoor Cross Country – Power and Speed competition where top show jumpers will team up with the eventers in a new team competition.