After fighting off fierce competition at the Addington Manor Classic qualifier on Saturday (28th March), Helen Tredwell and Laura Newman will now join leading British and Foreign riders at the British Open Show Jumping Championships (16-19th April 2009 at Birmingham’s NEC).
Helen Tredwell and the very popular Opportunity B jumped superbly to finish top of the points table scoring a total of 55. Laura Newman riding the very sharp Running on Red put in a fast round to claim the second wildcard snapping at Helen’s heels finishing on 51 points.
With many big names and top horses competing, the pressure was really on to go clear and move into top gear for the jump-off of the final round of the Addington Classic. After two days of competition, British Open Champion of 2008, Robert Whitaker, had some unfortunate luck in the jump-off stage leaving the title very much up for grabs. Geoff Luckett then stepped up the pace and rode two foot perfect fast rounds to take first place with Valblanc Van Het Panishof and second with Brickfield Boy. Geoff has already qualified for the British Open so it was fantastic to see him in such good form at Addington.
Helen and Laura were the two main stars of the show, securing the top spots in the overall points table to qualify them for the British Open this Easter (16th – 19th April). Congratulations to the girls, who through their qualification brings the British female contingent up to four at the British Open with Laura Renwick and Ellen Whitaker already confirmed.
Tickets are still available for the British Open. To book tickets, click here or call the NEC Box Office on 0844 581 1301.