Robert Whitaker made the perfect start in his quest to regain his British Open Championship title by winning the opening leg and claiming the illustrious early top spot on the leader board. This puts Robert in the perfect position to take what would be an astonishing fourth Championship title, and third in a row, if he wins the final on Saturday. However, he still has his work cut out with two further classes (tomorrow and Friday) before the final and, of course, the stiff competition of the world’s leading riders. Robert showed no sign of caving under the pressure of returning to the British Open winning the first leg of the Championship and the Midland Masters – all on the first day!
The in-form Champion started as he meant to go on when he gained his debut victory at this year’s show in the second international class of the day, the Midland Masters. Yorkshireman Robert rode a double clear in a time of 37.24 seconds on his relatively new ride, the 9yr old bay stallion, USA Today, to beat British Young Rider Jemma Kirk riding Tosca who received a wild card to qualify at the British Open to compete amongst the world’s best show jumpers. Third place went to German rider Daniel Deusser riding Cabreado S E. Next came the all important first round of the Championship. A foot perfect round by Casino, a bay gelding by Cavalier, often campaigned by father John, took Robert into the lead with 58.41 seconds. The only other two clear rounds came from Guy Williams with Torinto van de Middlestede and Ellen Whitaker with Equimax Ocolado but they could not challenge Robert’s time and finished on 58.81 seconds and 60.09 seconds respectively. Britain’s No.1, Ben Maher, rode a smooth and classy round into fourth place meaning Britain secured the top four places in the first leg of the Championship creating a very pleasing result for the home crowd.
This year’s Jeep Challenge proved to be the ideal warm up for the world’s leading riders with half the class making it through to the jump-off. Scott Brash riding the very handsome stallion Sebastian, produced an outstanding double clear in 30.02 seconds. This was the perfect start to the British Open for Scott, who only received his invitation to the competition last week. Belgium international Dirk Demeersman finished in second place riding, Tymoon Caloo Meerchen in a time of 30.86 seconds, fellow Begium, Wilm Vermier, took third place riding Umit.
In the first of the national classes, twenty-five of the country’s budding amateur riders were given the chance to compete in an International show environment. After eight qualifying rounds, held at major equestrian centres across the country, the competition was set to be fierce. Nine competitors made it through to the jump-off and the class was won by Ian Wynne riding Don Douglas who set an unbeatable time of 36.44 seconds. Second place went to Vicky Ashworth riding Riverside Glen in a time of 37.17 seconds followed closely by Jon Fletcher riding his own Chemo Z in a time of 37.73 seconds.
The BEF World Class Development Programme Pathfinder got off to a cracking start this evening with Britain’s top young riders pitted against to each other to decide the draw for the Championship tomorrow. Sam Hutton rode a masterful round with Astral 57 to take the lead with a staggering time of 37.96 seconds. Joe Clayton looked like he had it in the bag with a fast and accurate round finishing on 38.83 seconds with the lovely Saveur. Joe and Saveur finished 3rd in this Championship last year and came 2nd in the Young Riders Championship of Great Britain at HOYS back in October, a class combination but no match for Sam and Astral 57 today. It will be interesting to see these two back in battle tomorrow in the Championship!
Katie Marfleet riding Murrum Park Phantom won the inaugural Ponies UK Super League competition which saw 20 talented pony riders battling it out in the British Open’s daunting International Arena. Katie produced a superb show to music to receive a total of 55 points and claim the title. Second place, with 54 points, went to Samantha Bell and Maybe IV followed closely by Shannon Meer riding Littlestones Silver Lady.
For more information and full results click here.
A limited number of tickets are still available on the door for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. To pre-book visit the British Open website or call the Box Office on 0844 581 1301.