Grandstand Media Ltd, organiser of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), is delighted to announce that the winning H Factor presented by Equimax & Eraquell act, the Knights of Middle England, and commentary competition winner, Jo Thoenes, will entertain audiences at this year’s event. The World’s most famous horse show will take place at the NEC’s LG Arena from 6th – 10th October this year and promises to be a spectacle not to be missed.
Fronted by Karl Ude-Martinez, The Knights of Middle England completed a long qualifying journey to be crowned H Factor presented by Equimax & Eraquell winners and win the illustrious place at HOYS, appearing everyday alongside the renowned Frederic Pignon. After two gruelling qualifying rounds Karl and his team of talented knights spent four days at the British Open Show Jumping Championships this month competing for audience votes against the remaining finalists, Saffron Waldon Musical Ride, gladiator girls Equestrienne and stunt show Rockin’ Horse. All of the H Factor presented by Equimax & Eraquell finalists put a tremendous amount of effort into their displays and provided fantastic entertainment for the British Open audience. More than 5,000 people voted for their favourite act and with over 46% of the votes the Knights were declared winners. Already a crowd favourite, the Knights were delighted with the result and cannot wait to entertain the audience at HOYS in October.
Another hotly contested competition at the British Open was the commentary competition which aimed to find a new voice to join the commentary team at this year’s HOYS. The competition received unprecedented entries from budding commentators and the judging panel, comprising commentary guru and international commentator Mike Tucker, International show jumper Tim Stockdale and HORSE&HOUND’s Deputy Editor Jaki Bell, were challenged to select three finalists from the ninety entries received to compete at the final. The final took place on Wednesday 7th April at the British Open and the three selected finalists, Jo Thoenes, Adam Cromarty and Ian Scott, had the nerve-racking challenge of commentating live on a section of a show jumping, scurry and showing class so the judging panel could judge the finalists live in action. After a lengthy day for the finalists, and much deliberating from the judges, Jo was crowned winner. Alongside the opportunity to join the commentary team at HOYS, Jo was also awarded a £500 voice training bursary.
The 2010 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) promises to be another exceptional event not to be missed! It will host the finals of the most highly regarded showing and show jumping championships, alongside an exciting line-up of equestrian entertainment.
Horse of the Year 2010: 6th – 10th October
Box Office: 0844 581 82 82
Show information and online booking: www.hoys.co.uk