New show jumping series at Royal Berkshire

By Justine Thompson

Event diary

22 June 2009 16:46

The Royal County of Berkshire Show is to provide the climax for a new national show jumping series for identifying and assessing both potential and existing British team competitors.

The competition will be one of the highlights of the event on September 19-20, where top class show jumping has been a popular attraction for both spectators and competitors for a number of years.

Funded jointly by the BSJA Business Partnership and the eight county show venues hosting the classes, the series has a £60,000 prize fund. In addition there is also the bonus of £45,000-worth of Rider Ranking Points to the eight highest-placed competitors on the overall league table.

The series is set to attract some of the country’s top horse and rider combinations providing a fantastic platform to showcase British show jumping at its best.

The course will be built at 1.50m to a specific requirement, enabling selectors to get a clear picture of competitors with the ability to represent Great Britain on the international stage.

Clare Whitaker, chairman of the Performance Development Committee at British Show Jumping, said: “The series will very much have the emphasis on encouraging double clears over courses aligned with those they may encounter in Europe.

“This can only be seen as a tremendous step forward for our sport. Not only will it assist at a senior level, but we also hope it will enable our young riders to progress up the senior ranks.”

Maria Clayton, Head of Communications at the BSJA, said: “The Royal County of Berkshire Show is one of the county shows leading the way in providing a superb environment to showcase our sport. 

"We cannot convey enough thanks to the team at Newbury not only for supporting it, but also for the assistance and enthusiasm they have shown throughout its formation.”