The Charles Stanley British Masters Grand Prix

The Charles Stanley British Masters 3* International Show was held this weekend at the SouthView Equestrian Centre in Cheshire. 

 

With seventy five world class riders attending the event was expected to be a superb showcase for spectators to experience the thrill and excitement of top level showjumping; and this is exactly what it did.

 

With good weather and great competition the atmosphere was electric throughout the four days culminating with the 1.60m Grand Prix. This competition saw riders from across the world fighting it out for their share of the £31,000 prize fund at stake. It was American rider (and USA team member that secured gold at the 2008 Olympics) Laura Kraut that finally took the honors during a breathtaking jump off with the eleven year old chestnut mare Teirra Laura. Jumping a double clear and coming home in a jump off time of 43.97 seconds they denied British rider John Whitaker the win by shaving just over a second from his time.

 

John was riding the nine year old dark bay stallion Argento who is owned jointly by Keeley Durham and his wife Clare. Also jumping clear this combination came home in a jump off time of 45.16 seconds to pick up second place. However, close on his heels and only 0.13 seconds slower was twenty one year old Nottingham based, Joe Clayton. Riding Jes Nielsen’s ten year old chestnut stallion Mr Darcy Joe was the only other double clear but being just a fraction slower than second place John meant he had to settle for third place. Joe however, did finish his round beaming from ear to ear knowing that he had done enough to secure the Leading Rider title which meant he was the lucky recipient of a Mitsubishi L200 supplied by the Grenson Motor Company.

 

Michael Mac, Chairman of British Showjumping stated “The show has been incredible with many of the world’s best riders showcasing the sport as it should be in an accessible and welcoming environment.   What Charles and Linda Britton have achieved, alongside the team working passionately with them, in such a relatively small time has been astounding and they should be applauded. I would also like to thank both Charles Stanley, the North West Development Agency in addition to all the other sponsors and investors without whom this fantastic show could never have taken place”

 

Venetia Malpas, Director of Charles Stanley who attended the event and also presented the prizes commented; “Charles Stanley, have been delighted with this year’s event. Charles and Linda Britton, and their staff, have put a lot of effort into making this work. From our initial viewing of SouthView before the arena was built to then seeing the excellent facilities they created, we know is no small achievement. Our clients and guests have commented on how much they enjoyed themselves and we are so glad to have been able to contribute in some small part to helping British Showjumping put on this International event. Our very best wishes go to the competitors for success in the London 2012 Olympic Games and we look forward to next year’s Charles Stanley British Masters.

 

Sheldon Phillips, Head of Regional Major Events for the North West Development Agency further commented “We have been delighted with the event, especially with the high quality field in terms of both National and International riders.   The feedback from the event has been extremely positive from those competing through to the spectators that came and enjoyed the day and we look forward to next year being as successful”

 

 

 

1^st Laura Kraut riding Teirra – 0/0 43.97 in seconds

2^nd John Whitaker riding Argento – 0/0 in 45.13 seconds

3^rd Joe Clayton riding Mr Dracy V – 0/0 in 45.29 seconds

4^th Nick Skelton riding Big Star – 4/0 in 4.70

6^th William Funnell riding Billy Congo – 0/4 in 46.30 seconds

7^th Tina Fletcher riding Unique IX – 0/4 in 48.15 seconds

 

 

Further information on the event and a full list of results please visit www.southviewarena.com 

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) works to deliver economic success in England’s Northwest by building the competitiveness of businesses, people and places. As part of its work to support these objectives, the NWDA works with partners to secure world-class events, which are distinctive and capable of attracting large numbers of visitors from outside the region and which significantly enhance the profile of the region.

For further information visit www.nwda.co.uk 

 

At Charles Stanley we have always believed that people would much rather do business with someone they know and trust. It’s a relationship with our clients as important as the one between the rider and the horse in showjumping and why the sport appeals so much to us as a company. The perfect synergy, made for success.