An exciting British Open finish for the John Whitaker International JA Classic Championships 2010
Thursday 20 August 2009
It is with great pleasure that British Show Jumping are able to announce a fantastic final venue for the John Whitaker International JA Classic Championships starting with the next round of qualifiers which commence early next year.
With many of the countries top Pony riders competing for these Championships the length and breadth of the country during the Winter Season this is the one they all want to win before moving on to horses. The most important Championships that the country has for identifying potential British Pony Team riders and assessing them in preparation for both the European Viewing Trials and potential inclusion on the British Pony European Championships Team this series of competitions has become pivotal in the development of up and coming talent.
As part of the ongoing progress of the sport and with this in mind an approach was made to Grandstand Event Management Ltd, organisers of the British Open Show Jumping Championships which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham in April each year with a view to asking whether they would consider including the Final into their programme. Understanding the importance of the series along with the opportunities and competition experience that it would give our youth riders Grandstand Event Management Ltd was only too pleased to assist and is looking forward to welcoming ponies into the already extensive British Open schedule.
Liz Edgar, Chairman of UK Show Jumping and Performance commented “We really can’t thank Grandstand Media enough for their enthusiasm in embracing these Championships into their Show Programme. We are consistently successful on the European stage with our International Pony Teams with many riders coming through to the senior ranks and competing at Championship level as their careers progress. We cannot stress the importance enough on the development of Championships such as this; and we truly believe that moving the Final the British Open couldn’t bring a better conclusion to such a pivotal series in our competition structure”.
Ginette Brogan, Managing Director of John Whitaker International said “We are extremely proud to be aligned as sponsors of both the JA Championships and also the John Whitaker International Squad which exists to develop and nurture the youth talent of today in the hope that they will become Championship medal winners of tomorrow. The tremendous success that we have had internationally with the Pony Teams is one that I don’t believe has been mirrored by any other country. Winning medals consistently each year only goes to prove the talent we have within this country and we truly hope that the introduction of the Final at the British Open will only serve to assist develop their talent further”.
Helena Pettit, Managing Director of Grandstand Event Management Ltd said “We are delighted to be working with the BSJA and hosting the John Whitaker International JA Classic Championships at the 2010 British Open. With such talented pony riders in the UK, the British Open will provide the perfect opportunity for these young riders to demonstrate their talent in front of thousands of visitors. In addition, I am certain being part of a 4* international show jumping event will only spur on their ambitions and aspirations to be the next John Whitaker. ”
ENDS
1weon0iftwu19.jpg "Scott Brash makes a long-awaited Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in Shanghai")
1xtpsebafdw52.jpg "Sienna Hutchings and Mia Pearson Soar to Success in the STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Rounds")