The Announcement of The Charles Stanley British Masters International

This week was an important week for British Showjumping with the Press Launch at the Duke of Westminster’s Offices in Mayfair, London of the Charles Stanley British Masters 2010.

 

 

The investment and commitment being made by the North West Development Agency, Cheshire West and Chester alongside Chester Racecourse has been second to none. By listening to the sports needs and understanding how they can be integrated into their own, we find ourselves in the fortunate position of being able to give our existing and potential Championship horses and riders the additional opportunities that we have been in desperate need of in this country” commented Maria Clayton from British Showjumping..

 

When the 2008 British Masters was born the response was instantaneous. The best riders in the country came to jump and the crowds loved the new format giving a real Razzmatazz feel to the event. 2009 saw the same strength of riders and a 30% lift in visitor numbers as over 12,000 flocked for a great family day out and the chance to see the nation’s best jump for big prize money.

 

At the request of British Showjumping, Chester Racecourse was asked if they would look at the feasibility of the British Masters becoming a 3* International Event.   If we were to compete internationally to the level we all expected then there was an evident need that more top class competitions must be found for our riders and the British Masters appeared the perfect vehicle to supply that competition - so it was a logical progression on all fronts.

 

The Chester Race Company conveyed the wish of British Showjumping to the North West Development Agency (NWDA) and Cheshire West & Chester (CWAC)  who were thrilled to see the chance to fulfil the vision of 2007.

 

The final piece of the Jigsaw was to sign up a national sponsor who could help us get to the Prize Money threshold required to satisfy the FEI Rules. It was at that stage that Charles Stanley- one of the UK’s leading private client Stockbrokers recognised both a connection between their clients and the sport and of course the opportunity to assist our top riders to further theirs and our countries medal winning hopes.

 

With all the component parts in place the 2010 Charles Stanley British Masters was born. An event that will feature the very best horses and riders from the UK and Britain jumping for over £120,000 in prize money.

 

There will also be Pony Viewing Trials being staged the same weekend where many of the countries top Pony Riders will be hoping for selection onto the British Team representing us at the Pony European Championships that for 2010 take place in the UK at Bishop Burton,  East Yorkshire during a few weeks later.

 

There will be around 1,000 horses jumping over the three days in July on the Roodee. A spectacular event that will feature all levels of showjumping, a shopping village, a local food and drink experience and a showcase of the fabulous city of Chester. Chester Race Company is keen to provide a special family day out, in much the same way as the Racing Family Fun Day that over 40,000 people attend in August, one of the highest attended meetings in the country.

 

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the NWDA, British Showjumping and Chester Race Company sees all parties committed to the continued development of Showjumping in the region. The Charles Stanley British Masters is the focal point of that journey.