WORLD STARS PREPARE TO SHINE AT EQUESTRIAN.COM LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
Thursday 22 December 2016
Many of the world's leading riders will converge on Liverpool in 8 days' time for another hugely-anticipated Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show.
London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash - fresh from his stunning World Cup triumph at Olympia - leads the way, when he will be joined by fellow British stars like Rio Olympians John and Michael Whitaker, plus top British lady rider Laura Renwick.
There will also be a chance to see some of the rising Whitaker stars, with in-form Joe and Michael's son Jack, winner of the individual gold medal at this year's European Pony Championships, confirmed starters.
Irish riders enjoyed success at the inaugural Liverpool 12 months ago, and they are again out in force, led by reigning Liverpool Grand Prix champion Billy Twomey. Joining him are Rio Olympics combination Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global, former world champion Dermott Lennon, Aachen Grand Prix winner Denis Lynch, plus the ever-popular Shane Breen and consistent Anthony Condon.
And there is certain to be plenty of Irish interest in the Equitop Myoplast puissance on New Year's Eve, as the contenders will include defending champion Peter Smyth and Cavan puissance title holder Chris Megahey.
Leading the continental challenge will be two top Italian riders - Emanuele Gaudiano and Piergiorgio Bucci - who have already proved to be Liverpool audience favourites with their thrilling all-action styles that saw them feature on the first year roll of honour.
Looking ahead to three days of spectacular action and entertainment at Liverpool's Echo Arena from December 31-January 2, Laura said: "It was a super show last year - a huge success. To make a show work so well in its first year was really something. I had never been to Liverpool before, but the support was brilliant in a fantastic arena. It was a great atmosphere and pretty special.
"As riders, we spend so much time on the road trying to get ranking points, it's just so lovely to have these type of big events in our own country and your own support to get behind you. It makes it more special."
Bigger and better are two words on the agenda as the countdown continues towards a spectacular opening day - New Year's Eve - in just under a fortnight's time.
Showjumping action will be interspersed with performances that hold a wide family appeal, including music from the UK's no 1 ABBA tribute band 'Revival', the Shetland Pony Grand National, world-class carriage driving, the Black Fire Girls and so much more.
And New Year’s Eve itself promises to be an unforgettable night, with exclusive acts lined up, including Collabro, the world’s number one musical theatre boy band and the winners of Britain’s Got Talent series 8, plus the Equitop Myoplast Puissance, which is always a show-stopper, a countdown to midnight and a spectacular indoor display of fireworks.
All tickets give access to the show’s shopping village from 9am each day, with the shopping experience featuring a fantastic range of products from high-end equestrian outlets, exclusive fashion retailers, unusual giftware and beautiful things for the home. There will be many food and drink outlets on-site, including an upstairs Champagne Bar and the new Mersey View restaurant, which is open all day and suitable for all the family.
VIP hospitality, meanwhile, offers a spectacular first-class ringside dining experience on the newly-designed raised platform at the head of the arena. Prices start from £165 + VAT per person. For information about all of the hospitality options, including private boxes for 12 people, please contact Mel at the show office on 01829 307676.
Show tickets start at just £11.50, with family tickets and season tickets available. The booking line number is 08448 000400, or tickets can be purchased online. For groups of 15 people and more, a 20 per cent discount on adult prices only for silver and bronze areas can be obtained. The booking line for this is 08445 617672.
vdvw0jmmoc3n.jpg "Bumper weekend of Nupafeed Senior Discovery Second Rounds")
16s3l0yrqmjv4.jpg "Timothy Craggs and Chloe Thomas are victorious in the NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Port Royal")
