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Cream
Of Europe's Showjumpers Arrive In Chester
Equestrian
stars from across Europe are poised to converge on The Roodee for
the second Chester International Horse Show - the largest show jumping
event in the north of England.
The
International Arena of the show - between Thursday 17 and Sunday
20 July - will play host to leading international show jumpers from
across Europe as well as Britain's principle show jumpers. 2003
is a particularly important year as the European Championships take
place in Germany next month and competitors will have a final opportunity
to show off their talents to gain selection for the last major championship
before the Olympics in Athens in 2004.
The
2002 Chester International Horse Show proved a huge success, with
three days of show jumping involving 400 horses and ponies and more
than 300 riders that attracted the cameras of Sky TV as well as
members of the Royal Family.
Richard
Thomas, chief executive of the Chester Race Company, said: "We
are thrilled that the Chester International Horse Show is once again
being held on The Roodee. It's a tremendous event which enhances
Chester's reputation as a venue for superb equestrian sport."
The
organisers Scope Promotions (Equestrian) along with Chester City
Council have made significant improvements to this year's show.
Floodlighting
has been added to the international arena, enabling show jumping
classes and a selection of entertainment to take place well into
the evening.
A
hospitality area will be on two storeys commanding a superb view
of the international arena and the showground, while a Champagne
and sea food area are on offer. Terraced and lawned seating areas,
along with a fully licensed bar, will be available. A selection
of tables within the hospitality area will be available for booking
on a daily basis or for the duration of the show - contact Alan
Beaumont on 01270 526041.
A
spokesman said: "A huge amount of work has gone into this year's
show to create not only a high class show jumping event but also
a major regional attraction for the people of Chester and the surrounding
areas to enjoy."
Last
year's show was commended by European riders. Frenchman Herve Godignon
commented that Britain should be delighted to host such a prestigious
show. The 2002 first prize in the international arena went to John
Popley and his stallion Luidam. It presented by HRH Prince and Princess
Michael of Kent, who arrived by helicopter for the event.
This
year's classes are: 1.15m Select Open; 1.25m; Welcome Stakes; Roodee
Stakes; Premier Consulting UK Stakes; Credit and Business Services
JA; Esengroup Stakes; Clocktower Stakes; Tapsell & Whitehouse
Families JA; Premier Consulting UK Speed Stakes; Riverside Air Conditioning
Championship; The Chester Championship; Premier Consulting UK Supreme
Championship; Horse & Hound Foxhunter; JA Open; Great Leighs
Newcomers; Horse & Hound Foxhunter; B&C Scope Qualifier;
1.25/1.35m Two Phase; 128cms/138cms Handicap; National 128cms Championship;
National 138cms Championship; Junior Scope Select Qualifier; Great
Leighs Newcomers - First Round; Horse & Hound Foxhunter - First
Round; B&C Scope Qualifier; 1.25/1.35 Two Phase; National 128cms
Championship Qualifier; National 138cms Championship Qualifier;
1.15m Junior Open; National Junior Foxhunter - 2nd Round; 148cms;
Great Leighs Newcomers - First Round; 1.25m Scope Qualifier; 1.35m
Scope Qualifier; 128/138cms Handicap; HOYS 128cms Qualifier; HOYS
138cms Qualifier; Kraiburg Junior Show Jumper of the Year; and August
Silk Junior Restricted Open.
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