An amazing opportunity for two British riders to join some of the best show jumpers in the world at the British Open Show Jumping Championships 2004 has been offered by organisers Grandstand Event Management. An inaugural qualifier will be held at the Addington Classic in March offering two riders the chance to join the top twelve ranked British riders together with leading foreign riders at the show case event in Sheffield next Easter.

The British Open, launched last April was heralded a great success by the media, riders and public alike. The 2004 event will take place from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th April and once again features a feast of equestrian entertainment including some of the best displays ever seen and world class show jumping with a prize fund of over £160,000.

The qualifying competition at Addington will be open to Grade A horses only, consist of three classes in total (one held on each day of The Addington Classic) and will be based on a points system. The two riders achieving the highest aggregate of points on one horse in the three qualifying competitions will be awarded the British Open places. Each of the riders will be permitted to take the horse on which they qualify, as well as two additional horses, to the British Open, where they will join the top twelve ranked British Riders as at December 31st 2003. Entries for the qualifying competition will close on Thursday 18th March and potential competitors are advised to contact Addington Manor for further details.

The qualifier will undoubtedly produce some fierce competition as eager riders battle it out for a much coveted place in the British Open line up and will act as an exciting prelude to the event itself.

Alongside the top show jumping action at the British Open, each performance will feature outstanding all-round family entertainment in which visitors will bear witness to breath-taking and novel equestrian displays incorporating dazzling and distinct acts of horsemanship, professionally produced with theatrical music and lighting creating an unforgettable atmosphere and dramatic effects. These will include the Metropolitan Police with an exclusive performance of their high-speed Activity Ride, the skilful Frenchman Jean Francois Pignon demonstrating the incredible bond he shares with his horses and Mary Ray, one of the brightest stars of the canine world, demonstrating her 'Heelwork to Music'. Other attractions include the thrills and spills of the European Horseball Challenge and fast and furious Scurry Driving. Away from the exciting action in the arena visitors can indulge in a little retail therapy as they browse around the numerous tradestands.

Ticket prices range from £12.50 to £35 for adults with half price discounts for children under 16 and OAP's. For more information and online booking please visit www.britishopenshowjumping.com or call the Box Office on 0114 256 5656. Groups of 12 or more are entitled to a discount via the Groups Box Office, please call 020 8900 9282 for details. All tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Riders who have already received an invitation to the British Open ie. the top 12 British riders and selected foreign riders may also take part in the qualifier classes and claim prize money but they will not recieve points.

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