After four days of hot international competition, Robert Whitaker achieved what no other rider ever has, taking the British Open Championship title for a third time. Robert rode the talented Lacroix 9 in all four legs of the competition which was an unusual tactic: no other Champion has won using the same horse in all elements.

All the other riders chose to use two horses, keeping their top horses fresh for the final. Robert’s tactics certainly worked in his favour. Fourteen year-old Lacroix 9 jumped carefully all week to keep Robert at the top of the leader board going in to the final, and the partnership kept their cool in the crucial jump-off.

Overnight joint leader Kevin Staut had the misfortune of falling off early in the course, eliminating him and immediately ending his British Open dream.

Eventual second and third place went to Nathalie van der Mei and Robert Smith respectively. This was Nathalie’s first show in England and proved she is able to produce excellent international form. Robert Smith rode a cracking jump-off on Vangelis S but it wasn’t enough to catch Robert Whitaker.

23,000 visitors attended the British Open to enjoy the fabulous jumping and equestrian entertainment, including a magical display by Jean Francois Pignon.

Helena Pettit of Grandstand Events commented: “It has been a really fabulous show. Visitor numbers are significantly up on last year’s event and the feedback from visitors, competitors and those involved has been extremely positive. We are also delighted Robert has succeeded in breaking yet another British Open record.”

This year’s British Speed Stakes started with strong line up of competitors. The triumphant winner was Laura Renwick on her super speedy mare Limelight de Breve. British leading lady Laura set the unbeatable time of 55.99 seconds early on in the competition. Swiss rider Marcus Fuchs finished second on Granie 5.

The PCA Futura Final saw Helen Tredwell and Naomi V gain their first win from the past four days. Six of the 18 riders in the class went through to the jump-off where Helen rode an impressive clear in the fastest time of 30.61 seconds.

In other show competitions, Team KP Equestrian and The A Team drew in the Celebrity Arena Polo competition. Sadly Katie Price was unable to compete due to a recently sustained injury to her knee. However, she was ringside to cheer on her substitute, the British Open’s very own Marketing & PR Manger Jade de Vere-Drummond, and the rest of her team. Amy Guy, captain of the A Team, and Katie were both extremely happy with the result.