H&C

23
Mar
2010

No Comments

Excitement builds ahead of the British Open

The British Open promises top competition and entertainment

There is barely a fortnight to go until Easter's equestrian eggstravaganza, but there is still time to get tickets for the British Open, which takes place from the 7th to the 10th of April. Whether you want to see the Working Hunter Grand Prix, the John Whitaker International JA Championship, the H Factor, the Puissance, the Shopping or you just want to soak up the atmosphere, you'll find it at the British Open.

There is a top lineup of the best riders in the UK. Robert, Michael and John Whitaker are all confirmed for the International classes; showing guru, Louise Bell has got her entry in and the Indoor Cross Country line-up is looking very exciting. Jeanette Brakewell, Oli Townend and Gary Parsonage to name just a few are all entered.

Grandstand Group, the team behind HOYS and the British Open, is searching for a new voice in equestrian commentating. After receiving a high number of entries for the competition, the team of judges have whittled the final list down to three contestants who will be put to the test in front of a live audience at next month’s show.

Following two tough rounds, the judges, renowned Equestrian Commentator Mike Tucker and International show jumper Tim Stockdale, decided on their three finalists:

Adam Cromarty – 25 year old from Fife
Jo Thoenes – 35 year old from Oxford
Ian Scott – 55 year old from Stamford, Lincolnshire

During the final all contestants will have a formal interview followed by a session of live commentating during the British Open’s jam packed day of competition on Wednesday 7th April.

Helena Pettit, Managing Director of Grandstand Group, commented: “We are looking for a commentator whose aspiration is to be a leading sports commentator, such as Mike Tucker and Nick Brooks-Ward, who can also bring innovation to the world of equestrian commentating. The Final will be a real test for them but they have all got the potential to be a great commentator at our events.”

Following the final at the British Open, the winner will then join the HOYS commentary team in October.