The show jumping classes kicked off at Olympia this afternoon, and if the first class is anything to go by, we're set for another spectacular year.

The first class was the Shelley Asherman Welcome Stakes, a two phase class with a tight course of 1m4.

Fence five proved to be a challenge for many of the riders, with Guy Williams decimating the fence.

Cian takes top spot

After an impressive and stylish round, Cian O'Connor took the prize money with Umberto. The crowd were very pleased to see the Irishman and his round won rapturous applause.

A Whitaker in the prize giving

H&C is always pleased to see a Whitaker in the prize givings, and it's rare there's one without one at Olympia. This time it was the turn of John, who took second place on Mandy Hall's nine-year-old grey mare Dazzle II.

Maher makes the grade

Ben Maher led the field for some time, but finished in third place with Toklund. As we've come to expect from Ben, the round was cool, calm and collected.

Billy Stud demonstrates good stock

H&C favourite William Funnell demonstrated why his breeding programme at the Billy Stud is so good with a classy round on Billy Angelo. The six-year-old chestnut gelding was last seen being ridden by wife Pippa in the Funnell Factor, and, as the baby of the class, proved he was one to watch.