Arena Polo At Jumping Championships
Friday, January 06, 2006
High Goal Arena Polo at the British Open Show Jumping Championships
After an overwhelming reception at last year’s Arena Polo demonstration, the British Open Show Jumping Championships has developed a new, enhanced competition for the 2006 Show. Two teams of top arena players will be heading to Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena from 6th – 9th April to take part in an 18 goal Arena Polo match that promises to be action packed. All of the players taking part are extremely excited and honoured to be involved in what will be the highest goal Arena Polo match played in 2006.
The two teams taking part will consist of the following players:
Tim Bown (8) based in Berkshire
Jamie Morrison (7) based in Berkshire
Howard Smith (7) based in Berkshire
Jack Kidd (6) based in Berkshire
Dean Lines (4) based in Hertfordshire
Peter Crawford (4) based in Dundee, Scotland
In 2005 the British Open Show Jumping Championships included a demonstration of Arena Polo for the very first time. Two invitational teams from across the country came to Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena to show the 26,000 visitors what makes Arena Polo such an exiting spectator sport. Alongside world class show jumping and breathtaking displays the Arena Polo demonstration experienced the perfect debut. Visitors, sponsors and press were all extremely impressed and heralded the demonstration stylish, skilful and thrilling to watch. So much so that the organisers have included an Arena Polo competition every day in the 2006 schedule.
Arena Polo is being taken to a whole new level at the British Open. Both teams will consist of three professional players to ensure a high standard of play with maximum entertainment for spectators. Visitors will also benefit from the comfortable and warm indoor facilities at the Hallam FM Arena including 8,000 tiered seats giving a clear, close up view of the game from all angles - ideal for watching Arena Polo.
The competition will take place over all four days, with two performances on the Saturday. During each performance there will be two chukkas of play. Teams will compete to achieve top points, one point per goal, in order to reach the final, which will be contested during Sunday’s British Open Championship performance, ensuring top speed, turns, twists and goals!
Jack Kidd and his team of professionals will be preparing their top string of polo ponies earlier than usual next year in order to be ready for the British Open in April. There will also be celebrity involvement. Stars, such as Jodie Kidd, will be attending the British Open to support their favourite team and present the winners with their prize. In addition, there are plans for “The British Open Players Polo Party in association with Kidd Polo” (organisers of the Players Marquee at the Cartier International) to take place on the Saturday night in Sheffield.
Visitors will have the opportunity to follow the Arena Polo competition on every day of the British Open Show Jumping Championship, as well as enjoying the very best of International show jumping. Top British and International riders including the 2005 British Open Champion, Robert Smith, will be invited to contest the coveted title in an effort to be crowned 2006 British Open Champion. Each day will see a round of the British Open Championship, the richest single class in British Show Jumping, culminating in the exciting final on Sunday afternoon. The tension will mount during Saturday Afternoon’s performance as a ‘cut’ will be made after the day’s Championship class to determine the top 20 riders who will go through to contest the Final on Sunday. There are a range of other classes every day including the impressive British Open Puissance on Saturday evening which features the famous red wall.
Also included in the fast moving action packed timetable will be Lorenzo, the flying Frenchman, presenting a unique double bill including the British debut of his brand new liberty display entitled ‘Emotion’, alongside his stunning classic routine called ‘Action’. To top it all there will also be high speed Scurry Driving, hair-raising Barrel Racing and intricate and skilful Equestrian Vaulting. All the displays will be enhanced by stunning lighting, stirring music and splendid theatrical effects. In addition, there will be daily signings by all the top riders and the opportunity to shop and browse the range of tradestands.
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