The all important first leg of the British Open Championship was fiercely fought by leading riders from Great Britain and abroad today, at the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Championships (3rd – 6th April at Birmingham’s NEC).

The 2003 British Open Champion, Robert Whitaker, won the opening round of the this prestigious four day competition riding Lacroix 9. Robert jumped clear in 57.19 narrowly beating 20 year-old Dutch rider Maikel Van der Vleuten who had to settle for second place with a time 58.13. Irish rider Shane Breen achieved 3rd place riding World Cruise in a time of 59.49. The Championship continues tomorrow and Saturday when a cut of the top twenty is made before Sunday’s all important Final. With John Whitaker (4th in the first round) also jumping to win, and Ellen, Michael and William all currently placed in the top 20, will it be another British Open victory for a Whitaker?

Robert Whitaker jumping in today’s Championship first round

21 of the brightest young names in Show Jumping also commenced battle today to determine who would be crowned the World Class Development 'U23 Champion' 2008. To determine the starting order of the young riders’ Championship, which takes place tomorrow, the riders jumped in the WCD Programme Pathfinder class, with all clear rounds going through to a jump-off against the clock. Today’s winner, 20-year-old Lance Whitehouse from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, riding My Boy, will now have the advantage of going last in the WCD Programme Championship competition and is one step closer to claiming the title.

This class provides a unique platform for potential equestrian stars to compete in an arena environment, on a professionally built course, in front of a large audience. This is a daunting prospect for the young riders, many of whom have yet to experience an event of this scale, but provides the perfect stepping stone to bridge the gap between national and international competitions.

All eyes will be on the competitors in these young classes at the show - the finalists will not only be jumping to win but also proving their talent to the well-known and successful international riders who will be in attendance.

Other show jumping competitions today included:

International classes

• The Midlands Masters won by Geir Gulliksen (NOR) and Lord II Z
• The Birmingham City Shield won by Heinrich Hermann Engemann (GER) and Late Night

National class

• BSJA Winter Premier Grand Prix Championship won by Ellen Whitaker and Cortaflex Kanselier