British Masters to move to South View in 2011

Adapted from BS

Now in its fourth year, the British Masters, which was previously hosted at Chester Racecourse, will be held at South View Arena in 2011. It has been selected by the the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as an Olympic qualifying competition for those riders hoping to be considered for national selection in 2012.


This event, which has an almost £100,000 prize fund, will take place over three days (1-3 July 2011) and alongside the two meetings at Hickstead, Sussex will make up the three qualifying competitions to be staged in Great Britain.

Charles Britton, proprietor of South View, said: "It is extremely important for the sport that the UK successfully hosts a number of top grade international shows. As owners of high-calibre showjumping horses and a permanent show venue, we have been actively looking to stage an international event with a view to raising the number of top level competitions available to riders in the UK. Our hosting of an FEI three-star international event enables us to do just that.

"The British Masters will be totally different to any show we’ve run before and we are extremely excited about the plans we have for the event. The indoor arena will become the stabling area with the core focus being on the outside arena, which will be dressed in accordance with the stature the event deserves. In addition, there will be hospitality marquees and viewing areas surrounding the arena and we are already enjoying considerable support from both sponsors and trade-stand exhibitors alike."

Maria Clayton, head of communications for British Showjumping, added:"With 2012 just around the corner, the British Showjumping team have been working closely with the North West Development Agency to ensure a number of top class sporting venues within the region are available for the British team's use. We are delighted that in working together, the sport is able to meet its performance needs and our riders are able to benefit from this successful relationship."

Sheldon Philips, head of regional major events at the NWDA, said: "The NWDA is delighted that a Cheshire venue is again playing host to the British Masters, which has become one of the most important events on the calendar for British Showjumping. Major events such as this make a significant contribution to the regional economy by bringing in both new visitors and investment. This event contributes to our agreement with British Showjumping to ensure that Team GB is able to utilise the region’s high calibre venues and support Team GB with their preparations for a successful London 2012 Olympic Games."

It is anticipated that the schedule for the event will be available in March, with invitations being extended to both international and national riders towards the end of May.

Iain Graham, chief executive for British Showjumping, further added: "It is great news for British Showjumping that we have such a positive response to the British Masters event within the region. A three-star international show requires a high level of prize fund investment and it can only bode well for the sport as a whole.

"I would like to congratulate Charles and Linda from South View on being awarded the British Masters for 2011 and we look forward to working alongside them during the forthcoming six months in the lead up to the event.

"Events like this are pivotal to our international success, not only by allowing the development of horses and riders, but also developing officials with international experience and we are extremely pleased that we are in a position to ensure the event's continuity."