THIS year’s TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show will host the prestigious final of the new John Oates Horseboxes Eventing Grand Prix a ‘must watch’ after the two exciting qualifiers earlier this year.
The country’s leading event riders are set to travel to the M&S Bank Arena on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront to contest Captain Mark Phillips’ course of show jumps and cross-country fences at the evening performance on Sunday, December 29.
The qualifier at the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show in June saw a great win for Gemma Tattersall riding Santiago Bay. Jay Halim and Abrisco finished second, with long-time leader Bill Levett taking third on Athleet V. The remaining three Liverpool places were filled by Emma Hyslop-Webb, Hannah Bate and Jeanette Brakewell.
The second leg of the series took place at the Equitop Bolesworth Young Horse Championship in August and produced a superlative win for Nicky Hill and Kilrodan Sailorette, fast becoming the one to watch in Eventing Grand Prix style competitions after their win at Hickstead this summer.
Well known names Polly Stockton, Joseph Murphy, Andrew James and Emily King will also be hoping to gallop to success in this fast-paced competition.
Said TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show President, Nina Barbour: “We were delighted with the success of the Eventing Grand Prixs at both shows and can’t wait to witness the fantastic talent of Britain’s leading event riders indoors at Liverpool.
“I evented for a number of years, it is a fantastic sport and the Eventing Grand Prix brings a new dynamic to the show helping us to round off the year in superlative style.”
Captain Mark Phillips, one of the world’s leading cross-country course designers, will once again build the course, his tracks at both Bolesworth events meeting with universal approval from competitors and spectators alike.
This high calibre spectacle will include 20 of the country’s top event riders tackling a course of show jumps and feature cross-country fences, against the clock in the M&S Bank Arena.
The competition will see show jumps standing at a maximum of 1.25m, with three seconds added for each fence knocked down.
There will also be an optional joker fence at a maximum height of 1.35m providing greater thrill and excitement throughout the competition. The cross-country fences will be at British Eventing Intermediate level.
An ‘Audience With’ session at 4pm on the Sunday will feature leading event riders Mary King and Oliver Townend, and show jumper turned commentator Geoff Billington. The occasion will let fans enjoy, learn and interact with the equestrian stars.
Hospitality at the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show is second to none and makes a fantastic present for great friends and family. Whether on the purpose-built platform at the head of the arena or in one of the VIP boxes – you won’t be disappointed.
Premium food and bar outlets will offer more variety around the arena, and an even better experience overlooking the warm up arena before the show, with cocktails and champagne flowing till late.
This year’s TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show will see a host of leading names in action from December 28 to 31.
To upgrade to an ‘Audience With’ session with Mary King, Oliver Townend and Geoff Billington tickets start from £12.50 for adults and £7.50 per child, plus fees.
To reserve VIP Hospitality tickets on the purpose-built stage at the head of the arena please telephone 01829 307676 or email hospitality@liverpoolhorseshow.com
