Fourth title beckons for reliable Whitaker

ROBERT WHITAKER will be attempting to break his own record by winning the British Open Show Jumping Championship title next week for the fourth time.

But the Huddersfield rider will be without his winning partner, Lacroix 9. The horse was sold two weeks ago to a family in Switzerland and Robert will be taking two of his other horses, Casino and USA Today, to the event.

"It was a hard decision but Lacroix is 15 now and he is ready to take a step down. He's gone to a nice home and a much easier life," said Clare Whitaker, Robert's mother, this week.

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Lacroix 9 has been bought by the Swiss pharmaceutical industrialist, Thomas Straumann, for his daughter to ride in lower level competitions. Straumann sponsors the Irish showjumper, Denis Lynch, who is based in Germany.

Robert, who is ninth in British Show Jumping's ranking list, has had a great partnership with this horse.

Last year Lacroix 9 was the only horse to compete in all four rounds of the Championship and they went on to win the class with a fence in hand.

"Unfortunately I'm unable to bring Lacroix this year but I've always had a lot of success at the show and I'm hoping for a repeat performance again this year," said Robert.

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"It is great to compete in front of a home crowd and I know there are plenty of other contenders, including members of my family, who will be vying to steal the title from me."

Robert will face competition from his father, John, his uncle, Michael and his cousin, Ellen.

The British Open begins at the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday and runs until Saturday, April 10.

THERE are two point-to-points to look forward to this weekend, weather permitting.

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Today should see the Beale point-to-point running at Hornby Castle with 159 entries for the seven-race card. The maiden race has been divided and will be run at the end of the day.

The first race is the Confined Conditions race which is open to any horse which has not won a race under rules or an Open point-to-point. Sea Senor could be a likely prospect here. Seventeen entries have been received for the hunt race, whicle the Ladies Open should also be a well-contested race. Racing starts at 1.30pm and the postcode for satellite navigation is DL8 1NQ.

Monday sees the Staintondale point-to-point at Charm Park, Wykeham near Scarborough.

The first race, due off at 1pm, is the Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Club members race for veteran and novice riders. Charlotte Cundall riding Andre Chenier has been doing well this season, winning the Ladies Open at Hurworth, and she could be making a bid for this year's Yorkshire novice lady rider title.

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There are 18 entries for the mixed open race which could easily go the way of My Old Piano, who has yet to race in an open class but has won all of his previous races in some style.

The postcode for satellite navigation is YO13 9QU.

Clinic gives advice on performing dressage to music

IF you would like to find out more about Quadrille and the art of performing dressage to music, then head to the Woodnook Arena at Meltham on Wednesday where Claire Marie Senior will be holding a clinic.

Claire, from the Manor Grange Stud, is a former international dressage rider. She is a British Dressage regional trainer and judge and she also specialises in designing dressage to music combinations.

The clinic is being organised by Holme Valley Riding Club which is affiliated to British Riding Clubs which hold a Quadrille competition annually. The final is held at the Horse of the Year Show.

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"The competition is usually dominated by clubs from the south but this year the selection trial has been moved 'up north' to Aintree in October," said Jann Crosland from Holme Valley.

Tickets for the clinic are 10 from Jann, to order or for more information email [email protected] or call 07944 490674 (evenings).

THESE cowboys, left, are all

volunteers for the latest Bedale Hunt production: Panto on the Prairie.

The cast includes 19 dancers plus the actors, singers and backstage crew, making a total of 60 people involved in the production which has been written and produced by Sam Bratley.

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There will be performances at Masham Town Hall on April 14, 16 and 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets, which include supper, are 15. Call 01609 774637 or 01325 378259.

THE polocrosse training weekend, scheduled for this weekend at the Northern Racing College at Bawtry, has been cancelled due to the poor weather prospects. Another training weekend is planned for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. More information from Christine Stansfield on 01944 738714.