FTER FIGHTING off fierce competition at the Addington Manor Equestrian Centre British Open wild card qualifier last week (January 27-30), Tina Fletcher from Faringdon, Oxon and Paul Barker form Northallerton, North Yorkshire will now join leading British and foreign riders at the British Open Show Jumping Championships (April 7-10 at Birmingham’s NEC).

Tina Fletcher and Paul Barker are in flying form and sealed the deal on their qualification finishing only one point ahead of third placed Lynne Bevan. Riding Hallo Sailor and Amadeus V respectively, Tina and Paul thrive on this intense competition and are becoming experts at securing these sought after wild card places having both also qualified for HOYS last year through the wild card system. Both riders are consistent at this level of competition and The British Open organisers, Grandstand Event Management Ltd, are looking forward to welcoming them to this year’s show.

The wild card qualifier brought out all the big guns and many top combinations were fighting for their chance to qualify, including last year’s winner, Helen Tredwell who finished fifth overall. Tina and Paul jumped fluently throughout the weekend to secure the top spots in the overall points table to qualify them for the British Open this Easter.

Addington Manor Equestrian Centre is hosting a feast of British Open qualifiers this year and not to be missed are the Baileys JAS British Eventing Final on February 27 and the Indoor Cross Country Wild Card competition on March 5. New to the 2010 Show, competitors from the Baileys JAS British Eventing series will have the chance to compete at the British Open. The top two placed competitors from the intermediate level of the British Eventing JAS 2010 Final will be invited to go on and compete at the British Open Indoor Cross Country Championship. For more information about the Baileys JAS Eventing series visit www.britisheventing.com.

The Indoor Cross Country Championship wild card on the 5th will be an exciting evening of competition. The class is open to any combination qualified for a 2* or above and the first three places will go through to compete at the British Open.