Robert Smith defending british open Champion reigns supreme

In a thrilling climax to the British Open Championship in Sheffield this afternoon, defending champion, Robert Smith, riding his unconventional yet unbeatable grey, Kalusha, fought off the to retain his title.

Going into the Final, the British Open Championship was wide open with only two fences separating the leader from the rest of the field. British number three, Robert Smith pulled out all the stops in front of his home crowd to defend his title and to ensure that he saw off the strong competition from abroad. Moreover, Robert Smith is the first rider to be crowned British Open Champion twice as well as consecutively. The defending Champion was delighted that his own grey gelding, Kalusha, was the only horse to go clear in the final round.

Yorkshireman, Robert, was closely followed by Swiss Maryline Vorpe riding Mercure Du Chable CH, who only had one fence down in the final in 53.22 seconds ahead of Netherland’s Eric Van Der Vleuten on his mare Paloma. Michael Whitaker flew the British flag in fifth place on Insultech Portofino 63 with an impressive round, but it was not good enough to beat the determined British Open Champion 2006.

Delighted with his win in the Grand Prix and £25,000 first prize, Robert Smith said, “I am extremely happy to have won tonight in front of such a big home crowd and really pleased with Kalusha’s performance. Going into the Final with one fence to spare was good, but I still knew that I had to perform consistently. This is a great show to win and to set a record is even better!”

Results (09.04.06)
CSI**** Sheffield
Grand Prix – AM5

1º Robert Smith (Gbr) / Kalusha / 0 /1-57,33
2º Maryline Vorpe (Sui) / Mercure Du Chable Ch / 3,5/4-53,22
3º Eric van der Vleuten (Ned) / Paloma / 5/5-55,2
4º Florian Angot (Fra) / First de Launay / 10,5/0-49,35
5º Michael Whitaker (Gbr) / Portofino 63 / 12,5/1-57,79
6º Billy Twomey (Irl) / Anastasia III / 12/4-52,79
7º Dirk Demeersman (Bel) / Tiquila / 12/5-56,54
8º Tim Gredley (Gbr) / Omelli / 11,5/8-53,71
9º Simon Delestre (Fra) / Inedite De Balme / 13-65,02
10º Markus Fuchs (Sui) / Nirmette / 14-63,2
11º Kristof Cleeren (Bel) / Andiamo Z / 14,5-61,45