Side Saddle

The winners of the side saddle ladies’ class at The National Show at Aintree International Equestrian Centre at the end of July are set for a very special prize next year.

They will be invited to lead in the winner of an historic race – the Topham Chase – over the Grand National fences on Ladies’ Day in April 2014.

The third annual National Show, which offers free admission, runs for three days from Friday 26 July at the world-famous racecourse in Liverpool. There are a large number of attractions for visitors to see at the show.

The show includes working hunter and showing classes and, for the first time this year, show jumping – plus an array of trade stands for spectators to visit free of charge. There are over 250 different show jumping and showing classes affiliated to 17 different equestrian societies.

Carly Goodall, Aintree Racecourse’s Racing and Equestrian Assistant, said: “The third annual National Show is a fantastic event – and it’s free for the public to come along and enjoy which makes for a really affordable day out for families during the school holidays.

“The prize of leading in the winner of next year’s Topham Chase on Ladies’ Day at The Grand National Festival is a unique opportunity for the side saddle ladies’ champion and reserve, taking on the role previously carried by mounted police officers, in front of the cameras of Channel 4 Racing.”

Alexander James of Pendlebury – bespoke English country clothing tailors – is sponsoring the side saddle classes, with the winners of all the qualifying classes from the show to go through to the Alexander James Picture of Elegance Championship.

The prize of escorting the winner of the Topham Chase from the racecourse into the winners’ enclosure is for the champion and reserve champion for side saddle lady riders. The champion will win a new side saddle habit from the Alexander James range and will then have a photo-shoot around Aintree Racecourse.

Amongst other attractions at The National Show Jumping and Showing Show for the public to enjoy free of charge:

• Three days of show jumping taking place directly in front of the Grandstands, with classes jumping up to 1.40m;

• The ‘Leaping Ladies Side Saddle Challenge’ – a high jump class dedicated to side saddle ladies. Susan Oakes, from Ireland, is aiming to break the current world record of six and a half feet;

• On Saturday evening, from 6.30pm, an evening performance in the Equestrian Centre comprising the Shetland Pony Grand National, the Clarke and Pulman Quad Bike Ride and Drive Challenge, The Rosettes Direct In Hand Championship and a Musical Dressage Display.

With a prize fund of over £10,000, which includes £1,000 for the Retrained Racehorse Championship and the Overall Supreme Championship there will be plenty to watch.

Further information about The National Show is available by calling 0151 522 2949 or online at www.aintreeequestriancentre.co.uk.

The Show opens each day from 8am on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. Spectators are welcome to come to the racecourses during these times.

Picture: Amy Bryan winning the Elegance class at last year’s National Show.