ORGANISERS hailed the first day of the British Masters Invitational showjumping festival at Chester Racecourse as a success.

The festival featured an amazing spectacle of music, colour and non-stop action aimed at appealing to both existing fans of the sport and new spectators.

The event is also expected to be the forerunner for future events of this type on both a larger scale in Chester and at other venues across the country and abroad.

The opening day yesterday featured the Horse of the Year Show qualifier.

The event also features many Olympic hopefuls, including John and Michael Whitaker, in addition to some of the country’s highest ranking riders.

Ed Gretton, clerk to Chester racecourse, said: “We are delighted with the success of our first day and are hoping thousands of people will turn out to support the British Masters Invitational.

“It promises to be a real show-stopper of an event which will appeal to every member of the family.”