TOP riders Shane Breen, John Whitaker and World No 1 Scott Brash, have all spoken of their delight of having a new international show on the circuit.

The inaugural Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show could also provide an Olympics launchpad for one of world showjumping’s most famous riders.

Veteran campaigner John Whitaker, who enjoyed a great year in 2015, will be 61 by the time next summer’s Rio Olympics take global centre-stage, but his ambition and desire remain as strong as ever.

Yorkshireman Whitaker’s longevity is underlined by the fact that when he helped Britain win an Olympic team silver medal in Los Angeles 31 years ago, current world number one showjumper - Whitaker’s fellow British star Scott Brash - was not born.

And a possible sixth Olympics appearance after Los Angeles, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney and Beijing is firmly on Whitaker’s radar, especially given his powerful string of horses highlighted by the stallion Argento and exciting new mare Ornellaia.

JOHN WHITAKER

“I have had a really good year,” said John, who will be among a star-studded entry at the waterfront Liverpool Echo Arena from January 1st-3rd. “My horses have been jumping well - they’ve been on form - and I can still win at my age, which is quite good!

“For sure, gaining selection at the highest level is tough, and all you can do as a rider is keep doing your best. The mare is still improving, and if she keeps improving, I know I have a good chance. I will try my best to get to Rio.”

SCOTT BRASH

Only Brash, among British riders, is currently above Whitaker on the sport’s official world rankings list, which underlines the standard that he continues to hit, and he is relishing being part of what Liverpool will have to offer during three days of world-class competition.

“It’s very good to have a new international show in the north again. It is great to bring the sport to the public,” he added. “It is the right idea to get shows in city centres in big arenas, and it is something to really look forward to for riders and spectators.”

SHANE BREEN

Tipperary show jumper, based in Britain, Shane Breen said: “I’m really looking forward to the what will be a great show in Liverpool, Nina Barbour has already proved that she can organise a top international event with the June show at Bolesworth. I think as a four-star event, it will grow and grow, I see no reason why it won’t evolve into a five-star.

“As a rider I’m often asked when you take a break, but honestly we don’t really have a break, we try and fit in a week’s holiday and spend time with the family, for me the dates in January work really well. I think it’s a great time of year following on from Olympia and Mechelen, and to have a four-star show on those dates in the UK makes it easy for riders to celebrate New Year with family, friends and also owners.

“Travelling horses on the global circuit has become so straightforward and it’s rare to affect horses fitness or health, but it’s such an easy trip for those based in the UK and a short trip from Ireland.”

To book your tickets for Liverpool International Horse Show or for more information, go to

www.liverpoolhorseshow.com