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Jud Arthur to Star at Ride the Rhythm

Jud Arthur to Star at Ride the Rhythm

Ride the Rhythm, the equestrian spectacle with world number one ABBA show Bjorn Again, has announced its full programme of events for February 1 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. The new line up includes a cameo role for former top showjumper, Otago rugby rep and Opera Australia baritone, Jud Arthur.

The much loved son of Otago will combine two of his greatest passions when he sings on horseback at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. The opera star will perform during a dressage display that is being described as ‘classical meets cowboy’ and which promises to be like no other dressage seen before. The skills from two very different horse worlds will meld when New Zealand dressage grand prix title holder Lynley Stockdale performs with horseman Bryan McVicor, a master of Western riding.

Jud Arthur will also sing the National Anthem prior to the final round of the McMillian Equine Feeds $50,000 Super Grand Prix.

The announcement of the full programme comes at the same time as a small change behind the scenes. Event directors Kevin and Andrew Hansen have handed the reins to Otago Showjumping who will now run the event.

Ross Farquhar from Otago Show Jumping says, "The Hansens are still very much in the wings, ready to help and advise on everything, but felt they needed to step back and focus their energies on the NRM Horse of the Year Show. We've run plenty of horse shows and will still be running our Otago Showjumping Championships around Ride the Rhythm.”

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The Super Grand Prix is the glamour event on the equestrian programme and has replaced the earlier advertised World Cup (NZ series) final. The $50,000 prize money is attracting wide interest across the Tasman with as many as 15 leading Australian horse and rider combinations expected to take on top Kiwi rivals.

Scurry Driving featuring miniature horses, an audience favourite in 2013, will be back to thrill the crowd and the GJ Gardner High Jump, featuring a triple bar and $1,000 prize purse will be heart stopping action.

As the programme of equestrian events has become more comprehensive, gates will now open at 2pm, with the first event a show jumping 1.30m class, followed by the Pony Grand Prix.

Ross Farquhar says, "Jud Arthur’s involvement has added an extra dimension to the programme which has shaped up to be a really exciting equestrian event for the public. The major features are punctuated by cowboy and trick riding which will be great family entertainment and then its topped off with the ABBA show Bjorn Again, It’s going to be a fantastic night of entertainment".

Tickets are now available through www.ticketdirect.co.nz and at all Ticket Direct outlets.

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