Whitakers head jumping line-up

Organisers have pulled off a major coup by attracting Olympic show jumper John Whitaker to compete in classes at the 124th annual show.

His niece Louise Whitaker will be joining the international show jumper at the event with a host of riders at the top of the British rankings.

Carl Curtis, Paul Barker and Tracey Newman will compete for prize money in classes, which include the Albert Farnell Stakes, The Estate's Sawmills Stakes and the Bradford & Bingley Stakes, in the main ring at Myrtle Park on Sunday.

Mr Whitaker is fresh from claiming victory at the Hickstead Derby, one of the major competitions in the show jumping calendar.

His niece finished second at the prestigious event.

Alison Harris, secretary of the horse section at Bingley Show, said: "The show jumping is going to be fabulous.

"We've not had a line-up like this in years and it's simply because there aren't any other competitions clashing with the show.

"It should be a great competition - these show jumpers will be taking it very seriously."

She said it was believed Mr Whitaker had competed at the annual agricultural day previously but not for many years.

Mr Whitaker, originally from Huddersfield, is the brother of show jumping legend Michael Whitaker.

Michael was edged out of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Athens by Robert Smith, eldest son of former show jumping star Harvey who lives in Eldwick near Bingley.

John Whitaker has made a remarkable recovery after he suffered a brain haemorrhage which almost cost him his life in 2000.

He resumed his international career, which stretches back to the early 1970s, five months after collapsing and returned to regain his position as one of the top show jumpers of his generation.

The Albert Farnell Stakes is scheduled to start at 11am, the Estate's Sawmills Stakes at 1.30pm and the Bradford & Bingley Stakes at 3.45pm.

Organisers are expecting dozens of show jumpers to compete. Winners are guaranteed top prizes of £500.