British riders lose sponsor

Virtual Village, Britain?s biggest sponsors of show jumping riders, have been forced to pull out of the sport.

David Heap, managing director of the company, said: ?Due to a totally unexpected failure in a funding source from America the company closed last Friday.?

Following the downfall of Traxdata, Britain?s only other major sponsors, last June, this is a bitter blow for British show jumpers.

Champion rider John Whitaker said: ?We?ll look at any offer and if we can?t find a new sponsor, will have to cut back.?

Other riders affected are John?s children, Robert and Louise, his brother Michael, who is currently the British No1, and Olympian Geoff Billington.