Great British Occasions of 2007 Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. This event has been in existence since 1877 and has been played annually, (apart for interuptions due to WWII) at the same venue since 1922. The competition takes place over two weeks during late June, (sometimes spreading into early July). In 2007, the event was disrupted by bad weather, but it didn't stop the spectators enjoying their strawberries and cream. Which event was this?

Answer: The British Open Tennis Championships

The Wimbledon Tennis Championship in 2007 was badly disrupted by rain but managed just about to finish on schedule. Roger Federer (Switzerland) won the men's singles event with Venus Williams (USA) claiming the women's singles title. Strawberries and cream are a traditional treat for spectators at the championships.

2. This event has been an almost annual event since 1829. It is a race which starts at Putney. Which of these events is it?

Answer: The Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race

Vast crowds gather along the River Thames to watch the annual boat race between crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The course is about four and a quarter miles long from Putney to Mortlake in west London. In 2007, the race was won by Cambridge.

Many people only watch to see if either of the boats sink. This rarely happens, but in 1912 both crews obliged and managed to sink their boats, the only time neither eight managed to finish.

3. This annual event was first competed for in 1872. In 2007, it returned to its traditional home after a gap of some six years. Before the event started, the crowd sang the first verse of the hymn, "Abide with Me". Which sporting event was this?

Answer: The Football Association Cup final

The first winners of the FA Cup in 1872 were the now defunct Wanderers. The final was played at various venues up until 1923, when it found a home at Wembley Stadium. In 2000, the old stadium was demolished and a new one built. While the redevelopment was taking place, the finals were played at The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

The first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley Stadium was contested by Chelsea and Manchester United, with Chelsea winning the match. This could be viewed as a slightly tricky question as The Rugby League Challenge Cup Final also returned to Wembley in 2007.

The first verse of "Abide with Me" is also sung before that game but the first Rugby League Challenge Cup Final was played in 1896, some 24 years after the first FA Cup final.

4. This is an annual event in Britain, since 1949 it has attracted competitors from around the world. The Badminton ___ Trials, can you fill in the missing word?

Answer: Horse

The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar. It takes place over three days and is a major test of horse and rider. It is one of only five four-star events in the world as classified by the FEI. The event has taken place at Badminton House in Gloucestershire each year since 1949.

The 2007 winner was the Australian Lucinda Fredericks riding Headley Brittania.

5. This international contest is scheduled to last about thirty hours spread out over five days. It might sometimes be difficult to know which way the contest is going, but if you want to know which way the wind is blowing, then look to Old Father Time. Which Stadium am I talking about?

Answer: Lords

Lords Cricket Ground in London is the headquarters of cricket. The schedule of international matches varies from year to year, but there is always at least one international 5-day 'Test' match played at Lords, and in many years there are two. A feature of Lords is a weather-vane on the roof of a stand showing Father Time.

In 2007, England played India at Lords, the match ended in a draw.

6. In 2007, this long distance race began in London in July. The winner finished the race some three weeks later and was given a yellow jersey. Which of these events am I describing?

Answer: The Tour de France (cycling)

The 2007 Tour de France included stages in England and in Spain. The race was marred by many drugs and other scandals, but despite calls for it to be abandoned, the organisers kept the race going. The winner receives the famous yellow jersey, and in 2007 this honour was given to Spanish rider Alberto Contador.

7. In August 2007, I took my non-sporting friend to 'Billy Williams' Cabbage Patch' to watch several teams compete for a trophy. He thought all the teams were playing with fewer men than they should have had but no, the teams were all at full strength. What were we watching?

Answer: Rugby Sevens at Twickenham

Twickenham Rugby Stadium is a magnificent venue in London. The Middlesex Rugby Sevens take place each August and provide a great curtain-raiser for the coming season. In 2007, the competition was won by Newcastle Falcons. Twickenham struggles to shake off the nickname of 'Billy Williams' Cabbage Patch', but the ground does indeed stand on the site of a former market garden, and the land was purchased for the Rugby Union by one William Williams.

8. This annual event first took place in the early 18th century. It was staged at different venues in its early years, but for most years from 1839-2007, the venue has remained the same. Becher's Brook often influences the outcome. Which event am I talking about?

Answer: The Grand National Horse Race at Aintree

The early history of The Grand National is open to some debate, but in 1839 it was run at Aintree. It has been held there in most years ever since. In that first Aintree Grand National, a certain Captain Becher fell at a fence and hid in the adjacent brook while the rest of the field thundered overhead. That fence has carried his name ever since.

The horses and riders must negotiate Becher's Brook twice during the race, as it forms both the sixth and the twenty-second fence. The winner in 2007 was Silver Birch ridden by Robbie Power.

9. A famous annual event takes place each July. The venue varies from year to year but competitors love to record an eagle. In 2007, it was held at Carnoustie. Which event is this?

Answer: The British Open

The 2007 Open Championship was held at Carnoustie. Irishman Padraig Harrington tied for the lead with Sergio Garcia and Andres Romero after the usual 72 holes. The three men had to playoff, and Padraig won out over the other two. The trophy is known as the 'Claret Jug'.

As Padraig was celebrating his victory, his young son ran over to join him and asked his dad, "Can we keep ladybirds in it?". I'm not sure if the golf authorities would approve of that.

10. This event was first held in Britain in 1926, various venues have been used over the years but from 1987-2007 it has been staged at the same location. Sometimes competitors have trouble with Maggots. Which sporting occasion is this?

Answer: The British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone

I hope you noticed that 'Maggots' was capitalised. Maggots bend is the start of an 'S' bend at the Silverstone Motor Racing Track, where the British Grand Prix has been held from 1987-2007. Previously, it has been held at various venues including Brans Hatch and Aintree.

In 2007, the winner was Kimi Raikkonen from Finland. Anglers often use maggots as bait, but the venue for the open championships varies from year to year.

Source: Author Mutchisman

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Nightmare before going online.
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There were many great sporting events in Britain during 2007. I'll give you some cryptic clues, see if you can work which sporting occasions I'm referring to? Most but not all are annual events.

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