World number one William Fox-Pitt will be hoping to repeat last year’s win at Pau four-star in France later this month (23-27 October).
He has three rides among the 63 horses entered from 13 nations— 2011 Pau winner Oslo, 2012 Kentucky champion Parklane Hawk and last year’s winner Seacookie.
Some 24 British combinations areexpected to make the trip across the channel. Oliver Townend will be riding his Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) partner Black Tie and Pippa Funnell has entered Redesigned and Mirage D’Elle.
Blenheim CCI3* winner Francis Whittington has entered West Side for his first four-star. Mr Chunky (Lucy Wiegersma) and One Two Many (Nicola Wilson) will also both make their four-star debuts.
The French have seven partnerships entered to try to take the title on home soil, including two combinations from their WEG team — Pascal Leroy (Minos De Petra) and Jean Teulère (Matelot du Grand Val).
This year’s Burghley champion Andrew Nicholson only has one horse entered — Qwanza — who finished seventh at Luhmühlen, in 2012.
Fellow Kiwi Jock Paget currently has three horses entered — Shady Grey, Dustman and Kilcoltrim Ambassador.
Four German combinations will also be challenging for the title. Ingrid Klimke will ride Horseware Hale Bob and Andreas Ostholt will compete Pennsylvania, who finished third at Luhmühlen this spring.
North America is well represented with strong entries from Canada and America.
Christopher Burton is leading the Australian charge with his WEG ride TS Jamaimo and Samur CCI3* winner Haruzac.
