Britain’s best head for Bramham

The third leg of the new British Eventing Premier League gets under way on Thursday (9 June) at Bramham, which hosts the competitive under-25s championship alongside the CCI*** event.

After two events, William Fox-Pitt is leading the Premier League Riders’ Accumulator, just three points ahead of Pippa Funnell. He has three strong chances to open up his advantage in Funnell’s absence with Mr Dumbledore, Birthday Night and Idalgo.

Jeanette Brakewell, currently placed equal seventh in the standings, has two rides (Equinox Sidewinder and McGuigan) to gain valuable points while husband and wife team Andrew and Bettina Hoy, lying fourth and third respectively, have one horse each (Classy Touch and Diamond Magic).

Daisy Dick, who will represent Britain as an individual at the forthcoming European Championships at Blenheim, has two rides (Good Enough and Hope Street), while fellow European individual, Polly Stockton will be campaigning Sir Lancelot VI.

Bramham’s organisers have spent considerable time and effort working on the ground during the past year, with assistance from the Sports Turf Research Institute and competitors will undoubtedly reap the benefits. The cross-country course will run over ground not used before, and includes a new water complex, designed by Sue Benson and built by Gary Podmore.

In addition, an irrigation system has been installed in the main arenas promising perfect footing for the dressage and show jumping phases and work has also been carried out on the warm up areas. It will be interesting to see how riders view the improvements after a number withdrew from the cross-country phase at Windsor, despite major efforts to improve the ground there.

In addition to top class eventing, Bramham promises to be a great event for all the family with an extension to the children’s area, showing qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show and affiliated show jumping classes which attract the top names in sport.

Tickets costs between £10 and £15 per day per person, including car parking, with free entry for accompanied children aged 12 and under.

Current premier league standings

1. William Fox-Pitt 34;

2. Pippa Funnell 31;

3. Bettina Hoy (GER) 20;

4. Andrew Hoy (AUS) 18;

5. Ingrid Klimke (GER) 16;

6. Andrew Nicholson (NZL) 15;

7= Jeanette Brakewell 12;

7= Frank Ostholt (GER) 12;

9. Kitty Boggis 9;

10. Matt Ryan (AUS) 8.

For more information about Bramham visit: www.bramham-horse.co.uk

For more information about the BE Premier League visit: www.britisheventing.com/premierleague/

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