Eventers take up Foxhall Cup challenge
4 May 2001
First day report
With Badminton cancelled, the global focus of eventing shifts to Georgia, USA; with the third running of the world’s richest horse trials, the Foxhall Cup.
A prize pot of $210,000, with $60,000 to the winner, awaits the victors, and Philip Dutton is line for an additional $100,000 bonus if he can claim this event in addition to the Beaulieu Classic won last month.
Foxhall, sponsored by MBNA, takes place in the 1200-acre estate owned by millionaire businessman Jim Richards, who has spared no expense creating this purpose-built course on a flood plain alongside the historic Chatthoochee River.
At any time half the fences, designed by Mark Phillips,can be seen from any point and there is a water feature attached to no fewer than nine fences.
Amazingly, even a Bentley car is included as a jump and everyone must be hoping that it is in as immaculate condition on Saturday evening as it is today.
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First day leader is Holly Hepp, a student of David and Karen O’Connor, on 40.6 penalties with Arctic Heat, which she was given by the owner as a Christmas present.
Two British-based riders are also competing here: Eddy Stibbe, overnight fourth on Eton, and Nigel Taylor, 19th on Gamblers Lad.
For more information on Foxhall visit: www.foxhallcup.com
