The FEI has announced several changes to its HSBC FEI Classics series for 2011 and beyond, including moving the finale to Burghley in 2012 and revising how points are allocated to prize-winners.
The HSBC FEI Classics is a $150,000 (£93,500) prize awarded to the rider who gains the highest number of points over the competitions that comprise the series.
The Australian 3 Day Event, held in Adelaide, will be brought into the Classics from the 2012 series, meaning all the world’s four-stars will be included.
In a further change, this year Pau will be both the final event of the 2011 Classics and the first of the 2012 campaign.
This means Burghley Horse Trials will play host to the final of the 2012 series, which also includes Les Etoiles de Pau and Adelaide 2011, Badminton Horse Trials, the Kentucky Three-Day Event and Luhmühlen 2012.
Last year’s winner William Fox-Pitt said: “Including Adelaide is a natural step, but I’m not sure how many Europeans will be tempted to compete there. Having the final leg at Burghley will make for an exciting climax.”
From this year, points will be awarded to the top 25% at the events. Points previously went to top-10 finishers.
The FEI ‘s Catrin Norinder said: “The revised points system brings it in line with other rankings and standings in eventing.”
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (7 April, 2011)
