WEG stars bound for Blenheim
Top international event riders will be jetting straight from the World Equestrian Games in Germany to Blenheim International Horse Trials (31 August – 3 September). As usual the prestigious three-star event has received a huge number of world class entries as well as 25 first-timers.
British team members William Fox-Pitt and Daisy Dick will be making a sharp turn-round to ensure they are at Wednesday’s first horse inspection. Fox-Pitt, who is a former Blenheim winner will be riding British Intermediate Champion Macchiato as well as Birthday Night and Parkmore End and Daisy Dick is bringing Springbok lV.
“It’s very gratifying that so many of our regular stars want to come back to Blenheim, but I’m also thrilled to see so many first-time young riders making it their 2006 goal,” said event director Mike Etherington-Smith.
A portable DVD from Oce will be presented to the best under-25 rider and Goodyear will be donating a set of tyres to the up-and-coming British rider performing the best-judged cross-country round.
“We’re looking forward to a great atmosphere at Blenheim, capitalising on the British team’s success at the World Games,” Mr Etherington-Smith added.
International Aachen stars include Australian Clayton Fredericks on his British Open Champion Nullarbor, New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson on Silbury Hill and American Olympic medallist Amy Tryon with Le Samurai.
Top British names include Pippa Funnell, a record four-times winner of Blenheim, on Ensign, Sarah Cohen with the 2005 British Intermediate Champion Cottage Craft Spirals and reigning National Champion Lucy Wiegersma.
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Britain’s young eventing stars will also be saluted at Blenheim, with the victorious Pony and Young Rider European Championship teams invited to parade on Sunday.
The dressage phase takes place on Thursday and Friday; cross-country in the spectacular park at Blenheim on Saturday; and the gripping show jumping finale plus arena attractions, including Celebrity Pairs Cross-Country Challenge, sheepdogs and falconry, on Sunday.
More than 200 quality trade stands will be selling a huge range of equestrian and country products each day, with entry free after 3pm on Thursday and Friday, plus children’s attractions. Tickets are available on the gate.
For more information about Blenheim check out H&H Online’s dedicated microsite, sponsored by Blenheim’s official vehicle supplier Volkswagen Touareg, at www.horseandhound.co.uk/blenheim/
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