William Fox-Pitt to compete in Express Eventing

Eventing legend William Fox-Pitt is to take part in the new series of Express Eventing.

The London 2012 team silver medallist will ride for Australian eventer Sam Griffiths’ team.

The competition, which has a revised format for the 2012-13 series, launches at the HorseWorld Live show at the ExCel Arena in east London on Saturday, 17 November.

Seven riders, including Oliver Townend will be “team principals” and select a second athlete to ride with them.

William will ride Real Dancer on Sam’s behalf in the first round — because the Australian has a long-standing commitment in his native country. Sam was a finalist on Real Dancer in the 2011 series of Express Eventing, which culminated at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

William said he was “delighted” to be taking part in the competition.

“It is taking the sport of eventing to a new and wider audience,” he said.

“In 2010 the competition was restricted to young riders and during the 2011 series I was rather focused on London 2012, but I am delighted to be taking part in the first round of the series, particularly on a horse that has competed so successfully before,” he added.

Points accumulated during the 2012-13 series will count towards an overall team and individual winner.

The other team principals are Mark Todd, Fiona Hobby, Harry Meade and Lucinda Fredericks.

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