A world-class field of riders from nine nations will descend on the 18th Blenheim International Horse Trials later this week (6-9 September), including four former winners.
Riders who will be aiming to add to their tally, and win a holiday in Spain to boot, include:
- William Fox-Pitt, fresh from his Burghley victory, with a brand new ride Monarch’s Aristocrat
- Mary King with her two home-bred full-sisters Kings Gem and Kings Fancy
- Burghley runner-up Polly Stockton on Regulus and her Bramham second Westwood Joker
- New Zealander Andrew Nicholson with the flamboyant Spanish-bred jumper Armada
Blenheim also has a fantastic Butet saddle available for the rider who is most successful across this event and Saumur in France, which took place in May. Currently favourite is Lucy Wiegersma, who was fifth in Saumur and rides Woodfalls Inigo Jones at Blenheim.
Lucy is yet to win at Blenheim, but she is not alone in this year’s field. Others looking for their first victory include world silver medallist Clayton Fredericks (Dunge’s Laurent Rose), former world and European gold medallist Kristina Cook (Miners Frolic), and British team member Oliver Townend (Clover Curtis and Eldmire Foxy Lady).
H&H eventing editor, Pippa Roome says: “It is a very open field this year, but I think Tina Cook on Miners Frolic will take some beating. Chris King and The Secret Weapon and Cressida Clague Reading on Carousel Quest are also likely to be in the money.”
Other highlights of the weekend include the British eventing squad practising their dressage tests in the main arena at the close of play on Friday before heading off to Italy, and top names including Lucinda Fredericks with Headley Britannia and Jeanette Brakewell on Over To You competing in the invitation Eventers’ Grand Prix on Sunday.
In addition to all the equestrian action, there are more than 300 tradestands, plus family-friendly attractions such as jousting, sports car driving with Sporting Bears, equine rare breeds, ferret-racing, clay laser shooting and side-saddle demonstrations.
Tickets are available on the gate, plus mini-radios broadcasting Horse & Hound FM, the event’s dedicated radio station on 87.7FM.
Stay in touch with all the action from Blenheim as it happens on www.horseandhound.co.uk/blenheim2007
