Blenheim reveals new course-designer for 2016
A new course designer has been appointed for Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (8-11 September).
David Evans (pictured, left) will design the CIC3* courses this year. He will produce two tracks — one for the championship class for eight-and nine-year-old horses, and one for the final of the new event rider masters series.
Mr Evans is well known in eventing for his course-building and his fences made from wood carvings. These include those at the 2015 European Championships at Blair Castle and the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong.
“I’m really pleased to be appointed as course designer,” Mr Evans said. “Blenheim is a challenging place to design at, especially because it is a world heritage site, but it’s really exciting to take charge and I am looking forward to it.”
Mr Evans designed his first first CIC3* course at Burgham last month.
“I have been very impressed with David’s courses, in particular his recent three-star track at Burgham,” said Gillian Kyle, who will be the technical delegate at Blenheim this year.
“He knows the terrain at Blenheim like no other and I am sure he will put a new and interesting stamp on the event’s cross-country phase.”
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Mr Evans will also take over the CCI3* course from Eric Winter after the 2016 event.
Mr Winter has been in charge of Blenheim Palace’s courses for the past 10 years.
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“I’ve had a great 10 years at Blenheim and am proud of my cross-country statistics here, with a very low rate of horse falls and a good number of clear rounds, with, in most years, around half a dozen of those making the time,” he said.
“I have really enjoyed working with David Evans and his team; we have been able to take frangible technology forward together and developed the very successful eight and nine-year-old CIC3* class, which was my idea.
“I understand the process of wanting to change designers and, while it is onwards and upwards from here, I will always be very fond of Blenheim.”
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.