Riders compete for elite ride ticket

The Hilton Herbs Alfred’s Tower ride in Wiltshire (9-10 August) has been chosen as a qualifier for next year’s $US200,000 President’s Cup in Abu Dhabi.

The winner of the FEI three-star 142km ride will gain automatic entry to the prestigious four-star 160km event, and the prize includes all expenses for the horse, rider and a guest for up to a month over the period of the ride.

Alfred’s Tower is one of three rides in Europe whose winner will have the chance to compete in the United Arab Emirates and is expected to attract a strong international field.

There will also be three qualifying rides apiece in Australia, North America and Asia, and five wild card entries will be nominated from around the globe.

The Alfred’s Tower ride begins at the National Trust’s Stourhead House, near Mere, Wilts, with the route passing over green lanes, forest tracks and open countryside. The ride’s nominated charity is Spinal Research.

The British Riding Clubs Team EnduranceChallenge, where teams of three or four compete, takes place on Sunday 10 August at the same venue.

For details, contact John Hudson, EGB (tel: 01398 332089 or 07779 797170).

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