WEG Countdown: Four weeks to go

Extra WEG tickets available

As the World Equestrian Games (WEG) box office sells its 400,000th ticket, the organisers have released a new batch. Equestrian enthusiasts can now buy tickets for the dressage and show jumping finals as well as a wide variety of other events.

As it turns out, tickets allocated to WEG associations had not all been distributed and are now available to the public, and this news has come as a great relief to the organisers, who were worried that tickets for dedicated equestrian fans would be sparse. “In this way around 95% of the tickets will end up in the hands of the fans,” said Michael Mronz, member and spokesman of the OC WEG Aachen 2006.

Half a million visitors are expected to attend the World Equestrian Games in seven equestrian disciplines from 20 August – 3 September.

Up-to-date information can be obtained at www.aachen2006.de and tickets can be purchased by calling the hotline +49-(0)241-917-1111.

Good luck Team GB

Don’t forget to wish Team GB good luck for WEG. H&H has prepared a card for our seven teams travelling to Aachen next month. To wish each or all of them “Best of British”, e-mail WEGwishes@ipcmedia.com

Argentine jumper fulfills ambition

British-based Argentine show jumper Sebastian Pellon Maison has been selected to compete at WEG. Sebastian, who has ridden for BSJA vice-president and former chairman Michael Bates for two years, has been in good form lately with his Aachen ride, the former Horse & Hound Foxhunter finalist Gypsy De Bacon. “I’m very excited because WEG selection has been one of my goals; the other is to compete at the Olympic Games,” he said.

Irish eventing squad named

Recently appointed performance director Lars Christensson has named the Irish eventing squad for WEG following a final trial at Barbury Castle Horse Trials. Four riders from the Blenheim Europeans — Mark Kyle (Drunken Disorderly), Michael Ryan (Old Road) and Niall Griffin (Lorgaine), plus Sarah Wardell, who this time rides Kincluny rather than Test Flight — are joined by two debutants. Sacha Pemble rides her Punchestown winner I’ve Been Dun, while Lt Geoff Curran is listed with Balladeer Alfred.

Geoff Curran is a relative newcomer to eventing, but he has shown some good — if inconsistent — form this year with both Quick Thinking and Kilkishen. Balladeer Alfred is a new ride for him, but won last year’s Ballindenisk World Cup qualifier under Neilus O’Donoghue. The reserves are Jonty Evans (Cregwarrior) and Austin O’Connor (Swynnerton).

Back Britain to win

Will Britain clinch gold at WEG? Put your money where you mouth is and place a bet — Germany’s largest private sports bookmaker, betandwin, has signed on as one of the partners sponsoring this year in Aachen (20 August-3 September). Equestrian fans will be offered a range of betting options corresponding with the Games. To have a flutter, visit www.betandwin.de

USA vaulting team unveiled

Former world vaulting champion Devon Maitozo, 30, will lead the USA’s vaulting team at WEG. The team is called FAME, a composite of letters taken from the clubs for which the team members compete. The other FAME team members are Megan Benjamin, Blake Dahlgren, Katie Richie, Annalise Van Vranken and Elizabeth Ioannou, who will be one of the youngest competitors at WEG at 10 years old. Megan Benjamin will also compete in the individual women’s competition, in which her fellow Americans will be Elizabeth Osborn and Mary McCormick. The USA’s male individual vaulters are Kenny Geisler, Todd Griffiths and Chris Littman. The USA has won a medal in every vaulting World Championships since its inception, earning 12 medals in total.

• This round-up was first published in Horse & Hound (20 July, 06)

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