Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Outstanding entries revealed

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Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Outstanding entries revealed

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has attracted a huge entry of outstanding quality for its 25th anniversary event, which takes place from 17th-20th September 2015.

Entries in the principal CCI3* class, the most prestigious of its kind in Britain, include former winners William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell and Francis Whittington.

William Fox-Pitt, who has taken this title three times so far (in 2000, 2010 and 2012) is bringing the experienced Cool Mountain � winner of individual silver and team gold medals at the 2010 World Equestrian Games � and the younger but highly talented Luxury FH.

Pippa Funnell, whose four successes at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials came in 1993, 1995, 2003 and 2004, rides Mirage D�Elle and the home-bred Billy The Biz.

Both William and Pippa are representing Britain at the European Championships at Blair Castle this weekend before coming to the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials � as is last year�s CCI3* winner Francis Whittington.

It�s not just Britain�s best at Blenheim � stars from round the world are competing at the Oxfordshire event. A strong American contingent includes Lauren Kieffer and Clark Montgomery, both hopeful of a place in their country�s squad for the Rio Olympics next year.

Australia�s Andrew Hoy, a triple Olympic gold medallist, has entered Cheeky Calimbo, while his team-mate from the London Olympics, Christopher Burton � recently third and fourth at Burghley � brings Nobilis 18 to Blenheim.

Aoife Clark, winner of the CCI3* at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in 2013 and the highest-placed Irish rider at both the London Olympics and last year�s World Equestrian Games, has entered the exciting young horse Fernhill Adventure.

The CIC3* for eight-and-nine-year-old horses is always a strong indicator of future stars, as three out of the six horses to have won this class so far have already gone on to win at the very highest (CCI4*) level.

Particularly exciting entries in this class include Zara Phillips and Watkins, and New Zealander Tim Price with Xavier Faer � Tim�s horse is a half-brother to last year�s winner Faerie Dianamo, who was ridden by Tim�s wife Jonelle.

Posted : 11/09/2015 15:43:24

PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.


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