Big names to compete at horse trials (From Witney Gazette)

Big names to compete at horse trials

2:28pm Monday 8th September 2008 in Witney By Emma-Kate Lidbury

SOME of the biggest names in the equestrian world are due to compete at the Blenheim Palace International Horse trials, which begin on September 11.

Thousands of people are expected to travel to the stately home in Woodstock to catch some of the action, which will see a top class field go head-to-head, including Beijing Olympic medallists Mary King and William Fox-Pitt.

The event - now in its 19th year - is the county's biggest sporting attraction, which is as popular with some of the world's best riders and their horses as it is spectators. Six former winners have horses entered, including the Princess Royal's daughter, Zara Phillips, who is three-day-event world champion.

More than 100 entries have been received from riders from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, and this year about a third of the field will be tackling Blenheim for the first time.

Competitive action begins on Thursday in the Marlborough arena with the dressage from 9am and the riding clubs team challenge in the Bladon arena.

The cross-country event is scheduled for Saturday, while the showjumping begins on Sunday, when there will also be a mountain bike display, a parade by the Olympic team, a parade of hounds from local hunt packs, and the showjumping finale at 3pm.

The Duke of Marlborough is expected to present prizes at 4pm.

Sunday will see a flyball demonstration and races by the Mad Mutts display team, held in the Bladon arena, and the Anthony Nolan Trust fun run on the cross-country course. Away from the action, activities on offer include shopping in the retail village, a range of displays and demonstrations, and children's attractions, including trampolines, climbing walls, quad bikes, and bouncy castles.

Mandy Hervieu, event director, said: "This year's Blenheim promises to be one of the most exciting, with a truly competitive and international field. We are expecting an exciting medley of young riders hoping to challenge their senior counterparts.

"In addition, leading riders from Britain's pony, junior, young rider, and senior teams will be battling it out in the Team GB relay in the Marlborough Arena on Sunday. Coupled with the new cross-country course, which runs the opposite way around the park for the first time in 18 years, it is shaping up to be one to remember."