Chris Burton and Leilani at Pau 2011 Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI
Chris Burton riding Underdiscussion, Bill Levett riding Hipployte and Kevin McNab riding Clifton Pinot are the three Australian to compete at the first leg of the 2013 HSBC FEI Classics Series at Les Etoiles de Pau in France. Last year Chris went into the showjumping phase here in the lead after a great start riding Holstein Park Leilani but sadly a few rails saw a win slip out of his grasp. No doubt he will be looking to revisit this situation again with a better outcome this year.
Other riders keen to get a quick start out of the Classics blocks and be in the running for the large prize pool at the end of the 2013 season (see here for more about how it works) include last year’s winner here at Pau and also of the 2012 HSBC Classic Series. William Fox-Pitt, who won the CCI 4* on Oslo last year, is bringing three horses; Navigator, Bay My Hero and Chilli Morning.
The 2012 HSBC Classics Series Runner-up and second here last year, Andrew Nicholson, isn’t going to let William get too much of a head start however and is bringing two of his top horses; Nereo and Mr Cruise Control. Other New Zealanders include Mark Todd (making his first visit in 15 years), Caroline Powell, Jonathan Paget and Alice Montgomery while Mary King, Oliver Townend and various other Brits will be keeping William company.
World, Olympic and European champion Michael Jung also seems to have his eye on the HSBC Classics title with his first start at the event in Pau riding the 13 year old Leopin
17 countries will be represented in the CCI 4 and 2 Star classes; Australia, France, New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, Lithuania, Switzerland, United States, Ecuador, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Brazil and Spain.
We’ll be bringing you full coverage of the event through the lens of Libby Law and updating you on news leading up to the event which starts on 24th October
CCI 4* Entry List: CLICK HERE
CCI 2* Entry List CLICK HERE
