Gillian Rolton, Event Director of the Australian International 3 Day Event, has always been keen to bring overseas riders to Adelaide. This year, for a short time, it looked as if we would all be treated to watching Eventing superstar William Fox-Pitt take on the challenge of galloping round the parklands of Adelaide rather than the parklands of Britain. Sadly quarantine issues meant that was not to be but William is still keen that if the opportunity arose in future years to ride at the Southern Hemispheres only 4* event he would be on the plane. We caught up with William before he left his home in Dorset to quiz him about his upcoming trip down under and how life is going following the recent arrival of his baby girl Chloe.
So William, no ride in the CCI4* this year but maybe you’ll be able to complete your list of 4* events another year?
Yes it is most certainly something I would love to do. It would be a fantastic opportunity. However apart from the quarantine issues, the cost of bringing a horse to Adelaide for many European based riders is fairly prohibitive! But with good sponsorship it could be a trip that becomes more realistic.
I understand you have actually ridden around the CCI2* course at Adelaide back in 2001?
Yes, I did. I rode a horse called Regal Gambler who was very kindly lent to me by Kerrie Bowman. I seem to remember we finished fifth. There were several international competitors that year and it was great fun.
William and Regal Gambler back in 2001. Photos kindly supplied by Jenny Barnes
You obviously lead a very busy life when you are in UK and it’s looking as if your time in Australia won’t be any different?
“I am only in Australia for ten days and during the event itself I will be pretty busy. I am also hoping to catch up with some good friends and my god daughter, who I sadly get to see very little of. So although it might seem like a whirlwind trip I am really looking forward to it and it is filled with good things.”
With the 2012 London Olympics still not a too distant memory do you still look back and think that Britain did a good job of putting on the Games?
As a Brit I am very proud of what a success the London Olympics were. The atmosphere in London was just unimaginable and it was fantastic to be part of that whole buzz. The Olympics has undoubtedly been a huge boost to the sporting world as an incentive to future generations. It really could not have been better but as with these things we all hope the effect is long lasting.
Hopefully the buzz of the Olympics will be long lasting
It's been quite a year for you, how do you keep that enthusiasm going for another four years to Rio?
It is very easy to be enthusiastic when you ride lovely horses and enjoy what you do. As for riding in Rio, who knows!
What horses are you most excited about next year?
I have a very exciting team of horses for next year but it is quite early to be making plans just yet. It will be great to have Cool Mountain and Oslo returning to work following time off with injuries so there is a lot to look forward to.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl Chloe. How are things going in the household?
At the moment our two boys (Oliver and Thomas) are very proud of their little sister Chloe and enjoy showing her off at every opportunity. Amazingly, she has not yet been dropped! Suffice to say the house is filling with pink fast. On the sleeping front it’s a case of so far so good, she is lulling us into a false sense of security sleeping and eating well. Long may it last.
