Tricorn Events have announced that Headley Britannia – the world’s best known event mare – will take part in the first round of the Express Eventing Series 2012-13 which will be held as part of HorseWorld Live! at the ExCel Arena, London on Saturday 17th November 2012.
The nineteen year old 15.3h chestnut mare was formally retired earlier this year from full scale three day eventing competition, after a top flight career which started with a win in 2002 and ended in 2011. Among her many accomplishments are Blenheim 3*, Badminton 4*, Burghley 4*, Rolex Kentucky 4* Hickstead Eventing Derby, Luhmulen 4* and an Olympic Team Silver medal in Beijing 2008.
‘Brit’ remains the holder of the lowest event finishing score at 4* level on 32.3 penalties, achieved in Kentucky. She was the first mare in 33 years to win at Burghley in 2006 and at Badminton in 2007, took the title as the first mare to do so in 53 years of the competition.
Speaking today, owner and rider Lucinda Fredericks said ‘’I have followed the development of Express Eventing since the first competition in 2008 and think that it has evolved to offer the ideal opportunity to Brit and horses like her. At nineteen and after the many years of dedication and success she has given me. I think that Express Eventing will be just perfect for her to demonstrate again her manoeuvrability, competitive spirit and will to win, without the intense and sustained training that is needed for traditional four star competitions.’’
Headley Britannia produced two foals by embryo transfer in 2008 – Little Britannia and Britannia’s Mail – both sired by the stallion Jaguars Mail. It is an exciting time for both who have now embarked upon their eventing careers, following in Headley Britannia’s footsteps.
Jill Gratton-Fisher, Director and General Manager of Tricorn Events commented. ‘’To have Lucinda and Headley Britannia take part in Express Eventing is quite simply a thrill and honour for us. Their popularity is legendary and we are just delighted that we can offer a competition which will suit her perfectly and are sure that she will attract and entertain the crowds on the day, just as she always has throughout her eventing career’.
The Express Eventing Series 2012-13 will see seven Team Principals select a second athlete to ride with them in a slightly revised competition. Each will earn points towards a Team and Individual Championship at rounds throughout the Series which will culminate in a ‘double points’ final at a high profile event in the Autumn of 2013. Confirmed Team Principals are Mark Todd, Sam Griffiths, Fiona Hobby, Harry Meade, Matthew Wright, Oliver Townend and Lucinda Fredericks.
To read about Lucinda’s training of Little Britannia and Britannia’s Mail (Milly and Marley) CLICK HERE
LATEST UPDATE: It now seems that Brit will not now be able to take part in the first round of the Express Eventing Series 2012-13 which will be held as part of HorseWorld Live! at the ExCel Arena, London on Saturday 17th November 2012, due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, Flying Finish, which Lucinda rode in the London Olympics (pictured below) will replace her.
“It’s really disappointing for everyone but hopefully she will appear in an event next year” a Team Fredericks spokesman said.
