The spectacular Blenheim Palace
Spectators who didn’t make it to Greenwich will have an opportunity to celebrate and mark the successes of the British equestrian eventing team who won team silver at the 2012 Olympic Games. Members of the team will be competing and parading at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (6-9 September 2012).
Zara Philips, William Fox Pitt, Nicola Wilson and Tina Cook all have entries at Blenheim - as do Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Jonelle Richards and Caroline Powell from Team NZL who took Olympic bronze.
They will face hot competition from a host of other top riders representing different nations, including Lucy Jackson (New Zealand) and Suzanna Bordonne (Italy), along with a strong home contingent which includes: Piggy French (the 2011 Blenheim CCI title holder - pictured above), Pippa Funnell, Jeanette Brakewell, Lucy Weigersma and Oliver Townend. After having to pull out of Burghley due to a minor problem, Tim Boland and GV Billy Elliot will be flying the Australian flag along with Paul Tapner and Christopher Burton.
As part of Blenheim’s finale, Tina Cook, WilIiam Fox-Pitt, Zara Phillips and Nicola Wilson – four (of the five) members of the GB eventing team will be taking part in a special mounted parade in the Marlborough Arena before the prize-giving (at approximately 4.15pm) on Sunday.
It's been a long time since Melbourne for Tim Boland
Also making their way from Greenwich to Blenheim, as part of the BEF’s equestrian legacy programme from the Games, will be some of the actual fences from the cross-country course. The Altar (Fence 21 at Greenwich) will now feature in the CIC 3 star cross-country course at Blenheim and the Saxon Village (Fence 27ab at Greenwich) will be used in the training ground at Blenheim.
There is much to see and do at Blenheim. In addition to watching over 180 top competitors in the three star CCI and CIC main events, over 600 competitive amateur riders will be enjoying some of the other grassroots classes and activities at Blenheim this year including the eventer challenges and new Sunday Fun Ride. In addition, some of the leading riders will also be letting their hair down in two novelty events on the Sunday – Blenheim’s popular high jump and new bareback showjumping classes.
Photos: Equine Images
