Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo are returning to Blenheim this year
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has attracted a huge entry of outstanding quality for its 25th anniversary event, which takes place from 17th-20th September 2015.
Entries in the principal CCI3* class, the most prestigious of its kind in Britain, include former winners William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell and Francis Whittington.
William Fox-Pitt, who has taken this title three times so far (in 2000, 2010 and 2012) is bringing the experienced Cool Mountain – winner of individual silver and team gold medals at the 2010 World Equestrian Games – and the younger but highly talented Luxury FH.
Pippa Funnell, whose four successes at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials came in 1993, 1995, 2003 and 2004, rides Mirage D’Elle and the home-bred Billy The Biz.
Both William and Pippa are representing Britain at the European Championships at Blair Castle this weekend before coming to the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials – as is last year’s CCI3* winner Francis Whittington.
It’s not just Britain’s best at Blenheim – stars from round the world are competing at the Oxfordshire event. A strong American contingent includes Lauren Kieffer and Clark Montgomery, both hopeful of a place in their country’s squad for the Rio Olympics next year.
Australia’s Andrew Hoy, a triple Olympic gold medallist, has entered Cheeky Calimbo, while his team-mate from the London Olympics, Christopher Burton – recently third and fourth at Burghley – brings Nobilis 18 to Blenheim.
Aoife Clark, winner of the CCI3* at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in 2013 and the highest-placed Irish rider at both the London Olympics and last year’s World Equestrian Games, has entered the exciting young horse Fernhill Adventure.
The CIC3* for eight-and-nine-year-old horses is always a strong indicator of future stars, as three out of the six horses to have won this class so far have already gone on to win at the very highest (CCI4*) level.
Particularly exciting entries in this class include Zara Phillips and Watkins, and New Zealander Tim Price with Xavier Faer – Tim’s horse is a half-brother to last year’s winner Faerie Dianamo, who was ridden by Tim’s wife Jonelle.
