Sam Griffiths is listed to start both Happy Times (pictured above) and Paulank Brockagh Photo: Libby Law
A record 250 horses from 17 world-wide nations will head to Yorkshire in a bid to secure a place in history as well as coveted Olympic selection for some. The feature CCI***, the CIC*** and the Bishop Burton College U25 CCI*** make up the eventing competitions but the action doesn’t stop there. Add to this top British Showjumping classes, Dodson & Horrell showing, Trot2 eventing young stock competitions, Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers, The Country Store Pony Club showjumping and Great Yorkshire Show mounted games and you’ve got 600 or so horses across 28 competitions over four packed days.
In the eventing, leading the home challenge is British trio William Fox-Pitt, Piggy French and Nicola Wilson, who were part of the team who claimed bronze at last year’s European Championships. Kristina Cook, Sarah Cohen, Zara Phillips and Lucy Weigersma will be looking for top performances to secure an Olympic place while Pippa Funnell, Clea Phillipps, Ruth Edge and Polly Stockton are all top Brits who’ve fared well at Bramham before.
‘Mr Bramham’ William Fox-Pitt is in the hunt for his sixth Bramham title and with six horses entered over the two sections, he has every chance and must never be ruled out. Piggy French brings Jakata, her ‘team’ horse and they were third here in 2100 plus they were winners recently at the Houghton Hall CIC*** so must be amongst the favourites. Local heroine Nicola Wilson will give the ‘home’ crowd a treat as they’ll see her long-term partner and team stalwart Opposition Buzz in action in the CIC as well as Applejack II plus Inde in the CCI***.
There’s no way the home riders aren’t going to have it all their own way...the Australians and New Zealanders will be out in force. Sam Griffiths (Happy Times and Paulank Brockagh), Kevin McNab (Clifton Pinot), Emma Dougall (Kelecyn Ice Age), Andrew Hoy (Cheeky Calimbo and Rutherglen) and Catherine Burrell (Urzan) are all competing from Australia
This weekend’s shorter format CIC3* shapes as the most significant for New Zealand selection prospects with leading Kiwi riders all running Olympic prospect horses. Jock Paget will be looking to repeat his win last year in the CIC3* on Clifton Lush, Andrew Nicholson has both Nereo and Averbury, Clarke Johnstone has his world champs team bronze medal-winning horse Orient Express , Lucy Jackson has both Animator II and Kilcoltrim Ambassador, Jonelle Richards has Flintstar, Tim Price has Ringwood Sky Boy and Kate Wood goes on Easy Tiger.
Caroline Powell will give her famous 19-year old grey gelding Lenamore his first run in recent weeks in the CCI 3* as well as competing on Thornfield Jones. Mark Todd is entered aboard Quantum Leap, Andrew Nicholson has Tristar II while Lucy Jackson has Willy Do and Craig Nicolai enters Just Ironic. Lizzie Brown competes in the under 25 event with Henton Attorney General.
A large Swedish contingent is due and they finished fourth at last year’s Europeans so will be challengers. The French always send a strong squad and 15 riders make the trip across the Channel looking to take some Bramham glory across the Channel.
The Bishop Burton College Under 25 section is the place to spot the stars of the future and even though the riders are at the beginning of their careers, they’re the most competitive! Chinese rider Alex Hua Tian has two strong contenders entered while former European Champion Emily Parker and Treefers will be hoping to go one place better than their second place last year. Britain’s 2011 Young Rider Team Gold medallist Tom McEwen has his consistent partner Dry Old Party while other riders of note include Ben Hobday, Angus Smales and local Harrogate rider James Sommerville.
All riders passed the first horse inspection and we’ll start our coverage with the dressage on Thursday. As always, Libby Law will be bringing you a bird’s eye view of the Australians and other top international riders and here's a quick preview of what is to come with a Yorkshire sunset in the background. Stay tuned......
