As part of the Betfair Newmarket Open Weekend, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, a very unique prize will be offered in the silent auction. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials have kindly donated the Rugby World Cup themed cross country fence to be auctioned off at this year’s event.
The fence was tackled by top international event riders in the main arena at the CCI4* event, where a number of retired racehorses proved their talent off the racetrack and on the cross country course, including Chris Burton’s TS Jamaimo (3rd) and Haruzac (4th).
With the Rugby World Cup attracting much attention, equestrians will be keen to get their hands on the 1.20m high cross country fence. The fence, designed by Captain Mark Phillips, will be on display at the Rowley Mile Racecourse throughout the fun-filled and action packed charity weekend in Newmarket.
The prize is just one of many in the silent auction which helps to raise funds for the Newmarket Open Weekend’s three chosen charities; The National Horseracing Museum, Racing Welfare, and Magpas – The Emergency Medical Charity. Other auction items include a fine art piece by the magnificent photographer Ripley, titled: “Racehorse on Newmarket Heath with a Rubbing Down House” and a superb dinner cooked for you in the comfort of your own home by Jockey Club Rooms chef Tim Turner.
Elizabeth Inman, Event Director at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials said: “To mark the involvement of our title sponsor Land Rover, with the 2015 Rugby World Cup, we decided to give this year’s Burghley Horse Trials a rugby theme. I was delighted when our course designer Captain Mark Phillips came up with a totally unique three part fence combination, the centre piece to which was a giant rugby ball.
“I was aware of the Newmarket Open Weekend and its charity auction benefitting some very worthwhile causes and felt that our fence could provide a totally unique auction item, ideal for the Rugby enthusiast or indeed someone who wants to have the kudos of a Burghley fence to school over at home.”
The Newmarket Open Weekend silent auction is open for bidding until 4pm Wednesday 23rd September by visiting www.now2015-auction.com.