Emily King and Valmy Biats, 2023 CCI4*-S Grantham Cup winners at Thoresby
Entries are open for The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park International Horse Trials, the first major FEI event of the 2024 British Eventing calendar, where we will be filming all competitors on cross country.
Ideal first International run of the season
Taking place on the Easter weekend of 28th March – 1st April 2024, in the grounds of Thoresby Park the event offers international eventing classes at CCI-S 2*, CCI-S 3* and CCI-S 4* (incorporating the Grantham Cup) plus national classes at Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
The event, although relatively new to the calendar, has firmly established itself as one of the country’s foremost eventing fixtures. Its early season position makes it an ideal first international run for the coming Olympic year, and fans of the sport hoping to get a glimpse of the frontrunners – and enjoy proximity to their favourite riders – can enjoy doing both in the Nottinghamshire parkland setting.
Former Grantham Cup winner, and Olympic team gold medallist Tom McEwen MBE says that “The Eventing Spring Carnival, at Thoresby, is still a relatively new addition to our calendar, taking over from Belton which has always been used as great prep run for Badminton, or Kentucky. It’s a great show with plenty of atmosphere, and it’s a real mecca of the best horses preparing for their halfway season goal.
It’s a place to go and put yourself against the best of the best that are going out for Burghley and Badminton titles and see where you are. Not every horse will be running fast but you get a feel of where you are in the field.”
Easter Weekend Fun for all the family
Running over the Easter weekend for the first time, the Eventing Spring Carnival not only features the iconic Grantham Cup, but also plays host to the Great Thoresby Easter Egg Hunt.
In tandem with the international eventing will be a range of arena classes and attractions, creating a busy schedule and fun for all the family. Alongside the Easter Egg Hunt, there will be circus attractions, fun fair, gun dog displays and much more, making this a great family day out.
The Allstar B enclosure will be the place to be for this year’s event, with complimentary breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea available in a prime viewing spot overlooking the main arena and the cross-country course. Throughout the competition, top riders and eventing professionals will visit the enclosure to lead educational and entertaining talks in a format that takes inspiration from Formula One’s Paddock Club. On Easter Sunday the enclosure plays host to Mrs B Bistro, where Easter Brunch and Lunch will be on offer.
Join with friends and family for an Easter treat like no other – a sumptuous lunch, in the fully heated enclosure, with stunning views of the showjumping and cross-country arena.
And, as if world class eventing horsepower wasn’t enough, the Aston Martin and Porsche owners’ clubs will be attending throughout the event, with cars on display throughout the venue.
To book advanced tickets, and save on the gate price, visit https://thoresby-horse.co.uk
