Battle at Barbury: Teams announced for JCB Champion Challenge

After being beaten by the narrowest of margins in the two previous running’s, the event riders have submitted a team comprised of speed and quality that includes two Olympians. Sir Mark Todd, who has represented New Zealand a staggering seven times at the Olympics and is hoping to secure his eighth at Rio this year, will captain the eventers. 

Jonelle Price, ‘the fastest rider cross-country’ was a member of New Zealand’s Olympic bronze winning team at London 2012.  Her husband Tim is named as the third member.  The couple made history in 2014 when they became the first husband and wife team to represent New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games in France.  Australian, Paul Tapner, completes the quartet with his glittering equestrian CV including the blue ribband of eventing, The Badminton Horse Trials, as well as also being renowned as a speed specialist in the cross-country phase. 

Sir Mark Todd aimed a cheeky shot at the jump jockeys in response; 

“I may be advancing in years, but I am confident I can get one over on Francome – as he is even more advancing than me!”

This year’s St.James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials takes place on the beautiful Marlborough Downs and hosts four days of awesome eventing competition.  Additionally, the horse trials are an important pre-cursor ahead of the 2016 Olympics with many riders destined for Rio taking part.  A new addition this year is the third leg of the Event Rider Masters (ERM). The inaugural ERM is an exciting sporting series, showcasing the world’s best ‘Event’ riders with a total of £350,000 in prize money on offer with each leg promising a minimum of £50,000.  

Tickets for the Barbury International Horse Trials start from £12 per person per day booked in advance.  Children under 12 years go free.   For information and tickets visit barburyhorsetrials.co.uk or call 01672 516125