© Kit Houghton
Four prestigious Championship classes take place over The Festival weekend 4-6 August 2017:
The British Open Championship CIC3* incorporating the Event Rider Masters
The Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championship
The Dodson & Horrell British Novice Championship
The TopSpec Challenge for The Corinthian Cup, the British Amateur Championship
As well as – The Neptune Trophy for Advanced Horses which completes the line-up and gives riders the chance to compete their other advanced horses that are not contending the British Open.
Leading national and international competitors return to The Festival each year and local riders Tom McEwen, Harry Meade and Zara Tindall will, no doubt, be out in force aiming to lift one of the prestigious trophies on offer.
The unique cross country course offers one of the best viewing experiences in the world with much of the action being visible from two perfect picnic locations, The Park Bowl and Avening Banks.
This year the cross country course sees more differences between the British Open and the Advanced course, and with further developments to the water on Avening Banks adding to the experience at that part of the course.
“The new extension to the water looks great and I am looking forward to seeing the riders take on this challenge which will ask new questions on this part of the cross country course,” commented Captain Mark Phillips, Co Chairman and Course Designer.
The Festival continues to enjoy strong links with sponsors, and this year welcomes back its family of sponsors which includes BETA, British Eventing, Dodson & Horrell, Equex China, Hamptons International, Land Rover, Smith & Williamson and TopSpec as well welcoming new sponsors Neptune and Sanpower.
