The sporting action is about to start at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

All 101 horses entered in the CCI3* at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials have passed the first horse inspection, and the dressage phase of the competition gets underway at 8.30am tomorrow morning (Thursday 17^th September).

Credit: Michael Wynne

The first rider into the arena will be Pippa Funnell with Carol Toliver’s Mirage D’Elle. The last rider of the day, scheduled for 5pm, will be Kitty King with Jacqueline Owen, Diana Bown and Samantha Wilson’s Ceylor LAN.

 The CIC3* for eight-and-nine-year-old horses starts at 9am, and the first pair to perform their dressage test will be Caroline Powell and Richard Ames’ Stellor Seaurchin. Action in this class concludes with Jonelle Price on The Marley and Me Syndicate’s Cloud Dancer II at 3.07pm.

The huge entry for Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials’ 25^th anniversary event includes former winners William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Piggy French, Aoife Clark, Francis Whittington and Polly Stockton. The 2014 winner of the 8/9yo CIC3*, New Zealand’s Jonelle Price, is entered in that class again, this time riding Cloud Dancer II.

“We have a really exciting four days ahead of us, with the top riders from 12 nations competing here at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials,” said Event Director Mandy Hervieu. “We are looking forward to a bumper crowd to join in our 25^th anniversary celebrations.” 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.blenheimhorse.co.uk or at the gate on arrival. Prices start at £14.