News

Francis Whittington heads World Class field

31st March 2008
Francis whittington riding Sir Percival, a horse he has ridden since it was a 4 year old, convincingly won the FEI Eventing World Cup Qualifier on Sunday beating no less than 3 horses that had won a CCI**** all who finished in the top 10 and a further 3 horses that have a top 3 placing in a CCI****. For the full story and a round up of the weekends sport visit Eventingworldwide.com

Top riders once again flood to the SPC Holdings Burnham Market International Horse Trials

10 March2008
Two thirds of the likely 2008 Olympic Equestrian Team will be coming to Burnham Market later this month. Entries to the SPC Burnham Market World Cup Horse Trials closed last night and include Zara Phillips, William Fox-Pitt, Oliver Townend, and Mary King – all tipped to be in the British Team. There are over 840 entries for the various levels of competition and despite the event taking place so early in the season (28 – 30 March), there has been a massive increase in the number of entries. Burnham Market has always been popular with British riders and this year we have really good representation from Germany, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Denmark as well. Zara Phillips will be bringing 3 horses to the competition, so there will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to the event to see her in action. Also bringing 3 horses are Jeanette Brakewell, Norfolk girl Piggy French, and previous Olympic/World Champions Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt and Mary King. For further press information and digital images, please contact: Jane Hampson, Scintilla PR jane@scintillaPR.com 07917 660616

New Title Sponsor for Burnham Market

10 January 2008
Following the sale of Easco last summer we are delighted to announce an new title sponsor for the forthcoming Burnham Market International Horse Trials 28th - 30th March. SPC Holdings Ltd. is the holding company for several other businesses that will be prevalent at teh event in March such as UK Fire, Oasis Leasure Centre, Racing Technology Norfolk and Express Composites Group

British Eventing is delighted to announce that Houghton Hall in Norfolk will host a Spring CCI** for an initial period of three years from 2007-2009, with kind permission of Lord Cholmondeley and managed by Alec Lochore of Musketeer Event Management.

Houghton International will run over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. The date for 2007 will be 24th - 27th.

The Board of British Eventing engaged the services of two highly respected and independent experts in Yogi Breisner and Mike Tucker to assist Jonathan Clissold and the British Eventing Regional Director(s) with four site visits across the country during March. The Board then made a decision based on their report.

Each site was evaluated on its suitability for producing an event which would be good for developing young horses, attracting public interest and sponsorship and be an asset to the sport in this country.

Commenting on the selection of Houghton Hall Yogi Breisner said: "The location and setting of Houghton Hall provides an opportunity to run a world class event in over 800 acres of parkland, on sandy soil with a truly stunning backdrop for spectators and sponsors."

Alec Lochore said of the decision "I am extremely grateful to Lord Cholmondeley and Robert Miller, the Houghton Land Agent, for their total support and cooperation in allowing us to run horse trials at this first class venue. The sport of Horse Trials is lucky to have access to such wonderful estates and this is a great opportunity for the sport. Houghton is the sort of site that an organising team dreams of running a Horse Trials at, as there is a spectacular back drop, masses of room, excellent going and a very cooperative estate. The pressure is now on to deliver an event that befits the venue!"

Lord Cholmondeley added his support by saying "I am delighted that Houghton Hall has been awarded this opportunity to run a major International Horse Trials in this beautiful park. We look forward to working with Alec Lochore and his team, welcoming the eventing fraternity to Houghton and developing this exciting opportunity into a leading date in the calendar"

Peter Durrant, Chief Executive of British Eventing added:
"We are thrilled that another prestigious and beautiful location has come to British Eventing and congratulate the team who put together such a strong bid. The quality of all the applications was extremely high and the sport was spoilt for choice in making this decision".

Houghton Hall is home of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley and is situated just off the A148 King's Lynn to Cromer road, close to the Norfolk coast, Norwich and the Norfolk Broads.

For information visit the website: www.houghtonhall.co.uk.