Tri-Zone Eventer Challenge Update

A field of 75 individual amateur event riders will be competing in the second running of the Tri-Zone BE100 Eventer Challenge at Blenheim on the Sunday (11 September). Riders will tackle a mixed course of show jumps and portable cross country fences, with the top 10 going forward for a second jump-off. A prize is given to the most stylish rider, which last year was won by 12 year old Charlotte Bacon who this year competes again on two horses. Charlotte (from Shipton-under-Wychwood) will be flying the flag for Oxfordshire, along with Izzy Bainbridge from Burford, Ellen Goodwin (Banbury), Sarah Charles (Faringdon) and Sophie Norman and Verity Chapman (both from Chipping Norton).

A new award will also be made in the Tri-Zone Eventer Challenge this year, for the top placed veteran rider (over 45 years of age). Last year's overall Tri-Zone winner was Alexis Withers riding Bo Bassett.

Blenheim Event Director, Mandy Hervieu says "I am delighted that we are able to open our doors to grassroots riders. To compete at the same, prestigious venue as the top international riders is always a big draw for amateur riders - this year, more so than ever, with top international riders competing in our Olympic Team Qualifier. As Olympic fever builds, it is all part of the legacy of 2012," .

The feature CCI*** and CIC*** events at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials run from 8-11 September with two days of cross country on the Saturday and Sunday, across both classes. Set in the parkland of Blenheim Palace near Woodstock (Oxon), it has become an established family event hosting over 175 trade stands and a wide selection of displays and demonstrations designed to appeal to all, with children's entertainment on the weekend. For further details and advance bookings www.blenheim-horse.co.uk