Looking forward to Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

Blenheim Press Release:- 

There aren’t many places you can see a line-up of such talent in front of such a spectacular backdrop like Blenheim Palace. Between 19 – 22 September 2024, nearly 200 horse and rider combinations will compete in the CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S 8 & 9 year old Championship at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.

Blenheim 2023

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Many of the Paris 2024 Olympic riders will be hoping to end what must have been an extraordinarily special season on a high with success at Blenheim. Amongst the Olympic cohort is Individual Bronze and Team Gold medallist Laura Collett who brings Hester alongside fellow golden teammate Tom McEwen who has two rides with ISA in the CCI4*-L and Cecelia Cobra in the CCI4*-S. Paris team mate Yasmin Ingham has just the one horse entered in the CCI4*-S with Gypsie Du Loir, an eight year old mare who has shown plenty of promise this season with a win and second place at 3* level.

The Irish Olympic riders mean business too, with some strong contenders; Austin O’Connor brings his ride from last year, Sixmilewater for the CCI4*-L as well as Ventura Rock for the CCI4*-S. Sarah Ennis rides Onceuponatime and Susie Berry brings Liberty 26, both in the CCI4*-S.

Blenheim 2023
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New Zealand’s husband and wife team Tim and Jonelle Price come to Blenheim off the back of their time in Paris with big plans for success, with three rides each – following his second place at Burghley, Tim rides Happy Boy and Chio 20 in the CCI4*-L, with Dromgurrihy Gold in the CCI4*-S. Jonelle joins Tim in the long-format class with Chilli’s Midnight Star and her ride from last year, Senor Crocodillo, while contesting the 8 & 9 year old Championship on Full Monty De Lacense. In the latter class, fellow New Zealander Clarke Johnstone joins the duo with Rocket Man.

Long Course (Saturday XC)

One of the most successful riders of all time at Blenheim, second only to William Fox-Pitt with six wins, is Piggy March, sitting on four wins. This year Piggy has two in the CCI4*-L; Brookfield Future News and Halo, the latter of which won the CCI4*-S with Piggy in 2022 – the class that this year Piggy has entered Dassett Arthalent.

This year, we are also excited to welcome ambassadors to the team who will be showcasing their skills, meeting with visitors and answering those questions you’ve always wanted answers to! One of the names, we’ve already mentioned as going down in Blenheim history – legend of the sport, William Fox-Pitt. He will be joined by five-star event riders Will Rawlin and Emily King to complete the team of ambassadors. 

Short Course (Sunday XC)

The trio will each be treating spectators to demonstrations which will both excite and educate. If you want to get up close and personal, then be sure to secure yourselves a VIP Pavilion ticket as the ambassadors will be hosting exclusive meet and greets here. Perhaps you’ve got a burning question for a top-level rider? Join Will and William at the chat stage where you can get the answers! Want to watch an ambassador in action? Emily King has got her ten-year-old gelding Jackpot entered for the CCI4*-L.

Blenheim 2023
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Event Organiser Katrina Midgley comments, “After what has already been such a spectacular summer of sport, we are delighted to receive such a great number of entries from top-class athletes. We are delighted to see so many Blenheim ‘first timers’ too who will no doubt get a thrill from riding in front of the beautiful Blenheim Palace and a chance to experience the iconic David Evans designed cross country course.”

This year sees the CCI4*-S class run for the 15th time, a class which British and New Zealand riders have dominated it in the past, taking 11 of the 14 events. The last 4 winners have been British (and if you include Burnham Market 2020, it would be 5). No rider has won this class three times – at the moment, Chris Burton, Piggy March, William Fox-Pitt and Jonelle Price sit on two wins each – can Piggy or Jonelle make it three in 2024?

Press release ends

Harveywetdog comments

There has been quite a shake up of the entries this year with a number of top names and horses missing but nevertheless we are promised 5 days of scintillating action on this traditional autumn spectacular. This is the first time I can remember there being more horses in the CCI Short competition than in the CCI Long. I predict Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir will do well in the Short competition along with Gemma Stevens and Chilli King.