The SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials kicks off this week, which hosts one of the world’s leading three-star events.
Challenging cross-country
The Blenheim CCI3* started in 1990 and is known for its challenging cross-country track, which provides a great training ground for horses ready to move up to four-star level.
This makes Blenheim the perfect place to watch top international riders competing on their up-and-coming horses.
Last year Bettina Hoy made history as the first German rider to win the CCI3*, riding Seigneur Medicott. So who will take the title in 2017?
ERM champion
Riders to look out for include Pippa Funnell, Andrew Nicholson, Zara Tindall, Tim Price and Jonty Evans.
Jonty and Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) made headlines this summer after Jonty raised £500,000 through crowd-funding to buy his much-loved partner. This will be the first outing in Britain since Jonty secured ownership.
The event also hosts the final leg of the Event Rider Masters (ERM) CIC3* series. Gemma Tattersall has already been announced as the winner with an unbeatable lead, and will be crowned series champion at Blenheim and handed a cheque for £50,000.
Big names
Only in its second year, the ERM has already established itself as a serious addition to the eventing calendar. There are some big names competing at the Blenheim leg, with European gold medalists Oliver Townend and Ros Canter, 2016 Burghley winner Chris Burton, the legendary Mark Todd, and Gemma Tattersall who will be hoping to finish the season with another top-five placing.
You can watch all the action right here on H&C as we are showing highlights of both competitions. In the meantime, check out our preview of the event here.
- Event Rider Masters 2017: Blenheim Palace premieres on Sky 253 on 23 September at 9pm
- Blenheim Palace Horse Trials 2017 premieres on Sky 253 on 28 September at 9pm
You can also watch both programmes online via H&C Play and Amazon Video.