Andrew Hoy’s spectacular victory at Badminton this weekend means that this year’s equestrian social event of the year, The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (7-10 September), Stamford, Lincolnshire, will take on even greater significance as Hoy strives to achieve the Rolex Grandslam. Only by winning consecutively at Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley does the ultimate in achievement result in the $250,000 reward.
The Grandslam has only been won once before by Pippa Funnell who won the third of the three major titles at Burghley in 2003. Can lightning strike twice and Australian Hoy achieve this amazing feat at the same venue? Hoy certainly has form on his side having won Burghley in 2004 (Moonfleet) and in 1979 (Davey) and been placed consistently in the top ten placings* over the last four years.
The Box Office, which can be reached online at www.burghley-horse.co.uk or on 01933 304744, is now open so you can snap up those prime Show Jumping tickets, the excellent picnic spots or just assure yourself that you have your passes for what will be one of the sporting moments of the decade.
The magnificent Land Rover trophy, the equine Oscar, won so convincingly last year by William Fox-Pitt and Ballincoola, will this year be accompanied by another record prize of £45,000 to the winner.
Regularly voted by riders as the Best Three Day Event in the world, Burghley will be rolling out the red carpet for the biggest names in Eventing. Amongst them will be the newly crowned stars from this summer’s World Equestrian Games.
The layout for this epic sporting occasion has been given a new twist. The starting area to Captain Mark Phillips’ beautifully sculpted Cross Country phase has been moved into the heart of the Event so that visitors can watch the drama unfold as the horses commence and complete their high octane tour of the Capability Brown parkland.
For the picnic enthusiast the view is assured by reserving excellent parking facilities overlooking the course in a newly extended area close to the Cross Country Start and Finish Box.
With world-class shopping, the showground's convenient layout and designated walkways are home to over 600 shops and food stalls, making it the ideal environment for visitors to while away the hours among Burghley's renowned avenues.
The variety of additional attractions over all four days are a must for all visitors starting with Pony Club Team Jumping, the Winergy Burghley Young Event Horse finals and Ponies (UK) Event Pony on Friday. The Main Arena programme also provides highlights including dressage displays, military bands and foxhound display, providing something for everyone.
Visitors can pre-book all tickets, including daily and season tickets to the Event through the box office on 01933 304744 or online at www.burghley-horse.co.uk. Attractive discounts are available for some tickets booked in advance and all accompanied children aged 12 and under enter the Event free of charge.
For those wishing to keep in touch with the build-up to the Event and receive all the latest news as the Event happens, sign up to receive the free e-newsletter on the home page.
For further information, including a comprehensive and secure online ticket booking service, visit the website at www.burghley-horse.co.uk or telephone the Box Office on 01933 304744.
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Notes to Editors
* Andrew Hoy has also achieved
the following top ten results at Burghley:-
2005 - Mr Pracatan 6th
2004 - Master Monarch 4th
2003 - Master Monarch 9th
2002 - Mr Pracatan 4th
Photo Caption:- Andrew Hoy Burghley winner on two previous occasions can he make it three and take the Rolex Grandslam?
For further information
please contact Candy Burnyeat at candyb.hpim@easynet.co.uk