Entries have now closed for The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2006, and organisers are delighted to announce a top class field for this year’s event at Stamford, Lincolnshire (7 -10 September).
All the riders will be battling it out to win the £45,000 first prize, plus the Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy, this year presented by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, President of the sport’s international governing body, the FEI. Of course, one person will have his eye on the top spot in order to gain an even bigger prize; Andrew Hoy (AUS) will be attempting to clinch the Rolex Grand Slam prize of $250,000, having won this year at Kentucky and Badminton, now only a Burghley win will do. The Grand Slam has been achieved only once before, also at Burghley, by Britain’s Pippa Funnell in 2003.
The world famous Cross Country course is running without the Roads & Tracks and Steeplechase phases for the first time this year, and the Start & Finish area has been brought into the heart of the showground. Measuring almost 7km and with some 32 fences, the course is having the final finishing touches made to it, and Course Designer Captain Mark Philips is keen to see it in action; “Riders and horses will face plenty of new tests this year, and the innovations should certainly keep them on their toes. It’s a 4 star course in every sense of the term.”
110 entries have been received representing 10 countries, 26 riding at Burghley for the first time, and 13 under 25 years of age. They include some of the Eventing world’s top names. Andrew Hoy has entered 4 horses, including Mr Pracatan and Moonfleet (Burghley winner in 2004) although he’ll be limited to rides on two. Last year’s winning combination William Fox-Pitt (GB) and Ballincoola are entered, along with a second horse (Idalgo). And last year’s third placed combination of Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Lord Killinghurst will also be back to try and take the crown in 2006.
Anyone who can’t make it to the Event can now watch the action unfold live via a pay-per-view broadband streaming facility on the website, with savings on offer for booking in advance.
Along with the thrilling Eventing action, over the four days visitors will also be able to enjoy Equine Ethology displays on Thursday and Sunday; the ever competitive Express Café’s Pony Club Team Jumping on Thursday; the hugely influential Winergy Burghley Young Event Horse Finals on Friday; a dressage display by Olympic rider Richard Davison also on Friday; and the British Driving Society Championships and the BDS Concours d’Elegance on the Sunday.
Away from the sporting competition, there’s plenty to keep you amused, with an incredible array of 600 shops and a whole village dedicated to all things food – for many it’s a better day’s shopping than anywhere in England. A full list of outlets is available on the website www.burghley-horse.co.uk and there’s something to suit everyone, from furniture to jewellery and clothes to horseboxes.
Event Director Elizabeth Inman said; “We’re looking forward to an exciting event this year. With Andrew Hoy’s Grand Slam attempt, the innovative changes that we’ve made to the showground layout, and the top calibre riders and horses that have entered, 2006 should be an outstanding year.”
Some tickets are still available in advance, either from the website or by telephoning 01933 304744, tickets for the grandstand on Sunday have now sold out.
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Notes to editors:
For a full list of entries please see the section marked ‘Three Day Event Competition on the website.
Copyright free high res images are available to download from the link marked ‘Photo Catalogue’ in the ‘Press’ section. Username: media Password: burghley2006
For further media information:
Please contact The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials – Sarah Hames or Candy Burnyeat on +44 (0)1753 847916 or email sarahh@hpower.co.uk or candyb.hpim@easynet.co.uk