Burghley guarantees a thrilling finale to HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012
This weekend’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) (30 August-2 September) looks set to provide a thrilling climax to the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 series, with a bumper international entry and a surge in ticket sales following the huge success of the equestrian events at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Britain’s Eventing summer has been something of a washout and both riders and spectators are clearly looking forward to some high-quality sport in the beautiful park at Burghley. The organisers have received a record entry and will run up to 90 horses representing 11 nations.
Olympians in the field include team gold medallist Dirk Schrade (GER) on Hop And Skip, plus silver medallists William Fox-Pitt (GBR) with last year’s winner Parklane Hawk and Seacookie, and Mary King (GBR) on her home-bred mare Kings Temptress, third last year.
Four members of New Zealand’s bronze medal team will also be competing: Andrew Nicholson, who brings Avebury, the runner-up in 2011, plus either Calico Joe or Mr Cruise Control, Mark Todd (Major Milestone), Jonathan Paget (Clifton Lush) and Caroline Powell (Boston Two Tip).
William Fox-Pitt, twice a winner of the HSBC FEI Classics™, is out in front again, having triumphed at both Pau in 2011, on Oslo, and Kentucky in April of this year on Parklane Hawk. He has six points in hand over Andrew Nicholson, current leader of the HSBC Rider Rankings, but that may not be enough as the rivalry is sure to be intense. If the New Zealander can earn a top placing – and finish clear of Fox-Pitt – he will take home the US150,000 first prize for the first time.
Another rider to watch is the Kentucky runner-up Alison Springer (Arthur), who heads a strong US contingent. If she finishes seventh or better, she will overtake Michael Jung (GER) and Stuart Tinney (AUS), currently third and fourth in the HSBC FEI Classics™, as neither is at Burghley to defend their place in the standings.
Mary King, last year’s HSBC FEI Classics™ winner, will also be doing the maths. She already has eight points and could spring into the money prizes with a high placing, as could Clayton Fredericks (AUS), who rides Waltersdown Don, and another former HSBC FEI Classics™ winner, Oliver Townend (GBR), who has excellent chances with Armada and Sonas Rovatio.
There will also be strong competition from the group of Olympic reserves who will be looking forward to their chance to grab some glory. Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) with Simon Porloe and Granntevka Prince, Sam Watson (IRL) riding Horseware Bushman, Megan Jones (AUS) on Kirby Park Allofasudden and former World Champion Jean Teulere (Matelot du Grand Val) are all expected to feature in the final shake-up.
The inclusion of three of the beautifully constructed Cross Country fences from Greenwich Park will maintain the Olympic flavour: the ‘Planets’, ‘Sundials’ and the carved ‘Olympic Games Horses’ will form a three-element complex in the main arena.
“The park looks in the best condition I can remember and the footing is perfect,” says Course Designer Mark Phillips (GBR). “The course is still at the longer distance of around 11.5 minutes used last year and the big fences are still there. The technical fences may be a touch easier, but this is a true CCI4* track and I’m excited about it. With Olympic fever still in the air, this could be a very special Burghley.”
The Dressage phase starts tomorrow morning (Thursday). Follow the action on www.burghley-horse.co.uk
HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 Leaderboard (after 4 out of 5 events, due to cancellation of Badminton):
1 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 30
2 Andrew Nicholson (NZL) 24
3 Michael Jung (GER) 15
4 Stuart Tinney (AUS) 15
5 Alison Springer (USA) 12
6 Lucinda Fredericks (AUS) 12
7 Sonja Johnson (AUS) 12
8 Boyd Martin (USA) 10
9 Andreas Dibowski (GER) 10
10 Emma Mason (AUS) 10
At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics™, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have completed a 4* event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000, which is spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and the relevant National Federation.
HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 calendar
Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) – 12-16 October 2011
Australian International 3 Day Event (AUS) – 18-20 November 2011
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) – 26-29 April 2012
Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) – 4-7 May 2012
Luhmühlen CCI 4* (GER) – 14-17 June 2012
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) – 30 August-2 September 2012
Prize money
At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected among the HSBC FEI Classics™ events will be awarded their share of a total prize fund of US$333,000 split as follows:
1st – US$150,000 (Series Champion)
2nd – US$75,000
3rd – US$50,000
4th – US$33,000
5th – US$25,000