Funnell all set to defend title as Bramham attracts record entries

The organisers report that there have been more entries than ever before and they are busy finalising the arrangements and preparing to accomodate as many extra riders as possible.

The full details of riders definitely taking part will be known following Chatsworth International Horse Trials, which are being held this weekend.

It is hoped that the line-up will include Badminton winner Mark Todd, Tina Cook, Pippa Funnell, William Fox-Pitt, Caroline Powell, Oliver Townend and Nicola Wilson.

Pippa Funnell, a Bramham favourite, won the main event last year riding Redesigned.

She was thrilled with her win with this horse which had been lightly competed up until Bramham. Later in the year, Pippa and Redesigned were a surprise selection for the British eventing team at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Piggy French took second and third places last year with Lemington Lets Dance and Jakata and has proved to be in excellent form again this year with a second place at Badminton.

Ian Stark took over as course designer at Bramham last year, providing a testing course which proved to be critically acclaimed. We will be reporting shortly on the changes he has made to the course for this year.

Bramham has the backing this year of Welcome to Yorkshire, the county’s tourism agency. As well as all the equestrian action, the organisers are promising more attractions plus improvements to the layout of the site. As well as three world-class eventing competitions, there will be show-jumping classes, Pony Club competitions, showing classes, a stallion parade and young stock classes. In all, over 500 horses will be in action over the four days.

Shoppers will appreciate a bigger and better shopping area and for the adventurous there is an ‘Action and Adventure in Yorkshire’ zone with quad bikes, trampolining, a bouncy castle and a zip wire for the real adrenaline junky.

The shops will stay open late on the Friday evening and, as an added attraction, entry is free after 4pm that day so that people can browse the shops and enjoy a drink until 8pm.

This year also features the launch of ‘Fashion Joins Forces’, organised by Rachel Lane Fox and Lady Emma Ingilby, which will raise money for two charities, the Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust and the Household Cavalry Operational Casualty Fund.

Three catwalk shows, staged by Harvey Nichols, Leeds and Ogden the jewellers of Harrogate, will be staged over the Thursday and Friday. The BBC’s Gabby Logan will host both the shows on Thursday.

The Welcome to Yorkshire Bramham International Horse Trials run from June 2 to 5.

There is free parking for people who book early and the box office is open until May 27. To book go to www.bramham-horse.co.uk or call 01937 846917.

For more information about ‘Fashion Joins Forces’ go to www.bramhampark.co.uk.

AFTER the excitement of the horse trials, Bramham Park will be the venue, on June 11, for a sponsored ride which will raise money for the Stockeld Park group of Riding for the Disabled.

The annual ride is the group’s main fund-raising event of the year. The funds go towards helping the group to provide free riding lessons for around 25 children from four special needs schools in the area, together with some carriage driving for a small group of adults.

The event provides an opportunity to enjoy a ride of around 12 miles. A shorter option is also available. Numbers are restricted to 175 to enable everybody taking part to enjoy the day.

The ride has been running for nearly 30 years thanks to the support of George Lane Fox. Entry and sponsorship forms are available at Fox Saddlers in Wetherby, the Country Store in Collingham and Wetherby Feeds at the Sandbeck industrial estate in Wetherby, also from [email protected]. The closing date for entries is June 3.