Equestrian fans get chance to view Olympic riders at Blenheim horse trials (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Equestrian fans get chance to view Olympic riders at Blenheim horse trials

THE Blenheim Petplan Inter-national Horse Trials at the Duke of Marlborough's stately home in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, on September 9-12 presents a perfect opportunity to see Britain's Olympic eventing team riders in action after Athens.

Blenheim always attracts top riders with last year's winner, Pippa Funnell on Jurassic Rising, beating Australian Olympic gold medallist Phillip Dutton for the top honours.

Andrew Nicholson, William Fox-Pitt and Mary King are among the former Blenheim winners who will have rides there this year.

Gloucestershire-based riders include Northleach's Julie Tew, Charlotte Prentice, from Syde, near Cheltenham, Badminton's Caron Myles, Dominic Ruane, from Bourton-on-the Water, and Clare Valender and Bill Levett, both from Chipping Campden.

The north Wiltshire contingent includes Rodney Powell from Bishopstone, Swindon, Malmesbury's Eleanor Bailey and Andrew Nicholson, Claudia Graham, Stuart Tinney, Tim Rushbridge, Dag Albert and Carlos Paro, all from the Marlborough area.

The dressage takes place on Thursday and Friday, September 9 and 10, with free entry after 3pm for shopping.

The cross country, in the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace, is on Saturday, September 11, and the nail-biting show jumping finale on Sunday, September 12.

Sunday is also a day of family entertainment, including the dare-devil stunt rider Kangaroo Kid and the celebrity pairs cross country and show jumping challenge, which last year was won by Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy with Zara Phillips.

For those wanting a break from the horses, there is a huge range of catering, shopping at over 180 stands, and a range of children's entertainment.

Horse trials visitors can also take advantage of a two-for-one offer to visit Blenheim Palace in its tercentenary year.

Discounts are available on advance ticket bookings, which may be made online at www.blenheim-horse.co.uk or by telephoning the box office on 0870 240 8652.

Admission is free for accompanied children of 14 and under. The box office closes on August 31, but tickets are available on the gate.

More information from the horse trials office on 01993 813335 or info@blenheim-horse.co.uk