NINE previous winners are among the potential line-up for the 2015 running of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials which starts on Wednesday, May 6.

Among the 85-strong entry are last year's winner Sam Griffiths along with other former champions: Jonathan Paget (2013), Mark Todd (1994, 1996, 2011), Paul Tapner (2010), Oliver Townend (2009), Andrew Hoy (2006), Pippa Funnell (2002, 2003, 2005), William Fox Pitt (2004) and Mary King (2000).

The most successful non-winner in Badminton history, Andrew Nicholson, has entered both Nereo and three-times Burghley scorer Avebury.

Zara Phillips has entered High Kingdom as a precaution but hopes to take him for her first visit to Kentucky the week before Badminton.

World and Olympic team gold medallist Ingrid Klimke comes on another foray to Badminton with her Pau 4-star winner Horseware Hale Bob.

The French entry is headed by former world champion Jean Teulere.

Among the first timers is Ben Way, who heads up the equestrian department at Cotswolds estate agents Butler Sherborn.

As is now customary, the trials start with the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships on Wednesday, May 6, followed by two days of dressage.

Then it's cross country on Saturday and show jumping on Sunday.