VISITORS to The Festival of British Eventing, presented by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), are in for a treat this weekend (7-9 August) at Gatcombe Park.

A record number of entries have been received for this year’s British Eventing Open Championship sponsored by the sports governing body, British Eventing and incorporating the HSBC FEI World Cup(tm) Eventing qualifier.

Over 100 horses representing nine nations will line up for this major championship and the only British World Cup qualifier which is also the last chance for a place in the HSBC FEI World Cup(tm) Eventing Final at Strzegom in Poland (August 21-23).

Former British Open Champions Mary King, Lucy Wiegersma, William Fox-Pitt, Mark Todd (NZ), Andrew Nicholson (NZ) and Clayton Fredericks (AUS) all return for another attempt at the title.

Reigning world champion Zara Phillips is among the qualifiers for the Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championships.

The weekend starts on Friday with dressage for novice and advanced classes, inter-branch Pony Club show jumping sponsored by BETA and the final chance for aspiring four and five-year old event horses to qualify for the Burghley Dubarry Young Event Horse finals.

“Never in the 27 years of competition at Gatcombe Park have we had such a good competition in prospect - I am really looking forward to the weekend,” said Gatcombe Course Designer Captain Mark Phillips.

“All of the classes should be very competitive and those riders that go home with a title will be deserving champions.”