St James's Place Barbury Castle Horse Trials 2007

6-8 July 2007, Barbury Castle, Marlborough

Chris King from Gloucestershire won the St James’s Place Barbury Castle Horse trials in a tight finish as Secret Weapon just pipped Rodney Powell into second place on board Langarth Darcy.  Mary King on Call Again Cavalier was third with last year’s winner Polly Stockton fourth on Tom Quigley.

Watch the highlights in our video report in the right hand column:

RECORD ENTRIES FOR BARBURY

Barbury Castle International Horse Trials, sponsored by leading wealth management company, St. James’s Place, has attracted a record of over 150 entries for its CIC*** international event from 6-8 July .

Preview: Watch video

"We are very grateful for the support of the riders yet again, particularly this year when we are running against Aachen. We always try to avoid balloting and so, with the kind support of the Ground Jury and Technical Advisor, we are hoping to give 130 the chance to run in the CIC***. As a result of the high entries (for all classes) and advance ticket sales, we have decided to increase the winner’s purse to £6,000, with prize money extended down to the top 30 placings." explains Nigel Bunter, Chairman of Barbury Castle Horse Trials.

In its third year of running, Barbury has attracted its two former champions back to try for a second title - the in-form William Fox-Pitt and Ballincoola (2005) and Polly Stockton and Tom Quigley (2006). Both should stand strong chances with proven success over this challenging course which provides some of the best spectator viewing and going in the world. They will be joined by other top British riders including: Mary King (winner at Chatsworth this year), Jeanette Brakewell, Oliver Townend, Kristina Cook, Matthew Wright and Daisy Dick (who was a close second at Barbury last time). They will all be looking to impress the British team selectors ahead of The European Eventing Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy (13-16 September).

In addition, Lucinda Green makes her first Barbury appearance with one of her best horses for many years, Cry Freedom. 18 year old Lissa Green (daughter of Competition Director, David and his former wife, Lucinda) also competes in the Open Novice section.

The British will face hot competition from 12 other nations who will be represented at Barbury including: Andrew Hoy (for Australia) Andrew Nicholson (New Zealand), Samantha Albert (Jamaica), Leonard Goerens (France), Eddie Stibbe (Dutch Antilles) and Michael Diamantides (Greece). Ireland will be represented by a strong contingent at Barbury which will be their official try out to represent their team at The Europeans.

A place on the British team will also be at stake for 12 junior (18 and under) shortlisted riders who will be competing against each other in the final trial run before their international championships this year at Avenches (Switzerland, 2-5 August).

Local Wiltshire riders to watch out for include: Rodney Powell (Swindon), Sammi Mcleod (Marlborough), Paul Tapner (Swindon), Louisa Lockwood (Salisbury) and Clare Horner (Swindon); as well as New Zealander, Andrew Nicholson who is based near Marlborough.

New attractions at Barbury this year are set to widen the event’s appeal to a fun day out for all the family, with the event donating funds to the local childrens’ charity, GWR Kids, for every spectator that comes through the gate. They include laser clay shooting, a climbing wall, surf simulator, an open dog agility competition, fairground and face painting attractions, as well as a shopping village offering everything from country clothing and jewellery, to art.

Barbury Castle Estate’s strong links with the world of horseracing will also be to the fore with over 30 trainers expected to join Barbury’s resident trainer, Alan King, to watch young jockeys of the future compete in Barbury’s pony racing (on the Saturday night) and some of the country’s thoroughbreds put through their eventing paces in the new Racehorse Trainers Event Series.

“We are delighted with the level of interest from world class riders and look forward to a really exciting competition. Spectators will be able to enjoy the sport at close quarters whilst being treated to a new and bigger choice of attractions designed to offer entertainment for all the family,” adds Nigel Bunter, Chairman of Barbury Castle Horse Trials.

Ticket prices range from £6 to £12 per person depending on day and for every full price admission ticket sold at Barbury, a £1 donation will be made to GWR Kids. Limited availability means advance booking is particularly recommended for Members Enclosure badges (£10 with lunches from £22 per person), three day season ticket discounts and Picnic Parking places. To book and for further details of attractions and timings, visit www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk or call the Barbury Box Office on 01793-877212.

The Horse Trials can be found off the Marlborough-Rockley-Broad Hinton Road, following the AA signs. The venue CANNOT be accessed via the Barbury Castle Country Park.

Official web site: http://www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk