ENTRIES UP FOR BOWMORE BLAIR CASTLE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

A record entry of 59 competitors has been received for the Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials three star event with representatives from seven countries.

The quality of the field, which includes Olympic and World Championship medallists, reflects the high standing with which this event is regarded by competitors.

One of Britain’s top event riders, Mary King is returning to Blair after a gap of a few years to ride Gillian Jones’ Apache Sauce in the three star. Mary has been a stalwart of the British team for several years and won Olympic team silver in Athens.

Triple Olympic gold medallist for Australia, Matt Ryan has Swang Ryan in the three star while New Zealand rider, Caroline Powell, who is based in Scotland has Ballycathro, which was 11th at Blair last year.

Olympic team member, Sarah Cutteridge and European team member, Polly Stockton also have rides at Blair while Michael Winter, Kelly McMullen-Temple and Suzie Pettman-Elliott are all travelling from Canada to compete. They have been planning the trip since the depths of the Canadian winter.

Scottish riders include the consistent David Gatherer and Aero Dynamic II, who were placed in the three star last year, and regular rider, Louisa Milne Home with Kings Berry, who completed the two star in 2000, 2001 and 2003. Rose Macpherson from Crieff has taken over the ride on her mother’s Golden Needle, from sister, Ibby. She was placed in the one star with O Oklahoma.

The CCI one star class has attracted an exceptionally strong entry this year of 63 competitors from five nations. Many of the leading riders such as Mary King are also brining a one star horse, while Scotland’s Ian Stark has the ride on Cicely Thorne’s William Morris.

Aberfeldy girl, Laura Grieve, whose family have been a great supporter of Blair over the years through their business, WB Grieve Groundworks, is riding Mary McFarlane’s McCallan.

Another local name is that of Fraser Potter from Bankfoot, who is in his second season of eventing on Clover Bay, following a successful Pony Club tetrathlon career. He is looking forward to his first ride round the course at Blair.

Horse Trials director, Sarah Philips said, “I am delighted with the quantity and quality of this year’s entry. The Bowmore Blair Castle Horse Trials is one of the highlights of any competitors year and the team at Blair make every effort to ensure everything is just right for both riders and horses.”

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