BLAIR CASTLE TO HOST EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIP FOR YOUNG RIDERS

One of Scotland’s most popular international sporting fixtures has been awarded a leading European Championship in 2007.

The Blair Castle International Horse Trials has been chosen by the Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) to host the European Eventing Championship for Young Riders from August 23rd to 26th, 2007.

Atholl Estates has held horse trials in the magnificent grounds of Blair Castle since the late 1970’s and the excellent reputation that it enjoys as a well organised and professional event has led to it being awarded this prestigious championship.

Director of the Horse Trials, Sarah Phillips said, “We are delighted to be holding the European Young Rider Championships. The growth of the event in recent years has brought with it huge success and has had a major impact on the local economy. Hosting this championship will compliment the existing event and raise the profile of Blair Castle to a higher level both nationally and internationally.”

The EYRC is predicted to attract in the region of 50 competitors from an estimated 16 nations including France, Germany, Russia, Hungary and Portugal. Up to ten countries are expected to send a team with the remainder sending individual riders.

The competition for riders between 18 and 21 is seen as an excellent progression from juniors to seniors. Some of Britain’s best senior competitors were successful at Young Rider level, including Pippa Funnell who was the EYRC gold medalist in 1987.

Last year the British Young Riders won team gold in Sweden. Sarra Mayberry from Stirling was a member of the successful team and came sixth individually on her own Tommy Pink. She said, “Competing in a major championship gave me an insight into the whole international experience.” The home nation can enter up to 12 riders and Sarra said, “It’s great the EYRC is coming to Scotland as it will give more young riders the incentive to aim for places in the British team.”

Blair Castle International Horse Trials enjoys the support of a number of funding partners. It is part of EventScotland’s International Events Programme and David Williams, CEO of EventScotland commented, “EventScotland is delighted that the International Equestrian Federation has confirmed that the European Young Rider Championships are coming to Scotland in 2007 and will be staged at Blair Castle. This builds on the partnership we have developed with the organisers of the Blair Castle International Horse Trials, Perth and Kinross Council and sportscotland. Our four year investment in the Blair Castle International Horse Trials has already helped the event go from strength to strength resulting in its growth from a local event, funded through our Regional Programme, to an event of international status, funded through our core programme for international events.

”Hosting the 2007 championships will provide yet further demonstration that Scotland is delivering on its aim to become one of the world's foremost events destinations by 2015.”

Perth and Kinross Council and sportscotland also support the event which is the only three-star three-day event in Scotland and one of only three in the UK. Councillor Alan Livingstone, Convenor Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee at Perth and Kinross Council said, “We are thrilled that the Blair Castle International Horse Trials has secured the 2007 European Eventing Championships for Young Riders. The event brings valuable economic benefits to the rural economy in Highland Perthshire and the Council is delighted to be working in partnership with the event organizers, EventScotland and sportscotland to develop this international event.

“Perth and Kinross continues to build its reputation and capability to host major events and the Council is committed to playing its part in supporting the development of these events for the future.”

Blair Castle also holds a one-star competition, however Young Riders require a CCI** course so plans are well under way for this to be built ready for a trial run in 2006.

This new class will attract greater entries than in the past, and with three different levels of competition, spectators will have an action packed weekend to look forward to. The 2006 event takes place from August 24th to 27th.

The EYRC will leave a legacy to Blair Castle beyond 2007. Sarah said, “Hosting the EYRC will bring another dimension to the event and its organisation which could lead to Blair hosting more prestigious events in the future”

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