NEW TWO STAR EVENT FOR BLAIR CASTLE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

In preparation for hosting the European Young Rider Championships in 2007, the Blair Castle International Horse Trials will be holding a two star class this year sponsored by the Dunalastair Hotel, Kinloch Rannoch.

The popular four day event takes place in the spectacular grounds of Blair Castle from August 24th to 27th, 2006 and is expected to attract close to 40,000 visitors. Three and one star classes are held at the moment but the addition of a new two star competition means that many new cross country fences will have to be designed and built using natural materials from Atholl Estates.

The horse trials which is owned and run by Atholl Estates has had a major economic impact on the area over the years, bringing thousands of extra visitors to the region and ensuring hotels and B and B’s are full for the August bank holiday weekend. It is estimated the total annual spend on accommodation and food alone is over £1 million.

Event director, Sarah Philips said, “Adding a two star class to the existing one and three stars will attract a lot more entries and add an extra dimension to the horse trials. Cross-country day on Saturday will be jam-packed with action as horses and riders tackle the three challenging courses.”

Commenting on the new sponsorship deal with Dunalastair, Sarah said, “I am delighted to welcome Dunalastair to the Blair Castle Horse Trials. It is great to have one of the best hotels in the area supporting one of the most prestigious events in Scotland.”

The Dunalastair Hotel is situated only 10 miles from Blair Atholl, in picturesque Kinloch Rannoch. Described by Hotel Review Scotland as, “One of the most appealing of Perthshire hotels,” it has won numerous awards including the Rising Star award 2006, and the HRS SilverPlate. The Schiehallion restaurant, named after the local mountain recently received its first AA rosette.

As well as supporting the two star section, and in recognition of horse owners, as opposed to riders, Dunalastair is throwing in an extra prize of a weekend for two at the hotel for the owner of the winning horse.

Robert Gilmour, Managing Director with Dunalastair Hotel said, “We are very proud to be Associate Sponsors of this year’s Blair Castle International Horse Trials and are looking forward to developing a partnership with the Castle and the Estate. We hope, in time, Dunalastair and these great Horse Trials will become truly synonymous.”

Further information from www.dunalastair.co.uk

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