SOME of the world’s best horse riders will compete at Blenheim Palace this year to secure their place in the 2012 Olympics.
The International Equestrian Federation has announced the Woodstock venue will host the eventing qualifier for Africa, Middle East, South East Asia and Oceania during the horse trials in September.
The Blenheim Horse Trials attracts Olympic hopefuls, international champions and more than 60,000 spectators every year. The trials will be held this year from September 8 to 11.
Teams from Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Germany and Belgium are all already through to London 2012.
Event director Mandy Hervieu said: “We expect the venue to be packed to the rafters with fans eager to see Olympic hopefuls perform so close to London 2012.”
Catrin Norinder, director of eventing at the foundation, said: “We are thrilled that Blenheim, with its historic links to the Olympics and strong roots in eventing, will be hosting this qualifier.”
Grant Baldock, chief executive officer of Equestrian Australia, said: “Our riders will be giving it their all at Blenheim to qualify for London 2012.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here