MANY of the world’s best three-day event riders will be in West Oxfordshire from tomorrow for the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.

Among big names entered for the event in the park at the palace in Woodstock are 2012 London Olympics medallist William Fox-Pitt, Frances Whittington, Pippa Funnell, Oliver Townend and New Zealander Andrew Nicholson.

Pippa Funnell is the most successful rider ever in the main Blenheim CCI3* event and has won it a record four times – in 1993, 1995, 2003 and 2004.

Her nearest rival is William Fox-Pitt, formerly based at Tackley, who has taken Blenheim’s top honours three times, in 2000, 2010 and 2012.

Last year, Blenheim had its first-ever Irish winner, in the form of Middle Barton-based Olympian Aoife Clark.

But it’s also known as a place where rising stars – equine and human – can be spotted, including 26-year-old Angus Smales, from Leices-tershire. Other names tipped for the top in the future to look out for at Blenheim include Nicky Roncoroni and Tina Cook.

But one of the biggest names at this year’s event, for which our sister newspaper The Oxford Times is the official media partner, has four legs.

Kauto Star is ranked among the most famous steeplechasers of all time but has recently retrained as a dressage horse, with 24-year-old Lambourn event rider Laura Collett as his rider.

Before he retired from racing two years ago, his amazing career included winning a record five King George VI Chases at Kempton Park and two Cheltenham Gold Cups.

He may not be able to sign any autographs but it’s pretty certain that Kauto Star will have his fair share of fans when he makes his appearance in the attractions arena.

The trials run from tomorrow until Sunday. More than 60,000 people attended last year, making it Oxfordshire’s biggest annual sporting event.

Ticket prices start at just £10, with more expensive categories also available, which include allocated grandstand seats, picnic passes or VIP member upgrades.