Gatcombe duo aim for glory (From Stroud News and Journal)

Gatcombe duo aim for glory

GATCOMBE'S Zara Phillips and Andrew Hoy head up a high-class field at the Festival of British Eventing, which takes place at Gatcombe this week, August 5-7.

Australia's triple Olympic gold medalist Hoy, will ride Master Monarch, and Phillips, like some of the other top riders, has horses entered for each of the three Championships - Open, Intermediate and Novice.

Only Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt are previous winners of the British Open, always a prestigious and highly competitive class in which victory has proved elusive for many.

In addition to their team horses, Primmore's Pride and Tamarillo respectively, Funnell competes Ensign, a runner-up at Boekelo last year, and Fox-Pitt has Moon Man, winner of the title in 2000, plus Ballincoola, on whom he recently triumphed in the competitive new Barbury Castle CIC.

Other notable names include New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson, Mary King, a record four-times National Champion (Call Again Cavalier), and the defending Champion Ruth Edge (ne Friend), this time with Muschamp Impala.

In addition to the £5,000 first prize for the new British Open Champion, a fantastic prize has been secured from Venture Ski who are donating a luxury winter holiday for four in one of the best ski areas in the French Alps.

There is also a packed arena programme of family entertainment, plus fabulous shopping and cross-country action in Gatcombe's spectacular viewing bowl on both days.

The Box Office, which offers discounts on advance tickets is still open but tickets will be available on the gate. Children 12 and under are free.

TO book contact 0870 609 8013 or visit the Festival's website: www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk.