Fox-Pitt leads top class field (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fox-Pitt leads top class field

WILLIAM FOX-PITT leads a truly international entry at the Blue Square Gatcombe Park International CIC**, this weekend.

Fox-Pitt will be heading a massive entry of 550 riders.The entry also includes Clayton Fredericks the 2005 World Cup winner from Australia as well as leading competitors from both the UK and 12 overseas countries.

A last minute change to the entry list is the withdrawal of all Zara Phillips horses as the newly crowned FEI European Champion is being sent to Necarne Castle in Northern Ireland in order to qualify one of her other horses at the Three Day CCI**.

Starting at 9.00am the event will feature dressage, show jumping and cross-country phases running throughout both days.

The event attracts many interesting shops to the trade stand area, which will include the Gatcombe Collection. At various times during both days, HRH The Princess Royal will present prizes to the winners of each of the various sections.

Celebrating the ninth year of running, the event takes place on a course designed by HRH The Princess Royal and her event organiser Pattie Foden.

This event utilises a different area of the Gatcombe Park Estate to that used by the Festival of British Eventing, which takes place in August.

Gatcombe Park is situated at Hampton Fields, mid-way between Minchinhampton and Avening; the event will be signposted from both directions.

Spectator admission is £5 for a car and occupants on each day. For more information including the full entry list visit the Web Site: www.gatcombe-events.co.uk