THE popular Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa sponsored event, held annually at the home of HRH The Princess Royal Gatcombe Park, takes place on Friday, Saturday/Sunday 11th to 13th September.

The event features an entry of in excess of 700 including a representative selection of international riders on each day.

Amongst the leading international status riders joining Zara and Mark competing at the event will be Blyth Tait, also from New Zealand and a previous winner of the event Australian Paul Tapner along with fellow countryman Andrew Hoy.

A first for th event will be the Al-Marri brothers, Ali and Hadi, from Qatar. The event has also attracted riders from 13 other countries, Australia, Brazil, France, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Quarter, Sweden and the USA, thus giving a truly international flavour to this popular local event.

The USA is represented by Christina Henrikson, Jules Ennis and Lauren Kieffer whilst Japan also has representation by Ryuzo Kitajima and Toshiyuki Tanaka. India is also represented by Fouaad Mirza.

In order to add an extra element to the event Whatley Manor Michelin-starred head chef Martin Burge invites spectators to a cookery demonstration in the Whatley Manor marquee on both Saturday and Sunday.

Martin’s cookery demonstration will take place at 5pm before the prize presentations by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on Saturday and Sunday.

The Whatley Manor marquee is located near the Land Rover display at Gatcombe Park. During the demonstration Martin will be showing spectators how to create a special salmon mousse and a delicious white chocolate mousse. All are welcome and there will be tastings of both mousses.

This year sees the event being run for the 20th consecutive year. The competition takes place over a course designed by HRH the Princess Royal and Pattie Biden.

Starting at 9am on all three days, dressage, show jumping and cross-country phases run throughout.

The event attracts many interesting shops, which will include the Gatcombe Collection. At various times during both Saturday and Sunday HRH The Princess Royal will present prizes.

Gatcombe Park is situated at Hampton Fields, mid-way between Minchinhampton and Avening; the event will be signposted from both directions. Spectator admission is £6 for a car and occupants and £4 for a programme.

For full information about directions accommodation, timetable and all entries visit our web site: - www.gatcombehorsetrials.co.uk or for Hotel information www.whatleymanor.com