Latest news
30 November 2008
Brits make clean sweep of Express Eventing
Oliver Townend has won the very first Express Eventing International Cup and picked up £100,000 prize money.
Lucy Wiegersma came second and British Olympian William Fox-Pitt was placed third in the Twenty20 of equestrianism at the Millennium Stadium today.
The equestrian sport of eventing was showcased as never before with the launch of a fast-paced, glamorous new form of the sport.
Oliver Townend, who finished his combined cross country and showjumping in just 4mins 25 seconds, said: “This has been an amazing day. I knew I could go fast, but I didn’t think I could go that fast.
“The preparations for this event have been intense, but it has certainly upped my game. And, it has been great for the sport. If we can increase people’s interest and enjoyment of eventing then it really is going to be a huge boost for us and our sport.”
Lucy Wiegersma said: “Shaabrak was spot on throughout. The dressage to music was really enjoyable and the training has taken us to another level. I am sure that this is going to help me knock at least five marks off my dressage. The jumping round was really tough, but Shaabrak was spot on. He was not spooked at any stage. We took our time and it really paid off.”
Musto sponsored William Fox-Pitt said: “I didn’t deserve to win. Oli was in a class of his own. This whole event – the exciting build up, intense training and the day itself has been like nothing I have ever experienced. It has been a great competition and one that I hope will go from strength to strength.”
The Millennium Stadium was transformed from a rugby stadium after the Wales v Australia game to an equestrian arena in less than 12 hours.
Express Eventing, in association with British Eventing, condensed all the skills and excitement of traditional eventing into just half a day under the roof of the Millennium Stadium.
For the very first time, 12 to 14,000 spectators could watch all three disciplines – dressage, show jumping and cross-country - from one seat, and follow the progress of every horse and rider at each stage of the competition.
An unprecedented line-up of internationally renowned riders competed for the £250,000 prize pot on 30 November, including Olympic medallists, European champions, World Cup title holders and winners of many of the world’s major international eventing competitions. Never before has this elite group of riders competed together under one roof.
As a result of a fall at fence 12B, Mary King’s horse Call Again Cavalier is being taken away for further inspection. The official vet at Express Eventing, John Killingbeck, has travelled with the horse.
The world renowned Pierre Michelet designed the course. Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips and musical mastermind Andrew Lloyd Webber gave their outspoken views on the freestyle dressage to music.
Stuart Buntine, event organiser, said: “It has been an extremely exciting day with the world’s top riders and horses taking part. I walked around the stadium and have spoken to many people who came along. Everyone I saw loved the concept and was having a great time. We are committed to taking this event forwards.”
Millennium Stadium general manager Gerry Toms said: “It was always going to be a big challenge but the 12 hour turnaround after yesterday's Wales v Australia rugby match once again showcased the versatility of the Millennium Stadium in hosting two world class events in two days."
Outdoor clothing specialists Musto have designed a high performance and fashionable set of clothing specially for the riders.
Jodie Kidd won the celebrity showdown with Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.
For more information and to buy tickets for Express Eventing International Cup, go to www.eeicup.com <http://www.eeicup.com> or call the Express Eventing Ticketmaster hotline 08705 582582.
ends
In association with British Eventing
For further information, please contact
Express Eventing
Helen Barklam
01772 316924
07917 148900
Email: helen.barklam@tricornevents.com
Notes to editors
Express Eventing brings together the world’s top event riders to compete in a thrilling new compact version of the sport.
For the first time, spectators will be able to see all the action from one seat in a dramatic arena environment. They will be able to watch and compare the performance of every rider at every stage of the competition.
Expert commentaries, a new scoring system and state-of-the-art stadium technology will enable spectators to follow the progress of competitors, knowing exactly what each needs to do to win.
The competition starts with a freestyle dressage programme, set to music, where horse and rider are judged not only on the degree of difficulty, but on artistic interpretation. Competitors then enter the combined jumping stage, a first for eventing. After the last show jump is completed, a ‘pit-stop’ tack change enables horse and rider to prepare for the challenges of the cross-country course.
Rider who have signed up to take part in Express Eventing are:
British - Tina Cook, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt, Lucy Wiegersma, Oliver Townend
Australian - Clayton Fredericks, Lucinda Fredericks
New Zealand – Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Caroline Powell
China – Alex Hua Tian
Belgian - Karin Donckers
Germany - Dirk Schrade, Bettina Hoy
France - Nicolas Touzaint, Rodolphe Scherer
Italy - Vittoria Panizzon
Sweden - Linda Algotsson
American - Philip Dutton, Buck Davidson
Musto Clothing for Express Eventing
An innovative partnership
Musto, renowned for making the world’s leading sailing and country sports clothing for over 35 years, applies its technical expertise in design, fabrication, components and construction to make sure its products perform in the most testing conditions. It is fitting, therefore, that the company has been invited to design and produce a technical and functional five-piece collection for the riders at Express Eventing, the world’s newest, most dynamic and innovative development in competition riding.
GORE-TEX® Show Jumping Jacket
Constructed from a newly-developed, lightweight GORE-TEX® 2 layer laminate with a high twist polyester twill, which gives the fabric a soft hand feel but is durably waterproof, windproof and breathable. GORE-TEX® stretch panels are included in key areas – side and under arms - for increased ease of movement when you’re riding at full stretch. The jacket is mesh lined for optimum breathability and comfort when worn with the coordinating PrimaLoft® Jacket.
The Show Jumping Jacket has a sports-fit, which has been designed and shaped to perform in the arena and an ergonomic sleeve shape allows optimum movement and comfort. An innovative two-piece collar with detachable throat tab gives a smarter look and provides protection in foul weather. The centre two-way zip is protected by a shaped storm flap with partially concealed studs for a clean look. Adjustable cuffs, splash-proof zipped pockets, twin zipped gusseted rear vents and pommel flap make this the ultimate jacket in terms of performance, protection and technology.
