Blenheim International Secures New Organizer and Confirms 2023 Dates

Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace International.

We’re delighted to report that the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials will continue on as planned this year, despite having unexpectedly lost its organiser, the Jockey Club, in November after just two iterations.

Now, the event will go forth under the banner of Stable Events Ltd, who are best known for putting on a host of successful Game Fairs across the UK. Blenheim will run from September 14-17, 2023, with both the popular CCI4*-L and the prestigious CCI4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds back on the calendar. In even more exciting news for grassroots riders, there are murmurings that much-loved classes such as the arena eventing competition may be on the way back, too.

“The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials have a rich history and we’re committed to upholding that tradition and making this year’s event even more special,” says James Gower, Managing Director of Stable Events.

Roy Cox, Blenheim Estates Managing Director, concurs: “We are delighted to announce these dates, which continue over 30 years of this World Heritage Site providing a platform to our gold medal winning athletes, aspiring competitors and amateurs alike, all in front of the many tens of thousands who come to enjoy such a great sport in such a great setting making such special memories. We look forward to working with Stable Events – a company who know Blenheim Palace well and there is lots more news to come, including members from all areas of the eventing community who will help make sure BPIHT is the first date in your calendar every year.”

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Lour, winners of Blenheim’s CCI4*-L in 2021. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace International.

“British Eventing are delighted that Stable Events has been appointed to run The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and excited that the event will go ahead in 2023. The Blenheim Palace event is a key date in the British Eventing calendar, providing a pathway event to the 5* level of the sport,” says Helen West, CEO of British Eventing. “We are particularly encouraged by initial conversations with the organisers around reinstating opportunities at Blenheim Palace for our Grassroots members. There is real appetite from Stable Events to add value to the BE membership, with indications that free member parking will be provided, along with other membership discounts being explored. This means that Blenheim Palace will be a showcase for the whole sport, benefitting as many of our members as possible.”

Laura Collett, who won the eight- and nine-year-old class in 2018 with her Badminton and Pau winner and Olympic gold medallist London 52, is delighted to see Blenheim’s place in the calendar secured.

“I am very pleased to hear someone has taken over the trials and excited to know it will be on the calendar again,” she says. “It was a worrying time with the Jockey Club pulling out that we might lose a very significant event from the calendar[…] Blenheim is a fantastic event and one that has been a stepping stone for many future 5* winners ,particularly from the 8/9yo champs.”

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments