H&C is excited to hear the the prize money at the the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has been increased, thanks to generous sponsorship. The news follows hot on the heels of the announcement that classes will be extended this year.

The winning riders of the CCI*** and CIC*** eight and nine-year-old British Championship class will now take home £8,000 (compared to £5,000 last year) and £2000 (up from £1,000) respectively and place money will also receive a pro rata boost.

New sponsors

“We have been very fortunate with a new title sponsor (Fidelity International) and great support from our long term loyal partners such as Ariat, Petplan and Amtrust amongst others, hence we are now in position to up the prize pot,” explains Blenheim’s Event Director, Mandy Hervieu.

“As a British Eventing owned event, we put all investment back into the event and the sport. We have made improvements across the board to boost the Blenheim experience for all of the people who come to the event – and it is nice to be able to upgrade the facilities and the prize money for riders as well.

Planning permission for heritage site

“Although people will see quite a few improvements this year, it will be a while before significant changes can be made to the site infrastructure or cross country fences because of the special planning permissions required for a world heritage site, such as Blenheim.

“Like many organisers, we often struggle to make ends meet so the financial support of our event sponsors is crucial. I hope that all those who enjoy the event will, in turn, support these companies in terms of buying their products and services or just saying a simple ‘thank you’."