Olympian Bonanza at Blair Horse Trials - Scotland
This year's Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials sees one of its biggest showing of Olympian riders ever, with no fewer than seven Olympian riders among the hundreds who have journeyed across the globe to take part in Scotland's only world class equestrian event.
Thursday 25th August sees the start of what has become one of Scotland's largest annual sporting events - with tens of thousands expected to attend to see the spectacle of the world's best riders competing in Scotland's only 3 star eventing competition. The horse trials are televised across the UK, Scandinavia, Asia, the Middle East, the United States and South America.
Among the top riders attending are Scotland's quadruple Olympic medallist, Ian Stark, and Matt Ryan, the triple Olympic gold medallist from Australia. Competition is expected to be keen, both because of the high numbers of `caps' taking part, but also because of the numbers of younger riders attending in order to earn their stripes at a high profile event. One such is 19 year old Scot, Laura Grieve, who says "It's intimidating to compete against Olympic medallists but you just focus on yourself and your horse."
Sarah Phillips, Event Director said "Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials is a premier event - and the calibre of the competition is second to none. It's not just a showcase for elite riders though - the next generation are here, snapping at their heels - it makes for a great spectacle!"
Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is title sponsor, and James Bewsher, the brand's Marketing Director, said "The Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials puts Scotland on the international sporting map and it's entirely fitting that Bowmore, with its international profile, is a part of that."
The Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair 2005 take place on Thursday 25th August - Sunday 28th August.
Over 120 riders take part from around the globe including, this year, seven Olympians: Ian Stark (GB), Matt Ryan (Aus), Mary King (GB), Sarah Cutteridge (GB), Caroline Powell (NZ), Virginia McGrath (Ire), and Clayton Fredericks (Aus). In 2004, 35,000 people attended the event over the four days, generating a total spend of £1.8m. The event is televised in the UK, Scandinavia, Asia, the Middle East, the United States and South America. Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials is one of only three horse trials in the UK to have achieved 3* status; the others are Bramham and Blenheim.