Look out for loose zebras on course! Drop in for a complimentary drink with Investec Wealth & Investment at their marquee
An Eventful Life will be filming all competitors on XC at Belton International - find out more here
After the cancellations of British eventing competitions in the past few weeks (and indeed, some are again cancelled this week) concerns as to whether the big event at Belton International would go ahead were valid. It is a pleasure, and as huge a relief for us as much as for the organisers and riders, that, after walking the cross-country course and setting up for filming everyone on cross country over the next three days, we can cheerfully say that the ground is in fantastic shape for this weekend
The organisers at Bede Events were still taking care to carefully manage the trade stand and set-up traffic in and out of Belton House today to try and minimise impacting the areas which will be busy with spectator traffic this weekend and their hard work has all paid off. Obviously the general ground conditions will deteriorate as thousands of spectators descend, horse lorries come rolling in and the overall traffic increases but currently the whole site is in an impressive state considering the weather it has faced in the past few weeks
Belton International is of course part of Tri-Star Eventing, a Series formed last year through a joining of forces by Musketeer Event Management (MEM) and BEDE Events. Its goal? To promote the sport to a wider range of sponsors and provide opportunites to competitors and followers of eventing. The initiative has been well received, attracting strong sponsorship support. With Oasby and Burnham Market Horse Trials done and dusted for 2018, the next two Tri-Star events are looming; Belton and Whitfield.
Making their debut this weekend are the cottages.com dressage cabins. Cottages.com is sponsoring the dressage arenas at all Tri-Star events, and Business Development Manager Chris Otty explained: “We are very pleased to be involved in the series. Riders and spectators are sure to notice the special 'holiday cottages' we have supplied to keep the dressage judges comfortable whilst judging the Lycetts Grantham Cup.”
Suzuki ATV is an invaluable sponsor, even more so given the British weather so far this season. Its quad bikes keep information flowing, as scores are brought in from the cross country course and the team can get to where they need to be quickly and efficiently. Harvey Day from Suzuki ATV was even kind enough to brand up a Scottish-themed quad especially for MEMs Alec Lochore - BEDE's Stuart Buntine has a more traditional red one.
The Intermediate, Novice and Grass Roots Leagues are enjoying support from Saracen Horse Feeds and Fairfax Saddles, whilst Kent & Masters are sponsoring the main arena at all Tri-Star grass roots events - they will have a strong presence at Whitfield Horse Trials in two weeks time.
Completing the line up to date is Investec Wealth & Investment, which has added Tri-Star sponsorship to its existing arrangement with BEDE Events. The company will stand out from the crowd at Belton with its very own larger-than-life zebra, competitions for both adults and children, and a hospitality marquee in the centre of the cross country course which will offer complimentary drinks.
So the course is set and was inspected by the ground jury today; here are a few photos to give some idea of what is to come ....
A new viewing platform in one of the most popular areas at the centre of the course where spectators get to watch horses on both sides of the laneways
The weather forecast is looking good too with many even some sun on Sunday. So bring on Belton!
