Equestrianism is taking a high-glamour big-money route to try to boost interest in the Olympic sport this weekend.
Following in the footsteps of the fast-paced new events such as Twenty20 in cricket and Rugby Sevens, the world’s leading three-day eventers are taking part in Express Eventing at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Sunday.
Spurred on by the chance of winning £100,000 some of the world’s leading three-day eventers will ride all three disciplines – dressage, show jumping and cross-country – in one day.
A quick glance through the TV listings shows no mention of the event so far but I’ve been told by several people that it’s expected to be screened on Sky Sports 2. I think it’ll certainly make interesting viewing and will be interesting to see if “sexing up” the sport with big money offers pays off.
Cricket took a similar route with Twenty20 to try and gain more mass appeal. A friend who’s mad-keen on cricket still seems undecided on whether it’s strengthened or weakened the sport. Some traditionalists have argued Twenty20 waters down the sport and draws attention away from the more serious and technical arm of the sport, such as Test Match cricket.
In the horse world, Express Eventing seems to have widespread approval. So far that is. Riders taking part, including names like Tina Cook, have so far joyously welcomed the event. Well, you’d hardly turn your nose up at the prospect of £100,000 would you? Although it’s worth noting that most riders will spilt any cash prize with the horse’s owner.
Cook, who won an individual eventing as well as a team bronze at the Beijing Games, will be riding her Olympic horse Miners Frolic. She’s predicted that riders will have to make a decision to go fast or be careful to get round and added: “We might have to be quite chancy to win it and we may be holding our breath.”
Olympic team mates William Fox-Pitt and Mary King are among her rivals. Fox-Pitt knows that some traditionalists may balk at the new short-form format but he felt that it would “complement” the sport during the quiet winter season.
Organiser Stuart Buntine is hoping that the event might be taken to five or six venues overseas and possibly even create a world league for the sport. Interest has also been shown from the US, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai, he said.
Those who want to know more about Sunday’s event should have a look at The Telegraph’s Beginner’s Guide to the Express Eventing International Cup.
Filed under: horse riding | Tagged: cricket, dressage, equestrian, Equestrianism, eventing, Express Eventing, horse riding, horses, showing jumping, Tina Cook, Twenty20
I think the event has been severely tarnished after the death of Call Again Cavalier, not to mention the small number of riders that actually managed to complete the course. I love eventing – it’s my favourite discipline! But having seen the videos and pictures I think Express Eventing looked rather tacky! Nothing beats a good week spent at Badminton or Burghley!