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Equestrian: Crowds will be treated to an Olympics sneak preview in July when the top riders in the world take part in the newly-named Barbury International.

World champion Zara Phillips, Lucinda Fredericks, Andrew Hoy plus a host of other eventing superstars will use the Barbury Castle event from July 4 to 6 as their final warm-up for the Olympic Games, which is being held in Hong Kong.

The British team plus riders from the USA, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand will compete in the CIC three star international, formerly known as the Barbury Castle Horse Trials, days before their horses are quarantined.

Barbury International competition director David Green, who is assistant coach of the Australian team, says it is an opportunity not to be missed.

The former Olympic gold medallist said: "It's going to be a very special event because all the top riders in the world are coming.

"We're going to have people like Zara Phillips, Andrew Nicholson, Rodney Powell, Daisy Dick and triple gold medallist Andrew Hoy, who is going for his eighth Olympics.

"All the top riders regard Barbury as the best surface in the summer and they're looking to fine tune their horses for the Games.

"We pride ourselves on making sure there's not a blade of grass out of place, and it's the best viewing course in the country.

"You can watch the horses all the way round from the bar and everyone feels a part of it."

Nigel Bunter, chairman of Barbury International and owner of the estate, hopes the event will appeal to the non-equestrian audience as well as hardened fans.

He said: "Our aim is to appeal to fans outside the sport.

"We've got 60 trade stands, a large children's entertainment area, a climbing wall, bungee jumping, quad bikes and dog agility, to name just a few attractions.

"The Grand Prix and Wimbledon are taking place that weekend too so we will be showing them live on big screens in our bar area.

"People can come for a picnic in a wonderful setting and enjoy the bonus of all the action."

This year's Barbury International is sponsored by St James's Place Wealth Management, with funds raised from the event going to the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.

For more details go to www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk or call the box office on 01793 877212.

9:40am Thursday 15th May 2008

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