Tickets are now available for the 2021 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, which takes place between Thursday 16th and Sunday 19th September.
The four day event, which is organised for the first time this year by The Jockey Club, offers the perfect autumn day out and takes place against the spectacular backdrop of Blenheim Palace itself, the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
A full range of tickets, starting from just £13 when booked in advance, can be booked online at https://bpiht.co.uk/. Weekly passes are also available, as well as a number of hospitality packages which begin at £100. All tickets must be booked in advance.
In line with the admission policy at all venues operated by The Jockey Club, those aged 17 years and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. This is a significant boost for families attending the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials as previously only under 12s were admitted for free.
At the end of 2020 The Jockey Club was awarded a five-year contract as organisers of the prestigious Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials from 2021, following a competitive tender process.
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the crown jewels of the eventing calendar and takes place over four days in September each year. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event and this year’s competition will be subject to Government protocols and safety guidelines in place at the time.
The fixture includes FEI-accredited and internationally-recognised competitions; a CCI4*-L (four-star Long) and CCI4*-S for eight and nine year old horses (four-star Short). The 2019 CCI4*-L competition was won by one of Britain’s leading event riders, Piggy March, with her then-10 year old gelding, Brookfield Inocent. The 2019 CCI4*-S was won by Australian Chris Burton and his nine year old, Clever Louis.
Ian Renton, regional managing director of The Jockey Club, commented: “The Jockey Club was delighted to secure a five-year contract to organise the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and lots of work has already taken place to ensure that we will deliver an event to be proud of.
“Today we take a significant step forward with the launch of the website and tickets going on sale. The website contains a wealth of information for those interested in attending along with a wide range of ticketing options to suit all tastes and budgets. With those aged 17 years and under now admitted for free, the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials offer excellent value for a family day out in a spectacular setting.”
The provisional timetable for the 2021 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is as below:
Wednesday 15th September – Trot up CCI4*L
The competition gets underway on Wednesday afternoon with the first official horse inspection. NB: there is no public admission on this day.
Thursday 16th September – Dressage CCI4*L, CCI4*S
World class display of dressage - CCI4*L, also featured is the CCI4*S for eight and nine year old horses.
Day one of Retraining of Racehorses Dressage Championships.
Friday 17th September - Dressage CCI4*L, CCI4*S
First phase of the competition coming to a close for both the CCI4*L and the CCI4*S.
Top spots on the Leaderboards confirmed for both classes.
Day two and final day of Retraining of Racehorses Dressage Championships – get up close to retired stars of the track.
Saturday 18th September - Cross Country CCI4*L, Show Jumping CCI4*S
CCI4*L competitors take on a series of challenging solid fences and the famous water complex across the River Glyme.
The eight and nine year old horses will complete the show jumping phase of their competition.
Sunday 19th September – Show Jumping CCI4*L, Cross Country CCI4*S
The eight and nine year old horses will complete their competition with the cross country phase.
Show jumping and final phase of the CCI4*L, horses and riders will jump in reverse order of merit.
Four days of outstanding competition will come to a close on Sunday afternoon with the crowning of both the CCI4*L and CCI4*S Champions.
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials offer much more than eventing and throughout the course of the four days an array of activities for all ages is on offer, including a wide selection of trade stands. Dogs are also welcome to attend and there be dog agility displays on Saturday and Sunday.
For all background information on the 2021 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, please visit https://bpiht.co.uk/.
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Facebook page is available at https://www.facebook.com/blenheimhorse
