Record entry for horse trials

A total of 467 entries - an increase of nearly 20 per cent on average - have been received as the event celebrates its silver jubilee tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.

Organiser Gardie Grissell said: “We have worked tirelessly to ensure the courses at Brightling are in excellent condition which has obviously paid off. The going at present is good with a nice covering of grass.”

Over the course of the weekend, there will be three national classes and two international classes, and a four-figure prize fund will be up for grabs.

Several new fences, built by Olympic course builder Scott Brickell, have been added to the CIC 1 star and 2 star courses. The first two water complexes have been refurbished, while the cascade at the second water on the 2 star track has been removed and replaced with a double of flower frames on the approach.

There will be a special silver jubilee fence to mark the event’s 25th birthday. The second water complex will be called ‘The Jubilee Water’.

“We are very proud indeed that Brightling Park International Horse Trials has been going for a quarter of a century,” added Grissell.

Whether you are a follower of top class horse trials or looking for a day out, there is something for the whole family at Brightling Park International Horse Trials.

Admission is £15 per car with a concession for single occupancy. Children under-14 are free. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are kept on a lead. Gates open from 8.30am. For more information, visit www.brightlinghorsetrials.co.uk or telephone (01424) 838241.