The Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair Blair Atholl, Perthshire Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th August 2002

Three Stars For Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials

The Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair is to become a CCI three star event in 2003.

This accolade which was awarded by British Eventing just two weeks ago puts Blair Castle alongside Bramham and Blenheim in
the three day event rankings, and means it is only the third three-day event in the UK to be awarded this status.

Announcing the new development at a press briefing on the first day of this year's trials, Director, Sarah Phillips said she was delighted to have had the application for three stars accepted by British Eventing and the FEI. She said, "This is a real step up the ladder for us. It is where every event wants to be and it is just reward for the team at Blair for all their hard work in putting together a professional, well-organised event."Blair Castle was the first three day event in Scotland, now it will be the first
three star, three day event."

Mike Keiller, Chief Executive of Morrison Bowmore Distillers said, "We are delighted as sponsors to support the progression of the Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials to the next level of competition, to become Scotland's only three star three day event.

"As the major sponsor over the last seven years, we have seen the event grow in stature and success and our long term ambition and vision for the event and the Bowmore brand, is shared by the management team in place."It is a new and exciting chapter in the history of the trials and I know my team are already looking forward to next years inaugural three star event."

Sarah went on to explain that the event would remain on the August bank holiday weekend and would take place from 21st to 24th of August in 2003. She said, "The CCI one star will remain because it always attracts huge entries, but the existing two star track will be upgraded from intermediate to advanced level."

British Eventing carried out a riders survey, which indicated that competitors would like to have another three star three day event in the Autumn, before deciding that Blair Castle was the perfect place for it. It has always been an extremely popular event with competitors and the organisers are confident that it will continue to build on its reputation and attract the world's top riders.

he upgrade is also a tribute to the skills of course designer Ronald Alexander and course builder, Irvine Bruce, who will have the bulk of the work in making the cross country phase longer, with bigger fences and more of them. However the topography and ground conditions surrounding Blair Castle is perfect for developing a tougher challenge.

This latest development is yet another string to the bow of Scotland's premier equestrian event, the Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair.

For further details please visit the Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair website - click here

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