New sponsor for King George

The prestigious King George V Gold Cup at the RoyalInternational Horse Show, Hickstead (23-27 July) always attracts the world’s best male riders, and this year, in addition to the £10,000 first prize, the winner will take home an exclusive Evidenza gentleman’s watch from class title sponsors, Longines.

This elite watch brand is the show’s official timekeeper, as well as sponsoring Sunday’s Longines King George V Gold Cup, which has a total prize fund of £30,000.

Longines’ brand director, Katrina Jones will present the winner with their Longines Evidenza gentleman’s automatic chronograph watch in stainless steel with a black roman dial and date function, while both runners-up will receive a Longines Evidenza gentleman’s automatic watch.

With 2002 winner, Ludger Beerbaum, missing from this year’s show, British riders will have a wonderful opportunity to win on home soil. Richard Davenport will be hoping to go one better than last year’s second place, while the Whitakers, who took three of the top seven placeslast year, will undoubtedly ensure he doesn’t have it all his own way.

For more information on the RIHS and to book tickets visit: www.hickstead.co.uk

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.