Andrew Hoy might have lost out on the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing at Burghley Horse Trials this year, but his 2006 results secured him the £6,000 British Eventing Premier League title. British National champion Lucy Wiegersma has taken the £3000 second prize, with Lucinda Fredericks and Ruth Edge sharing equal third.
Hoy’s domination of Britain’s two four-star events, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, plus gaining 10 points at the Maybach Barbury Castle CIC three-star ensured he was the out-and-out winner of the British Eventing Premier League (BEPL) on a score of 64 points.
But Wiegersma was only 10 points behind – good news for future British teams. Whilst Britain’s team members were involved in the World Equestrian Games, Devon-based Wiegersma clocked up valuable points at Gatcombe, Thirlestane and Blair. A second place for Lucinda Fredericks at the Ssang Yong Chatsworth CIC three-star set her in good stead, while her Burghley win jetted her up the final rankings.
The BEPL forges close links between the sport’s showpiece events (Badminton, Chatsworth, Bramham, Barbury, Gatcombe, Thirlestane, Blair, Blenheim, Burghley) to create allied marketing opportunities, increased sponsor benefits, heightened media appeal and continuity for the spectator and supporter.
“The British Eventing Premier League is rapidly becoming one of the Sport’s best assets,” said British Eventing’s Chief Executive Peter Durrant. “By uniting the leading fixtures in the sport, we can offer so much more to the press, public, competitors and organisers. I would hope that the combined success and growth over just two years will prove attractive to potential sponsors in the coming months.”
Andrew Hoy and the other three prize winners will be honoured at a luncheon in the New Year.
