World number one Anky van Grunsven heads the line-up of pre-entries for the Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI***** at Hickstead (23-26 July).
Anky will be accompanied by Olympic compatriots Hans Peter Minderhoud and Anne van Olst, plus Edward Gal riding his exciting new big tour horse Totilas.
British international dressage events have struggled in the past to encourage big names to cross the channel to compete. But this five-star event is part of a well-supported league developed in 2008 and extended this year to include Hickstead. The €100,000 prize fund per event is helping attract top names to each destination — the plan being this will in turn encourage TV interest. Other venues are Canne, France, and Palm Beach, USA.
Leslie Morse of the USA is also set to attend Hickstead CDI***** — a full list of definite entries will follow in July.
