William
Starts Anew
The
World's official leading eventer William Fox Pitt starts a new season
and his preparations for a crack at this year's Mitsubishi Motors
Badminton Horse Trials (May 1-4), from a new base and backed by
a new line-up of sponsors.
William
and his partner Alice Plunkett have moved with the horses to Dorset
and with support from a team of backers; Equissage, Musto Clothing,
Barrus, Biotal and Monarch Equestrian, look set for a strong campaign.
Although
William has yet to win Badminton he came a close second last year
with Tamarillo, with whom he also won team silver at the World Equestrian
Games in Jerez. Tamarillo tops his entries for this year along with
stablemate, the surprise Burghley winner, Highland Lad. Moon Man
will also have an entry but if tactics go to plan he and William
will be crossing the Atlantic the week before to contest the American,
Rolex Kentucky, event.
William Fox-Pitt holding Tamarillo with Alice Plunkett holding
her young horse Miles Ahead
"To
go one better at Badminton with Tamarillo would be fantastic but
that would be a perfect world. Badminton will be a step into the
unknown for Highland Lad but I hope it will prove a natural progression
and that he will cope with the big atmosphere. And of course I am
hoping for an injury free event this year," said William whose
success last year came despite riding with a painful groin strain.
William's
partner, former eventer, Alice Plunkett is also on board for a hectic
weekend as the 'attheraces' presenter is involved in the re-launch
of Radio Badminton and will also be the correspondent for BBC Radio
Five Live.
"Having
Radio Badminton back on air is really exciting - radio is such a
good medium - everyone at the event will be able to keep in touch
wherever they are," said Alice, who is the only female rider
to have completed the course at Badminton and Aintree. "
While
Badminton has always been special - this year will be a particularly
exciting and busy weekend for the team with a lot to look forward
to. William has two great prospects and he will be having a shot
at that Mitsubishi Motors trophy that's for sure."
http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk
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