Eventing wants to go 'Twenty20'
Monday 1 September 2008
Eventing aims to take a leaf out of cricket's book in an effort to increase interest in the Olympic sport.
Keen to emulate Twenty20's popularity, the Express Eventing International Cup will take place over half a day at the Millennium Stadium on 30 November. There will also be a £100,000 prize for the winner of the Cardiff event.
"We've seen this sort of approach in other sports and it's going to be great for eventing," said Olympic bronze medallist Mary King. "This is a fantastic way to get new people engaged in the sport and I am really pleased to be taking part."
A traditional eventing competition often takes place over three days at different venues. But for the very first time, spectators will be able to watch all three disciplines - dressage, show jumping and cross-country - from one seat, helped by a simplified scoring system.
This new competition is designed to broaden the appeal of the sport and provide a showcase competition for eventing's top riders. Riders who have already signed up to take part are King and fellow British Olympian William Fox-Pitt as well as New Zealand Olympian Andrew Nicholson.
Businessman John Peace, an equestrian enthusiast, and ex-Australian international rider Stuart Buntine are behind the new competition.
The inaugural event, the first of what organisers hope will be a series of events around the world, will offer total prize money of £250,000.
(As reported by the BBC website)
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