The trot-up, sponsored by British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet, played out in the sunshine at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials this afternoon. The Palace made for a magnificent backdrop as 93 horses were accepted in the CCI4*-L who were presented to the Ground Jury of President Andrew Benny, Judy Hancock and Angela Tucker. The FEI Vets were Ali Butler and Kate Granshaw.
Highlights of the trot -up as always had to be the best dressed competition sponsored by Hiho Silver who craft artisanal jewellery designed to take you from ‘mucking out to going out’. Judged by Hiho’s ‘King of the Road’ Andrew Ransford the competition went down to the wire with some notable outfits on display – prizes of £175 to spend with Hi Ho Silver were finally awarded as follows:
Best Dressed Lady: Franky Reid-Warrilow wearing Holland Cooper Broderie Lace White Shirt, High Waisted Hot Pink Barathea Straight Trousers, a Seychelles silk scarf, Tan zip suede Chelsea Boot and City Sunglasses in tortoiseshell.
Best Dressed Man: Tom Grant in a very smart outfit comprising a blue blazer with caramel stitching and pocket handkerchief, toning blue Ralph Lauren shirt and yellow tie, white jeans from Reiss and matching Fairfax & Favor caramel loafers.
A Special Prize of £75 to spend with Hiho Silver was awarded to French rider Gaspard Maksud. He sported a golf themed ensemble with diamond Pringle patterned green trousers with toning pistachio green shirt and a beret (of course!) with unique golf ball and flag decoration.
Commenting on the winning riders Andrew said, “Franky stood out very early on, her outfit was really well put together and hot pink is certainly hot right now!
“There were some very smart men at the trot-up today and Tom took the prize because he had obviously put a lot of thought into what he was wearing. More ‘going out than mucking out’ and super smart. I don’t really know what to say about Gaspard – he has a very unique approach to best dressed at the trot-up and I just had to mark this one – it was hilarious!”
World number one Ros Canter & Izalot DHI owned by Alex Moody and Ros, won The Speedi-Beet Best Turned Out prize.
Event Organiser, Katrina Midgley, is looking forward to the start of the competition tomorrow. “We are all very excited for the competition to get underway now the scene is set for competitors and spectators alike to enjoy everything that Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has to offer. Special thanks go to the team who have brought everything together so beautifully from the amazing cross-country courses to the first-class shopping village and of course the Palace Arena in its stunning setting.”
Don’t miss a weekend of world-class eventing and fun for the whole family, admission starts from £25 with free parking and free admission for children 12 and under. Visit www.bpiht.co.uk to find out more.