Organisers of the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials have announced that, as a result of generous sponsorship, they will be increasing the prize money across the board this year. The winning riders of the CCI*** and CIC*** eight and nine year-old British Championship class will now take home £8,000 (compared to £5,000 last year) and £2,000 (up from £1,000) respectively and place money will also receive a pro rata boost. “We have been very fortunate with a new title sponsor — Fidelity International — and great support from our long term loyal partners such as Ariat, Petplan and Amtrust amongst others, hence we are now in position to up the prize pot,” event director, Mandy Hervieu said.

“As a British Eventing owned event we put all investment back into the event and the sport. We have made improvements across the board to boost the Blenheim experience for all of the people who come to the event — and it is nice to be able to upgrade the facilities and the prize money for riders as well.

“Like many organisers, we often struggle to make ends meet, so the financial support of our event sponsors is crucial.

“I hope that all those who enjoy the event will, in turn, support these companies in terms of buying their products and services or just saying a simple ‘thank you’,” Mandy Hervieu added.