2009 BRAMHAM BETTER THAN EVER
2009 preparations for Yorkshire's largest equestrian event are well underway and the recent spring sunshine has been welcomed on the Bramham Estate, home to the Lane Fox family, to get the park looking at its best. The four day extravaganza moves one week further into June this year with the first day of competition, the Dressage phase, taking place on Thursday 11th June and continuing on Friday 12th. The main action day is Saturday 13th June when the two international competitions, the CCI*** and the Bishop Burton College Under 25 Championships tackle the cross country challenge set by London Olympic course designer for 2012, Sue Benson. The climax is on Sunday the 14th when the two titles will be won plus a feast of top quality show jumping and the incredibly exciting Mix & Match where stars from Show Jumping and Eventing team up in a fast and furious competition.
The event, in its 36th year, has a new Director in the form of Nicholas Pritchard and while his name may be new to the eventing scene, he is a familiar face at Bramham having been the Estate's Resident Agent since 2008 - he has also acted as the Caravan Steward during the event for a number of years! Nicholas has added Laura Jennings to his full time team in the Horse Trials Office, a former International Event rider. With her strong eventing knowledge, Laura will assist with the competition side of the event while Jane Conyers continues to help look after the event logistics and infrastructure.
Once again supported by The Yorkshire Post, Land Rover, Dickinson Dees and many other loyal sponsors, Bramham was praised last year buy the Competitors for all their work on the ground conditions to provide the best possible going for the horses, some of which are potential contenders for an Olympic place in just three years time and the improvements don't stop there. Nicholas Pritchard and Sue Benson have re-routed the cross country so that approximately 50% of the course is on new turf, improving the going further as well as adding interest for spectators and riders alike.
The four days of Bramham aren't just about horses - for the duration a shoppers' paradise surrounds the main arena with something for everyone. Late night shopping returns on Friday evening, with the trade stands staying open late until 8pm - admission will be free after 4pm so it's a great way to start the weekend with a glass of bubbly from the bar, catching the end of the dressage, dinner alfresco and a bit of retail therapy.
The Event Box Office is open and the organisers are delighted to announce that ticket prices have been frozen - many are at last year's prices and some are even cheaper, especially Camping passes for those who like to make the most of the event and all that Bramham Estate has to offer over the four days. Packages for Members are also available for those who want to enjoy the fantastic arena side facilities. Book your tickets in advance and save money as all pre-purchased tickets qualify for free parking - a saving of £5.00 per day. In addition the old discount has been reintroduced for those who purchase four day Members or ordinary access passes in advance, which when combined with free parking for advance bookers leads to quite a saving. Affordable Corporate Hospitality packages are also available offering full day or lunch only packages - a fantastic way to say thank you to valued clients or to entertain prospective customers.