With just a week to go until the world’s eventing elite descend on the beautiful country estate at Belton House, just outside Grantham, things are hotting up both on and off the course.
With one of the coldest March’s on record firmly behind us and the promise of warming skies things really are beginning to HOT up at Belton. Stuart Buntine (Event Director) and his team of course builders now step in to over-drive, working every daylight hour to ensure that everything is completed and perfected on course ready for the final inspections by Captain Mark Phillips, Course designer for the International and Advanced courses and the team of International delegates from the FEI (World governing body for the sport). This year has seen a host of dramatic challenges for the course team from an abundance Snow, Wind & Water not to mention the freezing temperatures.
“Belton provides both unique opportunity and individual challenge when designing and building a cross country course” answered Stuart “Because we are the only event in the UK to run on National Trust land we are extremely privileged to work with this beautiful Estate, and, are very aware of our responsibilities, ensuring that we work closely with the estate team so to maximise the potential of what can be delivered for the course, whilst, ensuring we take care of all the wonderfully diverse wildlife that Belton has to offer” finished Stuart.
With the course in its final stages of preparation, the weather warming and the ground offering some of the best going in the country, everything is set to make sure that Belton offers the perfect weekend whatever aspect of the event you’re interested in.
With the competition line up confirmed, Belton boasts its strongest line up EVER! 17 Nations in total will compete across the weekend for what promises to be a mammoth early season Equifest. TeamGB’s Zara Phillips, Nichola Wilson, William Fox-Pitt and Tina Cooke will all be attending Belton along with Olympians from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Africa, France, Switzerland, Sweden and the USA
There will also be two fences form the Olympic course that featured in last year’s competition in Greenwich. One of which will be positioned in the tradestand area for everyone to come and have their picture taken with a piece of Olympic history.
Belton 2013 really does have it all to offer, from fabulous shopping to sumptuous tasty treats and bargains galore. Classic car shows, Polo and Carriage driving displays, dog agility shows and a traditional fun-fair to name but a few of the attractions taking place. Not forgetting the stunning scenery and acres & acres of beautiful unspoilt Park land to explore. This really is a day out you and the family will not want to miss. There are also tickets available for lunch packages on all three days, further details at www.granthamcup.co.uk. Friday sees late night shopping available to everyone and entry after 3.30pm is free
This will truly be a fun day out for all the family; whether you’re interested in horses or just enjoy a perfect day out in the country. Tickets are available on-line with discounts in advance or on the gate from £10 pp on Friday and £15 pp Sat/Sun, children 14 and under are free!.
For a full timetable, advanced tickets and to find out what’s happening over the entire weekend visit www.granthamcup.co.uk or call 01949 829061