Kauto Star and Denman to star at the Barbury International Eventing and Show 2013

Among the host of world class eventing and jumping stars competing in July at the Barbury Estate, near Marlborough, there will be a guest appearance by two former stars from the world of jump racing. Kauto Star and Denman will be a main attraction on Sunday, July 7.   

St. James’s Place Wealth Management Barbury International Eventing will run from July 4 to July 7.  And the Barbury Show takes place on July 6 and 7.

Stable-mates when they were trained by Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star and Denman are arguably two of the most celebrated racehorses of modern times. Kauto Star won twenty three races, including two Cheltenham Gold Cups and nearly £2.4 million in prize money during his career.

Following his retirement, Kauto Star has been re-trained for dressage by leading British event rider Laura Collett who is based at Membury Estate near Aldbourne.  Kauto Star and Laura will perform a demonstration in the main arena with Yogi Breisner, Chef d’Equipe to the British Eventing team.

Joining Kauto Star on the Sunday will be Denman (aka ‘The Tank’), who was retired in 2011. During his career Denman won the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, beating Kauto Star and finishing second in the race twice more.

A new feature this year at Barbury will be three British Show Jumping Association Grand Prix classes run across Saturday and Sunday in the main arena. It’s expected to attract top names from the world of showjumping vying for £1500 in prize money in each class – sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds and Verdon Grey.

Set on the stunning Marlborough Downs with panoramic views of the course, Olympic horses and riders in the three star eventing competition, which finishes on Sunday with the cross-country, will be tackling two of the fences from last summer’s Olympic Games in Greenwich Park, including the Tower of London fence. The winner will receive increased prize money of £5,000.

Nigel Bunter, Chairman of the Barbury International Eventing and Show commented: “With the additional showjumping classes running alongside the eventing competition visitors will be able to see some of the top horses and riders in the country in action. Additionally we have equine celebrities Kauto Star and Denman joining us, so the event will showcase some of the biggest talents in equestrian sport and horseracing”.

Away from the equestrian activities the CGA Festival of Food & Drink will feature a series of cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs including Brian Turner (of Ready Steady Cook) and Andrew Kojima (2012 Masterchef finalist.)  

And there is fun for all the family with The Amazing Bike Show, Sheep and Gun Dog and Birds of Prey displays, a Hound parade and The Lamb National – a favourite with the children – as well as plenty of children’s entertainment.

The nominated charity for the four day event is Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Their “Its A Knockout” competition on the Sunday will raise funds for the charity with teams from local businesses taking part in a version of the popular 80’s TV show.

Advance tickets for the event start from just £10 per person, with under 12’s going free. For tickets and information visit the Barbury website or call the box office on 01672 516125.