New £50k grand slam prize for eventers

An exciting new eventing grand slam is being launched this season, with a £50,000 prize up for grabs.

Opportunity for amateurs

The Shearwater Insurance Tri-Star Grand Slam incorporates Burnham Market, Belton, Houghton, Hopetoun and Burgham Horse Trials. Any rider that can win three of these CIC3* events in 2016 will be awarded the total prize fund.

Jeremy Lawton managing director of Shearwater Insurance hopes that by pitching the grand slam at three-star level they will offer an opportunity for all event riders to win a “significant amount of money”.

Raise the profile

“The costs involved in owning, training and entering horses have only increased and we want to ensure that all riders have the potential to cover these costs,” said Jeremy.

“The hope is that by creating a prize pot of £50,000 we can not only support dedicated owners and riders but also raise the profile of the sport.”

Alec Lochore of Musketeer Event Management and Stuart Buntine of BEDE Events are running the event. Both organise a number of events each year, including Belton International, Houghton International, which incorporates the FEI Nations Cup, and the Pony Club Championships.

‘Long overdue’

“Facilitating opportunities like this, I hope, show competitors that we are responding to their concerns regarding the level of prize money available in the sport and rewarding them for their skill and dedication,” said Alec.

Badminton winner Paul Tapner said the prize money is “long overdue”

“International event riders on the world’s most competitive competition circuit here in the UK will all be hugely excited and motivated by the Tri-Star Grand Slam innovation,” he said.