The Landrover International Driving Grand Prix
Friday, April 01, 2005
HRH CONFIRMS DRIVING ENTRY
The ever-youthful Duke of Edinburgh is busily honing his skills as well as those of Her Majesty The Queen’s team of Fell Ponies for another attempt on winning The Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is held in the grounds of Windsor Castle during the Royal Windsor Horse Show and His Royal Highness will find himself on home turf during the four day event (12th-15th May)
The Duke, 84 in June, will be amongst the oldest competitors ever to have taken part in the show and in particular in the Carriage Driving competition which is a demanding test of physical and mental strength for both drivers and their horses.
Nor will The Duke be ‘making up the numbers’, a keen and determined competitor, The Duke has won the event on two previous occasions (1982 & 1989).
This year’s Land Rover International course has been designed by one of the world’s most respected designers, Richard Nicoll from the USA. In the hazard section, there will be two new hazards including one adjacent to the main entrance.
The new site layout, which brings all the events into the private grounds of Windsor Castle for the first time ever, will mean that the Driving Grand Prix will be integral to the main site and a much larger number of show visitors will be drawn to watching this exciting and dramatic sport.
The overall event will, for the second successive year, include a World Cup Qualifier for the Four-In-Hand Horse Class. The Horse section will be hotly contested by teams from around the world including six teams from Britain with George Bowman (Senior) and Philippa Bassett leading this field.
In all some 80 competitors from 18 nations are expected. Amongst this massive entry is one from Barry Capstick (IRE) who will be driving a Horse Pair. Barry, who is best known for driving teams of four horses, will undoubtedly achieve one of the biggest ovations of the four days having only recently recovered from breaking his back in a riding accident during the Winter.
There will be seven performances at the Royal Windsor Horse Show with evening performances planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The final evening performance culminates in one of the most breathtaking displays of fireworks to music seen in the year. To find out what is happening on each day visit the website at www.rwhs.co.uk
The Box Office is now open and by buying in advance, which can be done by telephone on 0870 121 5370 or via the website you can save up to £5 on price of a ticket. Windsor Advantage Card Holders receive concessionary rates and should visit the Royal Windsor Information Centre or book online.
