10 June, 2016, London, UK ~ Organizers of the Endurance Rides being hosted at Euston Park, Suffolk, this summer have confirmed an increased prize money pot to £54,500 for each of the final three rides – all of which will be awarded to horses on the basis of their condition after finishing the ride. With the support of Emirates Airline, and with another major sponsor to be announced shortly, the money offers a great incentive to competitors; the top prize in the CEI3* is now £6000.
Following a successful first event on 28 May, the next three rides will take place on 19 June, 16 July, and 13 August and feature 80, 120 (junior and senior) and 160 kilometre courses. They are expected to attract an international field of high calibre riders and horses keen to compete in the impressive Suffolk surroundings that were home to the 2012 World Endurance Championships. The awarding of the prize money is one of a range of measures, including a course designed to keep speeds safe and stringent vetting done to promote welfare sensitive international Endurance rides.
Adhering to the strict rules set out in the FEI’s Best Condition Awards (Article 822) the judging panel comprising veterinarians and a member of the Ground Jury will assess the top ten finishers within one hour of the winning horse in each class, an hour after the last eligible horse finishes. Points are awarded to horses based on soundness, fitness, agility and willingness. Prizes can be awarded to up to five horses in each class (the total amount is split if less than five horses qualify) and the prize fund for each class is CEI3* – £20,000, CEI2* – £15,000, Young Rider 2* £11,500 and CEI1* £8,000.
The full prize breakdown is as follows:
CEI3* 1. £6000 2. £5000 3. £4000 4. £3000 5. £2000
CEI2* 1. £5000 2. £4000 3. £3000 4. £2000 5. £1000
YR2* 1. £4000 2. £3000 3. £2000 4. £1500 5. £1000
CEI1* 1. £3000 2. £2000 3. £1500 4. £1000 5. £500
Nick Brooks-Ward, Event Director at The HPower Group, said: “After such a
great first event I’m thrilled that we have been able to increase the prize
money to this extent. I’m confident that this will be very attractive for
competitors and with ALL the money awarded for condition it’s yet another
way of ensuring that we put the welfare of the horse front and centre in these
rides and it is great for the sport.”
Andrew Finding, Chief Executive & Secretary General at British Equestrian
Federation, said: “It’s been crucially important from the outset that
these rides demonstrate all that is great about the sport of Endurance, and
promote the highest levels of horse welfare and protection. We were very
pleased with the first ride and this huge boost in prize money awarded for
‘Best Condition’ sends out a clear signal about how seriously this
commitment is being taken and should pave the way to the delivery of
subsequent rides as vehicles of excellence, showcasing an honorable sport,
efficiently and caringly staged.”
More information: Sarah Hames, Press Officer, Euston Park Endurance