2009 MARKS BENSON'S BRAMHAM SWANSONG
2009 will be Sue Benson's tenth and final year as cross country course designer at the Bramham International Horse Trials as she will step down from the role to concentrate on her designing responsibilities for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Bramham organisers are delighted to announce Ian Stark OBE FBHS as Sue's worthy replacement. A winner at Bramham on four occasions in his competition days, Ian is quickly earning a reputation as a world-class designer having being responsible in recent years for the CIC*** at Chatsworth, Galway Downs CIC*** (USA) and Central Scotland CIC**.
Bramham International Horse Trials has always been proud of using the best design talent in Britain - with names like Mike Etherington-Smith, Mark Phillips and Mike Tucker previously responsible for the courses - and Sue Benson has been instrumental to the continuing success year after year of the event during her decade as designer. Last year's course was hailed as her best yet and this year, with a major re-route of the course to give over 50% of new terrain and as Sue's final year in charge, will certainly be a treat for riders and spectators alike.
Bramham Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; "Sue has been one of Bramham's best assets in recent years. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the Park and flair for design have ensured the riders want to come back to Bramham again and again while keeping our visitors entertained with a real test of horsemanship. I'm certainly looking forward to her unveiling of this year's course with the new route and fences. It has always been the policy here at Bramham to keep rotating the Course Designers and Sue is our longest serving but with the added pressure of 2012 and her other events, it was decided we are ready for a change. Ian was an obvious choice for us - not only because of his talent and feel for design as a former rider but of course Bramham has been such a happy hunting ground for him in the past."
This year's Bramham International Horse Trials takes place on 11 - 14 June and Sue's final Bramham course will be the centre of attention on Saturday June 13 - every equestrian's favourite, the cross country day. Take advantage of early savings by booking tickets early through the Box Office - all pre-purchases qualify for free parking - a £5 per day saving! Full ticket prices, booking facilities and complete event information are available on http://www.bramham-horse.co.uk/.
For further information, please contact Bramham International Horse Trials Press Officer, Winnie Murphy on 01858 880900 or 07967 186556. Email: winsome22@talktalk.net
Please note: Accreditation forms can be downloaded or you can apply direct online on the website - http://www.bramham-horse.co.uk/ - click on the Press link.