Fox-Pitt, who now has a 16-point lead in the FEI rankings, has been confirmed as an entry for Tattersalls and will compete against second-placed New Zealand Andrew Nicholson in The Irish Field CCI***, while Pippa Funnell, winner of The Irish Field title last year, has chosen Noir de la Loge to contest the 2014 class.

Competitors from 12 different nations have entered the competition, which takes place from May 28th to June 1st.

Last year’s winners of the Eventing Ireland CCI**, Kitty King and Persimmon, are set to defend their title, while Australia’s Bill Levett will also try to retain his Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial CIC*** crown.

In all, competitors from 12 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, Sweden, America and South Africa will compete at the Co Meath venue.

Tattersalls Ireland managing director Roger Casey said: “It is a testament to this event that year after year, the top names in eventing return to Tatts, which provides a wonderful opportunity for the Irish public to witness these world class athletes compete on Irish soil.”

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Aoife Clark has withdrawn Fenyas Elegance from the four-star Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials next week, while Sam Watson’s shoulder injury will prevent him from competing with Horseware Bushman.

Clark told The Irish Field that the mare had picked up an infection in Fontainebleau and subsequently missed a preparatory run at Withington due to cancellation so she would not have been ready for Badminton.

Watson, who had been facing the prospect of surgery to deal with shoulder ligaments torn in a fall at Ballindenisk last month, is optimistic of returning to competition soon.

“I am getting back into it but I just would not be fit enough for a four-star cross-country track like Badminton,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to Tatts instead and then all eyes will be on the World Equestrian Games.”

Both Clark and Watson feature in the FEI’s latest top 100 event rider rankings, released this week. Clark is Ireland’s highest-placed rider at number 15, with Joseph Murphy holding 48th place. Sarah Ennis is 65th, Sam Watson at 93rd, and Michael Ryan at 94th.